CONNECT GRADUATE PROGRAMME
There are opportunities to serve with the NAVS in the coming year on the graduate programme known as "Connect " which the Navigators UK have been running for over 20 years now. Whether or not you are graduating this year, we would encourage you to think about whether this might be for you in the future!!
During the last twelve years Connect has been done in Southampton by seventeen graduates; Mike Spencer (99-00), Steve McClure (00-01), Jim Grady & Kelly Smith (01-02), Debs McClure & Heather Dearing (02-03), Dave Watkins (03-04), Dave Callaghan (04-05), Tim Peters (05-06), Steve Price (06-07), Stacey Houston & Steph Lees (08-09), Patrick Noonan, Kate Marshall & Kashimana Tsumba (09-10), Adam Collett (10-11) & Steve Merrit-Harrison (10-12).
What is the Connect programme?
'Connect' is a 1-2 year leadership development programme run by the NAVS. Connectors receive on-the-job training in both ministry and life skills within the context of one of the regional student NAVS university groups (normally where you have studied). Connectors are given a wide range of opportunities and experiences in areas such as Evangelism and Disciple making including personal ministry into the lives of others, quality discipling by a mature supervisor and extended personal study through Bible studies and reading. The programme contains both local and national Navigator ministry elements and also an International Programme.
Your Connect year will be an adventure of faith. You'll be exposed to God's heart for the world and be mentored by experienced Navigator representatives. You'll learn more about personal evangelism and discipleship and how to pass on what you know to others.
What should I expect from the Connect Programme?
You will be based in a specific student ministry location and helped to develop skills that will equip you in life and ministry as you:
learn how to influence and lead small Bible study groups
develop a vision for multiplying your life
take the gospel into a student setting
give spiritual input to others
learn how to organise your time and money
plan student ministry events
share in leadership of the local campus ministry
If these are the things you'd like to focus on in the coming year, why don’t you consider joining the Connect Programme and embark on an adventure of faith! Each Connector will have a different experience of the year, but if you are considering applying it would be worth speaking to those who have done the year in the last few years. Remember though that to some degree, what you get out is dependent on what you put in!!
What Experience do I need to do Connect?
You may be surprised to know that you do not need to be a great evangelist, Bible teacher, talented small group leader or even the next "Dawson Trotman". You do however need a willingness to serve both God and the group and a willingness and desire to learn. Perhaps ask yourself the following questions:
Do I have a heart to love and follow the Lord?
Do I have confidence in the truth of God's word?
Am I willing to try new things?
Am I currently involved in a Navigator student ministry?
Am I open to being accountable to others?
Can I prioritise and manage my own time well?
Do I desire to influence the student world?
Am I self-motivated about responsibilities?
Am I willing to discuss the next steps with my parents and home church?
If you feel that God might be prompting you to think about serving on the Connect programme, please speak to us so we can chat further about what God is saying to you and what the year will involve.
ANNUAL DEADLINE: 30th April for doing Connect the following year.
SOTON NAVS Leadership team
