New Christian Communities Development Officer
Canterbury and home-based
£32,023 Pa Plus Excellent Benefits
Full-time, fixed-term contract for three years
Are you passionate about helping the Church reach new people? Are you energised by building relationships, supporting others to lead and turning vision into reality? We are looking for a New Christian Communities Development Officer to help grow new Christian communities across the Diocese. This is an exciting opportunity with an enormous amount of variety and autonomy as you will work alongside parishes, clergy, lay leaders and diocesan colleagues to encourage fresh approaches to mission, connecting with new worshipping communities, church planting, revitalisation and leading or supporting project boards to help shape the future of mission across the Diocese.
You’ll spend time listening to local communities, building trusted relationships and connecting people, ideas and resources to help new initiatives flourish. You’ll also play a key role in coordinating strategic projects, sharing learning and ensuring new communities are supported in ways that strengthen parish life and contribute to our diocesan vision. We’re looking for someone who is collaborative, organised and able to inspire others. You’ll be comfortable working with people from a wide range of church traditions, managing multiple priorities and bringing together partners around a shared purpose. It is essential that you bring a working knowledge of the structure of the Church of England, including how dioceses, parishes, clergy, lay leaders and wider church structures work together in mission and ministry. With an understanding of the importance of safeguarding within church and community settings, you will be able to ensure safeguarding considerations are embedded into planning, development and governance arrangements for new Christian communities and strategic projects. As this role represents and supports the mission of the Church, it is also essential for you to be a practising Christian. (GoR applies under section 9 of the Equality Act 2010.) Canterbury Diocese is the oldest in England and spans a diverse region from Maidstone to Thanet and the Isle of Sheppey to Romney Marsh. With coastal towns, rural communities and urban areas side by side, it offers a rich and challenging mission context. Our vision is Changed Lives, Changing Lives: a community transformed by encountering Christ and committed to transforming and blessing the families and communities we serve.
All appointments are subject to acceptable pre-appointment checks inclusive of Right to Work in the United Kingdom, references and relevant background checks applicable to the role.
Closing date: 11 August, 11:59pm
Interview date: 20th August, Canterbury