Rural Dean, Fincham and Feltwell Deanery, Diocese of Ely in Watlington

Are you an experienced priest with a generous spirit who understands rural ministry? Are you looking for part-time work with real responsibility and yet flexibility and autonomy? Are you willing to locate to a beautiful part of the country near the coast yet only 100 mins train ride from London?

The Deanery of Fincham & Feltwell covers those parts of West Norfolk that sit within the Diocese of Ely (Ely is only 20 mins drive away). The Deanery contains the market town of Downham Market (pop. 9000) with 30 parishes/villages surrounding it. The total population is 38,000 and roughly 380 of these are on our electoral rolls.

The Deanery is served by 4 full-time stipendiary clergy, with support from 3 self-supporting ministers, 8 licensed lay ministers and 8 clergy with PTO, alongside churchwardens, authorised lay ministers and administrators. Your role will be to support all these leaders and unite them in the common purpose of renewing the church and growing younger disciples.

The role of Rural Dean specifically involves:

• Being pastor to the clergy and LLMs in the Deanery
• Leading Deanery Synod alongside the experienced Lay Chair
• Supporting and leading parishes in vacancy
• Liaising with the Bishop and Archdeacon so that diocesan strategy works to the benefit of growth in these rural areas
• Innovating, leading change, addressing problems with the soft skills of prayer, encouragement, challenge and example

The role is not all plain sailing! We have some PCCs with almost no officers, 2 churches being rebuilt after catastrophic fires, small congregations and significant financial challenges, as well as the priority to grow younger and more diverse. Yet we also have lots of opportunities: great relationships with local schools (many Church schools), some churches that have grown significantly, and a willingness to work together that has been carefully nurtured by former Rural Deans and Lay Chairs.

We seek an experienced priest, who is:

• Able to lead amidst diversity without taking sides
• Capable of delegating tasks and working collaboratively
• Kind, gentle and wise
• Open to new ideas, forward thinking and supportive of difference
• Inclusive and respectful, yet clear and principled

Terms:

The House that accompanies this role is in the beautiful village of Watlington, which is near Downham Market and has its own train station. Alternatively, a housing allowance (currently £10,500) may be paid. Expenses of office will be provided. The Post will be held under Common Tenure Terms. Initial appointment is for 5 years.

Are you interested? Phone Ven Richard Harlow, Archdeacon of Huntingdon & Wisbech, Telephone 07415 757527 for an informal conversation/expression of interest. Applications are welcome at any time.

For further information about the role and the Diocese of Ely, visit the Church of England Pathways site.

The Diocese of Ely is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees to undertake safeguarding checks and training relevant to their role and to adhere to the Church of England’s safeguarding policies and procedures. Therefore, this position is subject to an enhanced disclosure from the DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service).

A Diverse and Inclusive Workforce:

The Diocese of Ely 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.