Students Ministry

We have been so very blessed by the number and contribution of students over the years, with individuals being a real blessing to the community and playing a big part in the various church ministries and activities, even in the leadership and initiation of these ministries.

Students are extremely important to us and so we dedicate ourselves to caring for them and integrating them into the church family while they are away from home - we are committed to their spiritual growth and development.

Canterbury Baptist Church is a place where you will be made to feel welcome, receive excellent Bible teaching, encouragement and guidance for your future, and find endless opportunities to get involved!

Spiritual Life

A central part of the student ministry at Canterbury Baptist Church is the Regeneration Sunday evening 18:30 service. It provides a more informal, contemporary, and free style of worship in comparison to the 10:30am Sunday morning service. Regeneration explores various expressions of worship over the academic year, and the congregation has an opportunity to chill out and mingle before the service begins.

We are absolutely delighted to welcome more and more international students to our fellowship and provide them with a weekly International Students Bible Study Group. This group meets to socialise together, study God’s word, and support one another in prayer. If you are feeling alienated, far from home, then this is the place for you. You’ll find friendly faces and lovely food!

For our female students there is also an opportunity to be part of a Bible study and support group for younger women. In a world that is so obsessed with material goods and self-image, this group meets to find security in God. For more information please see the Women’s Ministry section.

While we hope that these various small groups will enrich the spiritual life of our students, they are by no means a replacement for the church's weekly house group meetings. We would therefore encourage you join a House Group - please see our House Groups section for more information on how to join.

Evangelism

As the student ministry has grown and developed at Canterbury Baptist Church, we have given careful consideration as to how we might impact a city that is home to the thousands of students attending both The University of Kent and the Canterbury Christ Church University. We are keen to reach those who are outside of His church.

In September 2007 we opened the doors of a ‘The Lighthouse Project’, which seeks to provide a safe haven for anyone who may find themselves in a vulnerable position when on a night out in Canterbury. Please see 'The Lighthouse Project' section.

Social Life

During the academic year we provide various opportunities for new and old students to come together socially. This is an effort to make new students feel more welcome and comfortable in their new surroundings, and to form better relationships between all of our students and young adults at Canterbury Baptist Church. Be sure not to miss out on our film nights, trips to the beach and nights at the pub!

For the gentlemen, there is an opportunity to join our formidable church football team, cricket team, and play the odd round of golf! For more information please see the Sports Ministry section of the website.

Unity

We firmly believe that the Church comprises people of all ages. In order to truly represent the body of Christ, we are keen to develop unity between each and every part of the church. We have put together projects that we hope will develop unity between the younger and older generations:

Celebration lunch: While our free roast dinners are extremely popular, we encourage attendance to the celebration lunch. Once a term the church comes together to share Sunday lunch and have communion together. This gives us a chance to get to know one another a little bit more over the dinner table.

Church Involvement: Whichever church you choose to settle into in Canterbury, we really encourage you to "get your hands dirty" and get involved. Be encouraged to use your God given gifts and abilities for His glory. We can provide you with the support and opportunities to do so at Canterbury Baptist church; be it in the Evangelism & Mission Ministry, Prayer Ministry, Creative Arts Ministry, Youth & Children’s Ministry or Sports Ministry.

Regular Activities

House groups

We encourage our students to join the church house groups. This will enable you to meet other people in the church who will be able to support and encourage you during your time at University.

Student Socials

Throughout the academic year, student socials will be organised.

They will include film nights, BBQ’s, trips to the beach and nights at the pub

We Are Here For You

If you need to chat or pray with someone at anytime then please do Contact Us or ask the leadership at any of the church meetings or services. We are committed to doing our utmost in supporting you during your time here in Canterbury.

Getting Involved / More Info

If you are interested in getting involved or require more information on any of the above, please check the Church Calendar or click here to contact us.