Why not see what God could do with your talents?

If you are 18-25 years old then Optimum is your opportunity to serve God with a Christian gap year through youth and community teams, or use theatre, music or technical skills as part of our national ministry.

 
We offer you the chance to join the team for a year to receive excellent training, enjoy using your abilities to expand God's kingdom and release your potential for Him.  We provide first class training and support both in your placement and from the Viz-A-Viz Ministries team.  Weekly team meetings, pastoral care, regular reviews and training throughout the year.

Placement 

Tracks 1, 2 and 3 are for 12 months and your placement will be within reasonable travelling distance of our offices and training centre; the National Evangelism Team spend many weeks touring.  Track 4 is for 10 and a half months and your placement will be with a church linking with their local youth work.

A host family is provided to give accommodation and meals throughout the year.  For every track you will have an allocated team leader who will co-ordinate and supervise your work load.

Support

     
The Optimum Project Manager provides training and pastoral support throughout the year.  Volunteers meet with their local co-ordinator on a weekly basis as a group and individually at least once a term.  In addition there will be support and supervision relevant and local to your specific placement and, where appropriate, in your region.

Click here for more information.

Training

    
Our training aims to cover three key areas - evangelism, spiritual and personal development.  It is delivered in three ways:
• 3 weeks modular training (one week per term)
• Weekly spiritual/Biblical training
• On the job experiential training

We aim to challenge you, change you and equip you not just for this year but as you move into your future with God.

Our training programme is recognised by Spurgeon’s College and on the successful completion of six modules you will receive a Spurgeon’s Award.

Click here for more information.

Funding

The Optimum Gap Year requires that each volunteer raises £3,750. 

Volunteers receive an allowance of £150 per month, accommodation, expenses covered and an excellent programme of training and support.

How will I raise funding for my gap year? Click here.

Don't Panic!

    
We have a generous God and many people who are unable to take this type of opportunity to serve are only too pleased to support you.  In addition there are many ways to raise funds and the money is not required all in one go.

The most important thing is where God is calling you to go . . . ?

In partnership with The Eastern Baptist Association and the London Baptist Association.