(L-R) Andrew Dickinson, Strategic Lead & Evan Cummins, Children and Youth Apprentice at St Luke’s Woodside
As part of the Diocesan Investment Programme (DIP) presentation, Andrew Dickinson, Strategic Lead, invited Evan Cummins, Children and Youth Apprentice at St Luke’s Woodside, to speak about his experience as part of the first cohort of apprentices.
Evan shared honestly and warmly about his journey into the programme. Less than a year ago, he was feeling stuck and directionless in his previous job yet sensed a strong vocation to ministry. After seeing the apprenticeship opportunity and applying, not expecting to be successful, he found himself matched with St Luke’s Woodside, a parish he had never even heard of at the time.
Since beginning his placement, Evan described how quickly he has settled into parish life and how much he has grown in confidence, skills and faith. In just six months he has:
- Led school assemblies
- Developed and delivered youth groups and socials from scratch
- Helped lead Young Church and all-age Eucharists
- Written and designed a Lent booklet
- Built connections with local clergy and community workers
One of his personal highlights has been supporting a young boy with additional needs at the parish’s community singing club. Providing one-to-one support, answering thoughtful and often spontaneous theological questions, and helping him engage fully has become one of the most rewarding parts of his week.
Evan also reflected on the academic element of the apprenticeship through Ridley Hall Cambridge, where apprentices are studying for a Certificate of Higher Education in Theology, Mission and Ministry. He spoke positively about the flipped classroom model of learning and how studying theology alongside practical youth work has strengthened his ability to reflect theologically on what he is doing in the parish. What initially felt like a lack of experience has, through excellent teaching and support, become growing confidence and clarity in his calling.
His story echoes the encouragement found in 1 Timothy 4:12, “Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” Evan’s journey so far is a powerful example of a young leader stepping confidently into God’s call, growing in faith while serving others wholeheartedly.
He emphasised the value of being part of the first apprentice cohort, learning from one another, sharing diverse experiences, and growing together in faith and practice despite serving in very different parish contexts.
Reflecting on the wider apprenticeship programme, Evan spoke about the encouragement of being part of the first cohort:
“It’s a real privilege to be part of the first cohort. Seeing the progress of the other apprentices and hearing about the work they’re doing in their parishes has been incredibly encouraging.
Each of us is growing in our faith while also developing practical skills through working and learning in our own unique contexts. Although our placements look different and our styles, ages and experiences vary, that diversity has become one of our greatest strengths. We learn from one another, share openly, and continually encourage each other as we grow together.”
Evan Cummins, Children and Youth Apprentice at St Luke’s Woodside
Looking ahead, Evan spoke with enthusiasm about future plans at St Luke’s, expanding youth Bible studies and socials, running a Stations of the Cross service for young people, supporting the community choir’s holiday club, and even exploring a youth pilgrimage. Central to his vision is listening carefully to young people themselves and shaping ministry around their voices rather than imposing a fixed programme.
Evan’s contribution at Synod was a powerful reminder of what the Diocesan Investment Programme is enabling, people of all ages discovering vocation, parishes being strengthened, and children and young people encountering faith in fresh and meaningful ways.
We are incredibly proud of Evan and grateful for the work God is doing through him at St Luke’s Woodside, and this is only the beginning.
If you are interested in the Children and Youth Apprenticeship programme the vacancy is now live at: Church Of England Vacancies – Apprentice in Children and Youth Ministry or contact Louisa Ley the Apprenticeship Programme Coordinator at [email protected]
