Next Chapter
Raising generations of leaders who love God and His people
Next Chapter brings together past leadership programmes into a unified, systematic pathway designed to develop generations of leaders who love God and His people.
Through programmes like Carmel 2+1, Ministry Apprenticeship Programme (MAP), Scholarship for Emerging Leaders (SEL), and Theological Grant (TG), we seek to identify, mentor, and equip individuals who are either exploring lay leadership roles or discerning a call to full-time pastoral ministry.
Why does this matter? Because leadership is not just about filling roles—it’s about building a strong, biblically grounded leadership pipeline for the church and the wider Christian community. Following Paul’s model in 2 Timothy 2:2, we aim to entrust the gospel to faithful people who will teach others. These initiatives help prevent leadership gaps, sustain ministry, and ensure doctrinal integrity for generations to come.
Our objectives are simple yet significant:
- Discern and Develop Calling through mentorship, exposure, and theological training.
- Cultivate and Equip Leaders with spiritual, pastoral, and theological competencies.
- Support Theological Education with financial and pastoral care.
- Strengthen Ministry Capacity by raising leaders aligned with Carmel’s vision, values and convictions.
Next Chapter is more than a programme—it’s a commitment to grow leaders who will serve with humility, wisdom, and a heart for God’s people through the following pathways.
NEXT CHAPTER
If you are interested in Next Chapter or sense a calling to full-time ministry, the first step is to reach out to any of our pastors or elders. We will journey with you to discern the best pathway—whether through Carmel 2+1, MAP, SEL, or the TG.
Carmel 2+1
Grow as a Disciple and Leader
Who
Carmelites aged 25-38 who are serving in church and show potential in leadership development.
What
Year 1-2: Monthly classroom pastoral, theology, and Bible handling sessions with assigned mentorship.
Year 3: One year paid apprenticeship programme (MAP).
Why
Carmel 2+1 aims to disciple and develop candidates for lay leadership and/or full time ministry.
Ministry Apprenticeship Programme
Explore Your Calling to Ministry
Who
Carmelites under 40 years old who are discerning their calling and/or preparing for full-time ministry.
What
One-year full-time internship with mentorship, ministry rotations and weekly training on Bible handling, hermeneutics, and preaching labs.
Participants receive a monthly stipend and BGST course vouchers for theological training.
Why
MAP aims to provide a pathway for apprentice to explore and confirm their calling to full-time ministry.
Scholarship for Emerging Leaders
Commit to Full-Time Ministry
Who
Carmelites under 40 years old who are called to full-time pastoral ministry.
What
Covers up to three years of full-time theological education, miscellaneous costs and monthly stipend.
Recipients are paired with a leader for mentorship and will commit to serving full-time at Mt Carmel for six years after graduation.
Why
Equip individuals with theological training so that they can serve in full-time pastoral ministry in the Mt Carmel.
Theological Grant
Equip for Full-Time Ministry
Who
Carmelites who are called to full-time ministry and seeking support for theological training. Open to foreign students recommended by mission partners.
What
Monthly support, annual textbook allowance, and return flight ticket for overseas study, with no bond obligation. Foreign students to return to home country to serve upon completion of study.
Why
Provide support for individuals seeking theological training to prepare for full-time ministry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the programmes only open to members of Mt Carmel BP Church?
It depends on the programme:
- Carmel 2+1: Members aged 25–38 (regular worshippers may be considered)
- MAP (Ministry Apprenticeship Programme): Members under 40 years old; Singaporean or Singapore Permanent Resident
- SEL (Scholarship for Emerging Leaders): Members under 40 years old with a clear call to full-time ministry
- TG (Theological Grant): Members (or recommended foreign students) who has a clear call to full-time ministry and wish to pursue full-time theological study
How do I apply?
If you are interested in Next Chapter or sense a calling to full-time ministry, the first step is to reach out to any of our pastors or elders. We will journey with you to discern the best pathway—whether through Carmel 2+1, MAP, SEL, or the TG.
This conversation helps us understand your calling, readiness, and which initiative best supports your growth and preparation.
In addition, we will begin reaching out to individuals whose names have been surfaced by the leadership for Carmel 2+1. If we approach you, please say “yes!” and join us on this exciting journey.
Is there a programme for me if I just want to be equipped to serve as Care Group Leader and/or lay ministry leaders?
Yes! Carmel 2+1 is designed exactly for that. It provides a structured system to intentionally and continually raise new leaders among young adults (typically ages 25–38). Through this programme, participants are equipped to serve as:
- Care Group Leaders (CGL)
- Lay ministry leaders
- Deacons
- Or even explore a call to full-time ministry
The programme combines training, mentorship, and practical ministry exposure to help you grow in leadership and discipleship.
Do I qualify for SEL without going through Carmel 2+1 and MAP?
Yes, you can apply for the Scholarship for Emerging Leaders (SEL) without completing Carmel 2+1 or MAP. SEL is intended for individuals who already have a clear calling to full-time pastoral ministry and wish to pursue full-time theological education.
However, Carmel 2+1 and MAP are developmental pathways designed to help individuals discern and prepare for full-time ministry. While they are not mandatory prerequisites, we strongly encourage going through these programmes as part of the discernment and preparation process.
If I do not fall into the age range specified for the programmes, do I still qualify if I have a calling for full-time ministry?
The age ranges are guidelines intended to target individuals at a stage where leadership development or ministry preparation is most effective. However, we invite you to speak with any of our pastors or elders if you are outside the age range but meet other key criteria such as:
- Active involvement in ministry
- Clear sense of calling
- Alignment with Mt Carmel’s vision and values
They will help you discern the best pathway forward.
If you are above 40 years old and have a clear sense of calling and are seeking support for theological training, Theological Grant (TG) is an option you can consider.
What are the selection criteria for the programme?
Applicants are assessed on four areas:
- Character: (1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9)
- Calling: Sense of passion, desire and pastoral discernment
- Competency: Spiritual gifting, teaching, shepherding, leadership skills
- Cultural Fit: Alignment with the Mt Carmel’s theological convictions, culture, tradition and ministry philosophy