The role of Deanery Change Leader and Priest-in-Charge of the Orchard Welle Benefice (Interim Common Tenure Post in Diocese of Ely), is a strategically important post as we move from past models of church to something sustainable and hopeful for 2024 and beyond.
This post is held on interim common tenure terms, meaning that it is for an initial period of 3 years, which may be extended for a maximum of 3 more years. During that time, you will have effected significant change, working with PCCs and other clergy across the deanery, but especially within your Benefice of Orchard Welle (comprising 5 former parishes: Upwell, Outwell, Elm, Emneth and Friday Bridge).
We expect your time to be split 50/50 between benefice responsibilities and the wider change-management brief.
The main aim of the role is to help bring to birth the church of the future from the prayers and buildings of the past. You will collaborate with ordained and lay colleagues and members of local communities to dream and then build a vibrant expression of church in each place, holding in mind the Church of England vision of 10,000 new worshipping communities and a church that is younger and more diverse.
To thrive in this post, you will need to be:
- Prayerful and articulate – there is significant desire to communicate the Gospel
- Focussed and resilient – there is a significant but sustainable workload
- Faithful and gracious – you will be leading change which matters
- Wise and resourceful – there will be opportunities and challenges.
- We expect that you will already have significant change-management experience, ideally within parish settings. You will be realistic about what can be achieved and resolute in working in the direction that our situation and the Spirit of God demand. You will work with clergy, churchwardens and PCCs, in your own benefice as well as elsewhere in the deanery, alongside the experienced Rural Dean and Lay Chair.
- We offer you an excellent home to live in, a stipend of £30,000+, annual CMD grant, retreat time, clear HR and supportive leadership. You will be able to draw on additional training and support from our Mission and Ministry Department and our Church Buildings Team, as well as Archdeacon and Diocesan Secretary.
- The full Benefice Profile will help you understand both aspects of this role: the brief regarding change, and the strengths and challenges of the parishes.
Further Information and Applications
- Closing Date: Midday 7th January 2025
- Interviews: Tuesday 28 and wednesday 29 January 2025
- Benefice Profile: Download here
- Application Form: Download here
- Equality Monitoring Form (to be returned with your Application Form) - Download here
- If you want to know more, then please get in touch with the Archdeacon of Huntingdon and Wisbech, Ven Richard Harlow, on 07415757527 or archdeacon.handw@elydiocese.org.
- Please note that applications must be submitted by email to archdeacon.handw@elydiocese.org
Safer Recruitment in the Diocese of Ely
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.