Lay Ministry Officer
The Church of England’s Ministry Division is looking for an experienced lay minister, or person who has worked closely with lay ministers, to take the lead on the Church’s efforts to renew lay ministries across the country. This is a substantial role and a wonderful opportunity to make a real impact on the shape of the Church’s ministry.
Bishop Martyn, lead Bishop for lay ministries, comments:
“Given the flourishing of lay ministry within the church over recent years, it is now vitally important that every part of the church, local, regional and national, celebrates and integrates this work in to every other area of ministry. We are looking for someone who can help coordinate this work nationally, and enable further growth in both the numbers of lay ministers and their development as theologians, practitioners and key partners in ministry.”
We are looking for someone with strategic project management experience who can develop a clear narrative on the place of lay ministries in the life and witness of the Church, and act as an advocate for lay ministry in influencing Bishops and Diocesan Officers. As a member of our senior management team, you will share in the strategic leadership of Ministry Division, working efficiently to ensure lay ministry remains a key component of our thinking, planning, and resourcing.
You will need to have a clear grasp of the variety of lay ministries, both authorised and commissioned; the structure of the Church, with an ability to negotiate with ease the relationship between parishes, dioceses and central structures; and a willingness to work across the full breadth of traditions within the Church of England.
Promoting lay ministries is a major component of Renewal and Reform, the Church’s vision for change. This role will require all of your enthusiasm, confidence, authority, sensitivity, maturity, teamwork and emotional intelligence.
You will be supported by a hardworking team of colleagues with a variety of skillsets, including research, communications, finance, events, and pioneer ministry.
If this sounds like you then we would urge you to prayerfully consider putting your name forward. Applications can be made through Pathways where a full job description and person specification is available.