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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support clergy in rural ministry while fostering community growth.
- Company: Join the Church of England, a historic institution dedicated to faith and community.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible part-time work with a housing allowance or accommodation in a picturesque village.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive environment while living near the coast and London.
- Qualifications: Seeking an experienced priest with strong leadership and collaborative skills.
- Other info: Opportunity to innovate and address challenges in a diverse rural setting.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Rural Dean (HfD)
Fincham & Feltwell Deanery, West Norfolk, Diocese of Ely
- 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?
(Baptism at St James, Hockwold)
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.
- 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.
The Deanery of Fincham & Feltwell
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?
- Download Application Form below.
Rural Dean, Fincham and Feltwell Deanery, Norfolk, Diocese of Ely - House for Duty post employer: The Church of England
Contact Detail:
The Church of England Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Rural Dean, Fincham and Feltwell Deanery, Norfolk, Diocese of Ely - House for Duty post
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and opportunities within rural ministry. Understanding the unique dynamics of the Fincham and Feltwell Deanery will help you demonstrate your commitment and readiness to tackle these issues during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current clergy and lay leaders in the area. Building relationships with those already involved in the Deanery can provide valuable insights and may even lead to recommendations, which can significantly boost your chances of landing the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills by discussing past experiences where you've successfully led diverse teams or managed change. Highlighting your ability to unite different groups under a common purpose will resonate well with the expectations for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss innovative ideas for engaging younger disciples and growing congregations. The role emphasises renewal and growth, so coming equipped with fresh, actionable strategies will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Rural Dean, Fincham and Feltwell Deanery, Norfolk, Diocese of Ely - House for Duty post
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and expectations of the Rural Dean position. Highlight your relevant experiences in rural ministry and leadership in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your experience as a priest, focusing on your ability to lead diverse groups and support church growth. Include specific examples of how you've addressed challenges in previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for rural ministry and your vision for the role. Mention your collaborative approach and how you plan to unite the clergy and lay ministers in the Deanery.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. Ensure that your application is clear, concise, and professionally presented.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Church of England
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Rural Dean. Familiarise yourself with the challenges and opportunities mentioned in the job description, such as supporting clergy and leading parishes in vacancy.
✨Showcase Your Experience in Rural Ministry
Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in rural ministry. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully led diverse groups or innovated in challenging situations, as this will demonstrate your capability for the role.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Inclusivity
The role requires working collaboratively with various leaders and communities. Share examples of how you've fostered teamwork and inclusivity in past roles, showcasing your ability to unite people towards a common purpose.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful inquiries about the Deanery's current initiatives or future goals, which will show your genuine interest in the position and the community.