About The Role
This is an ideal role for someone who bridges traditions in the church and who wants to explore what it means to minister in a traditionally sacramental parish looking to do a new thing. It is an exciting opportunity for creativity, leadership and mission.
Vision for Role:
We are now looking for someone to join us who can help take us to the next stage of life and mission. In particular we are looking for someone who will help us to build a team, open our hearts for mission and help make our common life more operationally secure.
This role is funded by the Hackney and Islington Programme (HIP) and is part of its Catholic Mission Covenant. We’re looking for someone who will build constructive and collaborative relationships with local clergy and parishes, sharing learning about mission and supporting growth in churches across NE Hackney.
Role Priorities:
The Associate Priest will be a key part of the ongoing renewal of the parish, serving alongside the incumbent and PCC to bring sustainability and new life to St Thomas’.
The next 3 years will see the parish undertake steps forward with a large building and heritage project alongside mission initiatives through Omega Clapton and Estates ministry, in collaboration with the Hackney and Islington Programme (HIP). Our hope is that in 3 years there will be renewed vision for parish, larger teams of lay leaders, increased financial sustainability, flourishing morning and Omega congregations.
This is a role for someone who is energized by seeing a traditional church thrive in new ways. If you are ready to step into a role where your leadership, creativity, and faith can make a real difference, St Thomas would love to hear from you.
For more information about Diocese of London clergy terms of service visit: https://www.london.anglican.org/clergy-llm-support/clergy-human-resources/clergy-terms-of-service/
The Diocese of London is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults through the use of the Safer Recruitment practice guidance. This role is subject to acceptable pre-appointment checks, including a satisfactory Enhanced DBS Check.
Key areas of ministry:
This list of areas of ministry is broad and can be prioritised according to the gifts of the minister and in collaboration with the incumbent, leadership team and PCC. There are some good structures and people in place already; teamwork and collaboration will be a vital part of the journey.
Congregational Development – strengthening music, growing younger, hospitality and welcome.
Formation and Faith Development – nurturing faith through preaching, small groups and study.
Vision for Parish – re-imagine what parish ministry looks like in the changing context of Clapton.
Support and oversee the development of estates ministry – in partnership with the Estates Missioner and HIP estates network.
Pastoral Care – growing and supporting a pastoral care team in the parish.
Outreach to Harrington Hill Primary School – serving children, staff and families.
• A person of warmth and good humour, who is pioneering and pastoral.
• Passionate for congregational development.
• Experienced in helping individuals and groups grow in their faith.
• Able to work collaboratively with colleagues and the wider community.
• Someone with a lively faith, rooted in prayer.
• At home in the sacramental tradition with energy for creative mission and new worshipping communities.
We are looking for a leader, under God, who:
1. Is a person of prayer, whose ministry flows from their own deep faith and enables the whole community to live out its vision in ways that are theologically and practically rooted. An appreciation of sacrament and silence.
2. Is committed to church growth – demonstrating an understanding of and track record of involvement in growing churches, developing new congregations, and enabling the whole parish to engage in mission and evangelism to make and reach new disciples and grow the church.
3. Is skilled at preaching and teaching – demonstrating skilled preaching and teaching to a variety of people of different ages and backgrounds in different settings, including Sunday services and school engagement.
4. Is committed to pastoral care in a way that that points people to the example modelled by Christ.
5. Promotes safeguarding; is trained, skilled, committed, to good safeguarding practice and compliance, and the development of a healthy safeguarding culture.
6. Is passionate for the place and people of this local parish with a clear understanding of parish ministry.
7. Committed to the inclusion of all people, actively fostering unity in diversity
8. Demonstrates a commitment to racial justice and leading church in a way that includes people from diverse backgrounds.
Equal Opportunities
The Diocese of London is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workforce which represents our context and wider community. We are aware that those of Global Majority Heritage/United Kingdom Minority Ethnic (GMH/UKME), women, and disabled people are currently under-represented among our clergy and workforce, and we particularly encourage applications from those with the relevant skills and experience that will increase this representation.