KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
This is a three-year contract to lead the delivery of initial ministerial formation and continuing ministerial development for Readers and Commissioned Pastoral Teams under the oversight of the Head of Ministry Formation:
READERS
- Directing the ongoing design and delivery of the Initial Training Programme – IME1 & IME2 – with Tutors and the Pathways platform developers.
- Overseeing the assessment of Readers in IME1 & IME2 to meet the requirements of the national Formation Qualities Framework and diocesan ministry and mission priorities.
- Leading the team of Reader Tutors and occasional Tutors delivering termtime training sessions on Wednesday evenings (weekly) and Saturday mornings (monthly).
- Working with Incumbents of Readers in Training, supporting their role and responsibility in the training programme.
- Working closely with the Reader Training Steering Group, Warden of Readers, Readers’ CME Committee and Readers’ Association.
- Working with the Readers CME Committee to design and deliver of bi-annual Reader CME events.
- Developing fresh approaches to the shape of Reader Formation and connecting to the National Lay Ministry Network.
- With the Head of Ministry Formation, relating to the National Ministry Team, particularly in relation to the next Periodical External Review (next due 2028/9).
- Connecting with the Growing Gifts programme where appropriate.
COMMISSIONED PASTORAL TEAMS
- Working with the Warden of Commissioned Pastoral Teams to promote the diocesan scheme of Pastoral Care Team training in parishes and oversight areas.
- Collaborating with the Warden of Commissioned Pastoral Teams in the delivery of initial training and Continuing Ministerial Development.
- Overseeing the formation programme and the assessment of teams for commissioning, with deanery CME advisers.
- Collaborating with the Steering Group of Commissioned Pastoral Teams and Warden of CPT to deliver an annual away day.
- Developing fresh approaches to formation for Lay Pastoral Teams.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Our preference is for a Licensed Minister who has been Admitted as a Reader or a lay person with qualifications in theology and/or professional ministerial development. While our preference is for a lay person, a suitably qualified ordained person would be considered (terms and conditions would be adjusted). Applicants must be able to demonstrate:
- Experience in designing and delivering adult education programmes.
- Experience as a minister in a mission-oriented church
- Experience of working at deanery and diocesan level.
- Capability of interpreting and implementing national priorities and guidelines in relation to training and assessment of licensed lay ministers.
- Skill in theological reflection.
- Experience of adult education in church settings and ensuring appropriate teaching styles.
- Skill in supervision and training of public representative ministers.
- Capable of designing, delivering and reviewing imaginative and inclusive learning programmes to equip licensed ministers.
- Ability to model collaborative working with colleagues at local, diocesan and regional level.
- Capacity to recruit, support and foster teams of tutors and assessors for learning programmes.
- Character, gifts and skills to oversee with the Head of Ministry Formation the assessment of potential ministers to meet diocesan and national requirements.
- Commitment to fostering collaboration between lay and ordained ministers (licensed and commissioned) and lay leaders.
- Experience of working with ministers from a range of theological traditions and commitment to mutual flourishing envisaged in the Five Guiding Principles.
- Competency in using online learning platforms, including hosting sessions on Zoom and Teams.
KEY RELATIONSHIPS
- The Head of Ministry Formation will line-manage the Lay Ministry Formation Lead.
- Team-working with the Director of Ministry and other diocesan officers is essential to the role, including by being an active member of the termly meeting of the Ministries Round Table.
- Partnering closely with the Pathways Development Manager and Learning Pathways Co-ordinator.
- Working alongside the Ministries Support Lead and other administrative officers.
- Connecting when appropriate with the Enabler of Learning for Discipleship and Mission and the Ministry Development Lead (Lay).
- West Midlands dioceses and ecumenical partner churches have strong collaborative working relationships, including regional lay ministry leadership.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
- The Lay Ministry Formation Lead is a three-year post and the holder will report to the Head of Ministry Formation.
- Successful appointment is subject to enhanced DBS certificate and leadership safeguarding training.
- Hours: This is a part-time post of 17.5 hours per week. There will be some evening and weekend work (time off in lieu is given) – sometimes based at John Cadbury House and sometimes in locations elsewhere across the diocese.
- Salary: £18,000 (equivalent to a 0.5 FT)
- Full reimbursement of working expenses and travel expenses.
- Pension: membership of the Church Worker’s Pension Scheme with 12% employer contribution for a lay role holder.
- 5 weeks per year plus Bank Holidays pro rata and 3 Discretionary Days between Christmas and New Year
- The employer is the BDBF (Birmingham Diocesan Board of Finance).
Closing date: 10th November 2024
Interviews: Monday 25th November 2024
To apply for role, please click here.
The Church of England Birmingham is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where all can be themselves and bring their unique identity to their ministry and/or work.
We welcome applications from any individuals who feel that they meet the person specification for any post, in particular from those who are currently under-represented in our staff teams such as those from Global Majority Heritage or UK Minority Ethnic backgrounds, those with visible or invisible disabilities and those who identify as LGBTQI+.
The Church of England Birmingham is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders are expected to share this commitment.