At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead church planting initiatives and support local leaders in developing new worshipping communities.
- Company: Diocese of Carlisle, committed to innovative mission and community engagement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension options, hybrid working, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for growth in a diverse region with a supportive community.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and help spread the Good News through new church plants.
- Qualifications: Experience in church planting and a strong missional leadership background.
The predicted salary is between 50703 - 50703 £ per year.
Based at Church House, Penrith, Cumbria.
Are you an experienced missional leader with a proven track record of effective church planting? Do you have a passion to mobilise God’s people in mission through planting new worshipping communities of missional disciples, able to reach the people of our Diocese with the Good News of Jesus?
The Diocese of Carlisle is looking for a Church Planting Lead to work with a phase 1 cohort of local churches to develop church plants, new congregations and revitalisations in three contexts across Cumbria, to develop our wider readiness for and understanding of Church Planting and to work with local and national partners to develop the longer-term strategy for Church Planting.
As part of the Mission and Ministry, Support and Innovation team you will be responsible for overseeing the successful launch and delivery of the first generation of the planting programme funded by a five-year Diocesan Investment Programme award. You will be working with church plant local leaders in both rural and urban contexts to develop their plans and capacity for planting, providing leadership, monitoring and evaluation for the programme to succeed, and facilitating ongoing learning and harvesting insights to inform strategic thinking and planning for future work.
Working across a diverse region of rural and urban Cumbria this is an exciting opportunity for a missional and motivated experienced leader with a passion to serve and support Church of England churches from a variety of contexts to plant in a Diocese with an established record for pioneering and resourcing innovation in mission.
This is a full-time permanent position. Hybrid working options available combining time in Church House Penrith with remote working.
This post is subject to an occupational requirement that the postholder be a practising Christian under Part 1 of Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010.
Closing date for Applications: Sunday 20th September 2026 at midnight.
Interviews: Church House, Penrith date TBC.
Salary £50,703 plus 15% non-contributory pension or the choice to remain in the Church of England Clergy Pension Scheme.
Carlisle Diocese is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.
Church Planting Lead in Penrith employer: Church of England
Walker Christ Church offers a unique opportunity for a full-time Vicar to engage deeply with a compassionate congregation dedicated to community service and spiritual growth. Located in the vibrant area of Walker, this role provides a supportive environment with experienced colleagues across multiple parishes, fostering collaboration and innovation in mission work. The church prioritises personal development and encourages initiatives that connect with diverse local communities, making it an excellent place for those seeking meaningful and impactful employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Church Planting Lead in Penrith
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Church of England.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Church of England.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Church of England.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Church of England. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Church Planting Lead in Penrith
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Church of England. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Church Planting Lead, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Church of England
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Church of England. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
