Area Dean of Mission (Edmonton)

To work closely with the Bishop and the Archdeacon in encouraging and enhancing the mission of the Church for the furthering of Christ’s gospel across the Edmonton Area and bringing close the Kingdom of God, the diocesan Mission Framework, the Edmonton Area Plan and to work closely with the Area Team and other Deans of Mission. They will be expected to work with the Archdeacon in supporting parishes in Vacancy and work with the bishop in the recruitment process.

Job responsibilities

• STRATEGY
  • To work closely alongside the Bishop and Archdeacon in developing, delivering and reviewing a measurable and impactful Edmonton Area Plan within the 2030 Vision for London.
  • To actively encourage and enable the projects and plans for mission across the Area working closely with the Bishop, Archdeacon and the Area Deans for each of the four Deaneries and other Area and Diocesan staff.
  • To develop a strategy in the Area in line with the overarching diocesan Mission Framework, which relates to the other four Area strategies and which leads directly towards plans for growth.
  • Lead on the stakeholder engagement and change management planning for the larger sized mission programmes within the Area.
  • To work with the Diocese of London 2030 Vision program office to gather appropriate metrics in order to provide a framework for good strategic decision making.
  • To support parishes as they develop their mission and vision, adding value such as in facilitating vision and planning events, linking with partners and external bodies.
  • To build capacity for mission across the Episcopal Area with different church traditions and practices.
• TEAM
  • To enjoy playing a full part in the Area Staff Team, sharing in decision making and development of the program of culture change.
  • To work strategically with particular parishes and clergy from time to time as they identify opportunities for making a difference within their local communities.
  • To join the Diocese team of Deans of Mission at their monthly meetings and in ongoing collaboration and cross-border working.
• MAINTENANCE OF SERVICES
  • To work with the Area Deans in the delivery of particular mission plans and initiatives in their Deaneries that relate to and will result in services of worship taking place in these churches.
  • To encourage churches in their community engagement and social action initiatives, including partnership working across the Area and on specific local projects, sharing best practice so that new and existing services of worship will develop and be maintained to address their needs.
  • To provide support for clergy in the delivery of project work in relation to buildings so they will draw new people into worship services.
• RESOURCING
  • To work alongside churches in vacancy to remain focused on mission and to plan for appropriate future leadership, supporting the Bishop and Archdeacon in running vacancy and appointments processes.
  • To help parishes access the support available from the Diocese of London’s Ambition and Priority teams, noting in particular support for new incumbents.
  • To provide advice and support to enable successful church revitalisation including work with current and potential Resource Churches in discerning how their strengths and gifts can be best used in support of planting and other parish support.
  • To develop prayer initiatives and resources to support mission in the Area.
  • To ensure the necessary provision of training for missional engagement and useful sources for theological reflection on mission.
• GENERAL
  • Other tasks as assigned by the Bishop as part of his team.
  • In addition to an involvement in a parish the post holder is invited to active involvement in the life of the Archdeaconry and Area Deans in a cycle of church activity, training and engagement with clergy and lay leaders in the Area.

Person Specification

Essential

• Parish experience, including church growth/ revitalisation at first hand.
• Experience of developing and leading teams.
• A demonstrable ability in strategic thinking and project planning.
• Experience of constructing and forming mission action plans.
• Vision and ability to enhance racial justice within churches and in their mission.
• A high degree of people skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire.
• High level of discretion and ability to keep confidentiality.
• Able to relate to churches of different traditions across the Area.
• There is an occupational requirement for the successful candidate to be a practicing member of the Church of England.
• A good eye for detail and process.
• Consistent ability in keeping to deadlines.
• Warm and positive communication skills, oral and written.
• An imagination and flair for problem-solving and innovation.
• The person will require an enhanced DBS check.

Desirable

• Experience of coaching and mentoring.
• Wisdom in handling issues of pastoral complexity.

About the London Diocesan Fund

The London Diocesan Fund (LDF) is the employment body that serves and supports the Diocese of London and Church of England. The Diocese of London comprises of c400 parishes north of the River Thames and within the M25 motorway. The Church of England in London is growing, vibrant and at the heart of communities throughout the capital. At the London Diocesan Fund, we seek to do everything we can to support this mission and growth, using our resources to help our parishes and chaplains to serve over 4 million people.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

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.

Safeguarding

The Diocese of London is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

Benefits of working with us

• Competitive remuneration package.
• 27 annual leave days to rise to 30 after 5 years’ service, plus bank holidays.
• 15% employer pension contribution and salary sacrifice available.
• Death in service benefit x3 of basic gross salary.
• Enhanced maternity leave of six months full pay, after 12 months of employment.
• Season ticket loans for public transport.
• Access to Benenden Health Insurance.
• EAP counselling through Health Assured.
• Up to £100 for eye test and contribution to spectacles.
• Two additional paid days for community volunteering.

Interviews will be held during the week commencing 14th July.