The Diocese of Guildford is seeking a Mission Enabler to encourage and support parishes to develop a mixed ecology approach to mission and ministry.
Mixed ecology lies at the heart of our diocesan vision, Transforming Church, Transforming Lives. Building on the progress already made in our priorities of growing disciples, growing younger and more diverse communities, we want to increasingly embed mixed ecology across the diversity of our diocese. We are looking for an innovator who can enable parishes in taking their next steps in mission - offering practical support and encouragement to them as they discern and develop their mission to everyone in their parish context.
This is a relational and outward-facing role. As a key part of the Mission Enabler Team, you will work alongside clergy, lay leaders and volunteers, accompanying them as they establish and grow New Worshipping Communities and Fresh Expressions of Church. You will also help to nurture learning communities across the diocese, creating space for shared reflection, learning and mutual support.
A particular focus of the role will be to enable parishes to grow younger (i.e. through new worshipping communities for children, young people, and families) as part of their broader, more diverse expression of church life.
We are looking for someone who:
Has experience of starting or developing New Worshipping Communities or Fresh Expressions, especially those that include children and families
Is at ease working with a wide range of people across different church traditions
Can effectively facilitate and lead workshops and group sessions
Brings a good understanding of the Church of England and parish life
Is well organised, collaborative and reflective in their practice
Has a high level of integrity and discretion, and the ability to handle confidential information with diplomacy and sensitivity.
Above all, we are looking for someone with a passion for the gospel enabling churches to grow, who combines wisdom, imagination and patience – someone who is able to walk alongside others as they discern how God is at work in their communities.
Benefits of the role include:
A 10% non-contributory pension scheme
Life assurance provision of 3x annual salary
25 days annual leave per year, plus bank holidays increasing to 26 days after the first year.
Employee assistance programme
Ongoing learning and development opportunities
If this opportunity excites you and you meet the criteria, we would love to hear from you!
To apply, submit your CV along with a detailed supporting statement (cover letter), outlining how you meet the essential and desirable criteria in the person specification. The supporting statement is an essential part of the application process and thus a failure to provide this information will mean that the application will not be considered.
This role carries an occupational requirement to be a practising Christian in line with the Equality Act 2010.
A DBS Disclosure is not required for this role.
We will shortlist and interview on a rolling basis as applications are received and we reserve the right to close the vacancy early.
The Diocese of Guildford take our responsibility for the safeguarding of children and adults seriously. Our recruitment processes reflect this commitment.
We take your privacy seriously. To understand how your personal data will be processed during the recruitment process, please read our Candidate Privacy Notice before applying.
We believe that diversity is a strength. We actively welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and identities, particularly those who identify as female, younger, of a UK Minority Ethnic/Global Majority Heritage, or disabled, as it is essential that we reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.
Please note that if you are shortlisted and are unable to attend on the interview date, it may not be possible to offer you an alternative date.
Our network of parishes covers the entire geographical area of the diocese, with churches located in all kinds of different contexts, from tiny rural communities to the busy commuter towns, areas of challenging social deprivation and others of great affluence.
Every church is encouraged, resourced and inspired through the diocesan leadership to be a transforming church, transforming lives
So churches are there for everyone, providing opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to pray, to explore their faith, to access support, to make a positive impact locally and globally, and to be supported at significant moments in their lives such as a wedding, a christening, a confirmation or a funeral.
Each parish is an independent charity, with its own leadership and governance structures and an ordained Minister responsible for pastoral care, as well as the running and legal responsibilities of the parish church for that area. They may be assisted by one or more Curates and there may be more than one church in each parish.
Through Deanery meetings, parishes help each other in prayer, finances and mutual support.