Rector ofSix Fen ChurchesBenefice(Benwick, Christchurch, Doddington, Manea, Welney, Wimblington)
The role of Rector of the Six Fen Churches (Benefice) is a significant post, caring for the people and growing the mission of these 5 parishes in the Deanery of March. We need the next incumbent to be committed to the Deanery and Diocesan mission objectives, as well as to the leadership of these parishes.
The Diocese of Ely is committed to renewing in Christ its mission and ministry. We have revitalised our Living Ely 2025 strategy in the post pandemic situation that we now inhabit. Fundamentally we are still committed to engage with our communities, deepen our faith & grow our churches. We have made major investments in developing our support for clergy and lay ministers and in growing church in market towns (like nearby March).
The next stage of Deanery planning will see us focus resources on growing younger congregations and reaching further beyond our existing congregations, especially in areas of new housing. We will look to these parishes to continue to play the major role they have in the past as we engage with these challenges.
For an informal conversation please contact The Ven Richard HarlowTel: 07415 757527 or email archdeacon.handw@elydiocese.org
Interested persons can also apply for this post via the Ely Diocesan websiteRector - Six Fen Churches Benefice - Diocese of Ely (elydiocese.org)
Life in rural Cambridgeshire brings God’s creation to your door in all its glory. Thriving, growing villages surrounded by verdant fields and big skies. Good links to Ely, Peterborough and the Norfolk Coast. Six church fellowships, central/evangelical in theology, united in love and mission.
These parishes have been working together for nearly 8years and have achieved a high level of integration, trust and mutual support. The centrally located house is modern and spacious with good access to schools, shops and a local hospital. The parishes share an administrator and safeguarding officer, meet their ministry share in full, and have bold plans for taking the good news of Jesus into schools, new homes and community buildings.
There is good support from the Deanery and Diocese, as well as from a robust and generous ministry team, sothis post would suit someone seeking a post of first responsibility, as well as more experienced incumbents.
LLF: These parishes have diverse views around the theology and practice of inclusion of people in same sex relationships. The theological tradition is open evangelical. We will be looking to the next incumbent to lead the PCCsand congregations through decision making around this topic with gentleness, wisdom and integrity. Our Bishop and archdeacons have pledged to help support clergy and PCCs to act within their conscience and the guidance of the House of Bishops.
* Love, lead and grow our churches
* Teach, train and inspire our people
* Mentor, encourage and direct our lay leaders
* Engage, understand and welcome our communities
* Make links with schools, farms, businesses, community groups
* Join in with our Deanery Chapter, clergy training and Diocesan initiatives
* Pray and encourage us to pray
We are looking for someone who:
* Is hopeful, generous, flexible and kind.
* Is an enabling leader and a proven team player.
* Has a passion for the Bible and is able to communicate, teach and inspire others spiritually.
* Supports and encourages the ministry of lay people in preaching and leading worship.
* Is visible in our communities, understanding their leadership role in mission.
The Diocese of Ely stretches from Cambridge to Peterborough and out towards the coastal areas of West Norfolk. It houses 3/4 million people, which will rise to 1 million in the next 15 years. This area buzzes with energy from the academic, business and medical excellence of Cambridge University to the rich agricultural areas of Huntingdon, Fenland and Norfolk.
Despite the presence of a world leading university, Cambridgeshire is not all affluent. Towns and cities have pockets of poverty and low attainment. Rural areas can be isolated and insular. The churches are strong in some places, but there is much work to be done.
The Diocese of Ely is a good place to live and work: stable finances, good housing, inclusive and warm hearted bishops, coupled with a rich diversity of benefices in all traditions make this a place that clergy stay once they have discovered us. We have just over 100 incumbent status clergy, with a strong Diocesan team, and a real emphasis on lay development and training.
The Diocesan Bishop has movedon, but the diocese remains on a steady course, as it seeks our next Diocesan. Our Mission Strategy, Ely 2025, devolves much decision making to the parishes, benefices and deaneries, so that clergy are able to innovate, take risks and build alliances for the sake of the Kingdom of God and the good of our communities. We welcome applications from clergy who are prepared to work collaboratively and faithfully. We will enable you to flourish and grow in ministry, whilst maintaining a sensible work life balance.
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