At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and guide a national charity, shaping strategy and advocating for community engagement.
- Company: The Association of Festival Churches, dedicated to preserving historic church buildings.
- Benefits: Make a meaningful impact in your community while gaining leadership experience.
- Other info: Flexible online meetings with opportunities for personal growth and networking.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and help churches thrive as vibrant community hubs.
- Qualifications: Leadership skills and a passion for heritage and community involvement.
The Association of Festival Churches (AFC) is a national charity supporting historic church buildings that remain open, cared for and well used, though no longer sustaining regular weekly services. Founded in 2020, AFC promotes a model of doing less, but doing it better - enabling churches to focus on occasional worship celebrated as real events or festivals, alongside a wider programme of activity.
Central to the festival church model is the involvement of people beyond the regular congregation. Through Friends or Action Groups, local communities are invited to play an active role in caring for the building, shaping its future, and planning festivals, services and events that attract wider audiences and renewed local support.
AFC now seeks to appoint two new Trustees:
- Chair of Trustees: To lead the Board, guide strategy, and act as an advocate for a growing national charity at the intersection of worship, heritage and community life.
- Treasurer: To oversee financial planning and reporting, ensuring robust governance and long term sustainability.
Trustees serve on a voluntary basis and meet six times a year online. These roles offer a rewarding opportunity to help churches flourish as places of faith, welcome and shared endeavour.
Closing date: Tuesday 26 May 2026 (noon)
For a recruitment pack or an informal conversation, please contact: geoffrey.hunter@elydiocese.org
AFC is committed to building a diverse and inclusive Board and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.
Volunteer Trustee: Lead Chair or Strategic Treasurer employer: Church Times Jobs
Contact Detail:
Church Times Jobs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Trustee: Lead Chair or Strategic Treasurer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your community or those involved with AFC. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to speak with someone from AFC, let your enthusiasm for supporting historic church buildings shine through. It’s all about connecting with their mission and showing how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for informal chats! Whether it’s a coffee catch-up or a quick Zoom call, have some thoughtful questions ready about the role and the charity. This shows you’re genuinely interested and engaged.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Trustee: Lead Chair or Strategic Treasurer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff: Before you start writing, make sure you understand the role of a Trustee and what the AFC is all about. Dive into their mission and values so you can tailor your application to show how you fit in with their vision.
Be Personal: Share your personal experiences and motivations for wanting to be a Trustee. We want to hear your story! Highlight any relevant skills or experiences that make you a great fit for either the Chair or Treasurer role.
Keep It Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point while showcasing your passion for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of everything and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Church Times Jobs
✨Know Your AFC Inside Out
Before the interview, take some time to really understand the Association of Festival Churches and its mission. Familiarise yourself with their model of doing less but better, and think about how your skills can contribute to their goals. This will show your genuine interest and commitment.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a potential Chair or Treasurer, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed finances. Be ready to discuss how you can guide the Board and advocate for the charity's vision.
✨Engage with Community Involvement
Since the role involves engaging local communities, think about how you can foster participation beyond the regular congregation. Bring ideas to the table about how to attract wider audiences and renew local support. This will highlight your strategic thinking and community focus.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with insightful questions about the role and the organisation. Ask about their current challenges or future plans. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you.