Vicar Of Sittingbourne Holy Trinity W Bobbing in Swanley

Role Description

Purpose of the role

To share with the Bishop the cure of souls in these parishes; to lead the people of Holy Trinity Sittingbourne and the people of St Bartholomew’s Bobbing in worship, prayer, witness and service; to help both churches establish and settle; to grow as communities of disciples who know and love Jesus Christ; and to equip God’s people in the power of the Holy Spirit for mission, ministry and everyday witness.

• Spiritual leadership and worship: Lead public worship and preaching that is biblical, Christ-centred, expectant and accessible, helping both congregations grow in heartfelt worship, confident prayer and openness to the person and work of the Holy Spirit.
• Discipleship and formation: Foster a culture of disciple-making through faithful teaching, sacramental ministry, prayer, small groups, mentoring, lay development and the nurturing of vocations.
• Pastoral care: Offer visible, compassionate pastoral leadership across both parishes, including baptisms, weddings, funerals, bereavement support, visiting and care for those who are vulnerable, isolated or in need.
• Mission and evangelism: Lead each church in sharing the good news of Jesus with confidence and warmth, helping them reach new people, deepen their welcome, and build on existing outreach among men, women, children, families, schools, older people and those facing hardship or poor mental health.
• Children, youth and families: Champion ministry among children, young people and families, encouraging intergenerational church life and helping existing teams to grow in confidence, number and effectiveness so that all generations are formed as disciples.
• Collaborative leadership: Work closely with churchwardens, PCC members, lay ministers, volunteers and ministry teams in each parish. Encourage shared leadership; and identify, release, nurture and support the gifts of others so that each church may flourish in ministry.
• Safeguarding and inclusion: Model and maintain a strong safeguarding culture, promoting safer recruitment and training in both churches so that people of all ages and backgrounds can find welcome and a sense of belonging and care. Understanding of disability and neurodivergence across all age groups.
• Governance and stewardship: Work with parish officers in the good stewardship of buildings, finances and resources, ensuring legal and administrative responsibilities are met and that church life remains sustainable, well-led and mission-focused.

Key working relationships

The Vicar will work with the Bishop and Archdeacon, Ministry teams, churchwardens, PCC members, licensed and authorised lay ministers, volunteers, staff where applicable, ecumenical partners, local schools and community organisations. The postholder will support ministry in each parish and contribute to the Deanery of Sittingbourne and the Diocese of Canterbury.

Person Specification

Essential

• A person of prayer, integrity and spiritual maturity, rooted in Scripture, dependent on the Holy Spirit and committed to the mission of God.
• A confident preacher and teacher who can communicate the gospel clearly, faithfully and compellingly to different ages and backgrounds.
• A pastor who is approachable, compassionate and able to relate well to people at every stage of life.
• Experience of leading worship in different styles and contexts, with confidence in contemporary worship and sensitivity in holding together varied traditions within the life of the Church.
• A collaborative leader who enjoys working with lay colleagues, values shared ministry and is able to recognise, release and support others in their gifts.
• A heart for evangelism, church growth and disciple-making, with the ability to help churches connect with their communities and welcome newcomers well.
• A commitment to ministry with children, young people and families, and an ability to encourage and strengthen those already serving in these areas.
• An understanding of the opportunities and challenges of serving more than one parish, with the organisational ability to prioritise, delegate and lead wisely.
• A clear commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, accountability and the good governance of church life.
• An ability to work constructively with schools, community partners and other churches for the common good.
• Emotional resilience, humility and adaptability, with the capacity to lead through change prayerfully, courageously and with hope.

Desirable

• Experience of leading churches in mission, renewal and growth.
• Experience of ministry in both larger and smaller parish settings, or in contexts with differing worship traditions.
• Confidence in developing teams, mentoring emerging leaders and encouraging new vocations.
• Experience of building fruitful links with schools, social action projects and community initiatives.
• Awareness of the opportunities presented by new housing, changing demographics and fresh expressions of church.
• Experience of leading or supporting prayer ministry, small-group discipleship or other contexts that encourage spiritual growth and confident lay participation.
• Familiarity with online communication or streamed worship as a complementary part of parish ministry.
• Commitment to the New Wine Network vision, mission and events.

Both parishes are seeking a Vicar who loves Jesus deeply, is rooted in Scripture, attentive to the Holy Spirit and committed to seeing God’s kingdom grow. We hope to appoint someone who will value the distinctiveness of each church, lead with faith, warmth and courage, and help us grow as disciples who worship wholeheartedly, pray expectantly, serve generously and share the gospel with joy.

Whoever takes up this post will be warmly welcomed into the life and support structures of the Diocese of Canterbury. Every Incumbent and Priest in Charge is accompanied through the Canterbury Diet, our framework for sustaining healthy, effective ministry - including regular pastoral supervision, a spiritual accompanier, and a structured Ministry Training Programme in the early years of ministry.

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