Commission

An immersive year of discipleship, leadership development, and service.

What is Commission?

The Commission Year is an opportunity for 18–30s to set aside a year to invest in their future. It’s about developing your character, sharpening your leadership, and seeing firsthand what it looks like to build a church that serves Exeter. We’re looking for people who are ready to learn, eager to play their part, and open to the challenge of growing alongside our team.

Apply now.

What does it involve?

Real-world experience: Get stuck in with a creative, motivated team that’s passionate about our city.
Leadership insight: Learn by doing, with opportunities to lead projects and shadow the people who head up our different teams.
Building the future: Play a key role in new church projects and seeing the communities we serve come to life.
Find your voice: Grow your confidence in public speaking, hosting gatherings, and helping others move forward in their faith.
Theological & leadership growth: Access high-quality training and workshops through our partners in the HTB network
Personal mentoring: Walk through the year with a mentor dedicated to your personal and spiritual development.
Expanding your horizon: The chance to head to conferences and retreats to connect with the wider church and leadership world.

What will I be doing?

Discipleship is about more than just what you do; it’s about who you are becoming. The Commission Year is built around three core elements—Learn, Lead, and Grow—designed to help you become the person Jesus is calling you to be. Whether you’re seeking clarity for your next steps or ready to sharpen the gifts you already have, these core elements provide the intentionality and support you need to lead with confidence and live with purpose.

Apply now.

  
            Learn
            Connect with a group for personal growth and honest conversation.
Build a solid foundation for your life and explore your perspective.
Develop a consistent rhythm of reflection and healthy lifestyle habits.

            Lead
            Understand the principles of healthy leadership and team dynamics.
Receive 1-on-1 coaching to help you manage your time and lead yourself well.
Shadow the team to see how strategy and structures work in practice.
Join sessions on communication and building healthy teams.

            Grow
            Get hands-on training in areas like Worship, Youth, Media, or Operations.
Start hosting gatherings and helping lead projects throughout the year.
Build your confidence in public speaking and hosting conversations.
Get involved in projects that help our city flourish.

A balanced mix of training, hands-on ministry, and personal development:
- Serve at one of the Sunday services in your ministry area.
- Weekly Team Huddle (Staff Meeting) including worship, and leadership training.
- Work in your ministry area and self arranged part-time employment (to cover your living costs).
Commission Year 26/27 runs from 1st September to 31st July. As a member of the Co Church team, you will have the flexibility to arrange holidays with your designated Ministry Head overseeing your training.
There is no fee to participate in Commission Year. It is a voluntary role, and each participant is expected to cover their own living costs. Most Commission participants work part-time (up to 3 days per week) alongside their ministry training.
Once you apply, we’ll spend some time together to look at your specific interests and goals for the year. Our aim is to make sure your placement is a great fit, allowing you to contribute meaningfully to the life of the church while seeing real personal growth.
You can choose to focus on areas such as:
- Worship & Creative: Music, creative and production.
- Youth & Students: Mentoring, community building, and outreach.
- Kids & Families: Leading groups, pastoral care, and helping run events.
- Operations: Gaining insight into the strategy and logistics that make everything happen.
- Alpha: Help us invite a generation to come and explore the biggest questions of life, faith and meaning.
- Social Transformation: Play your part in serving the last, the least and the lost of our city.
Throughout the year, Commission Year participants will have access to conferences and retreats throughout the year including HTB Summit and retreats with the Co Church team.