About The Role
According to the Indices of Multiple Deprivation issued in Oct 25, St Thomas parish is in the 1% of the most deprived neighbourhoods in England in terms of income. We live alongside the largest Hassidic community in Europe but close to areas of gentrification in Stoke Newington and Clapton.
St Thomas’ itself is a growing Anglo Catholic church, drawing on the ascetical practices of the Christian Wisdom tradition. We have recently launched a new practice community (see www.omegaclapton.org ). We are also on a journey of re-covenanting with our neighbourhood. Through our sister charity, Clapton Commons, we host a successful weekly social club on Wednesday in our newly regenerated Undercroft. Clapton Commons also supports a community choir, a gardening club, a tenants’ club and an advocacy service – see www.claptoncommons.org
We want our Estates Apprentice to help the congregation discern the work of the Holy Spirit in our local communities, particularly amongst low-income residents who live on the housing estates. The post holder will embark on a two-year journey to learn and grow in ministry within an estate or low-income community (LIC). You will gain hands-on experience in planting and leading a New Worshipping Community (NWC). Alongside practical ministry, you’ll engage in cohort-based learning and personal formation, equipping you to develop thriving Christian communities in estate contexts. This will be with the Centre for Church Multiplication (CCX) and will be roughly the equivalent to a day a week.
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.
We envisage that there are various ways in which you will pursue estate based ministry through St Thomas’ Church, including:
• Working through Clapton Commons and its outreach projects and partnerships
• Developing, with others, quality after-school provision in our newly refurbished undercroft,
• Shaping our Children and Families’ ministry provision, not least through “home holiness practices”
This role will also bring with it some wider responsibilities:
• Complete the CCX training in Estates Mission and attend the Stepney Estates Round Tables
• Participate in the team meetings and the shared ministry of the church (Alpha, preaching)
• Receive mentoring and training, with scope to discern wherever God is calling you next
This role requires an enhanced DBS disclosure.
It is a genuine occupational requirement for applicants to be Christians.
We are ideally looking for someone with experience living/working on estates or low-income communities, with a real passion for mission and ministry in these areas.
Alongside working in the parish, you must also be willing to devote approximately 5 hours per week during term times to being part of a training cohort.
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) 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.