Rector of the Ford Group and Assistant Archdeacon

Introduction Is God prompting you to consider a new challenge that combines parish ministry with wider diocesan responsibilities? This new post offers both. You would be Rector of the Ford Group of Parishes, a rural multi-parish benefice near Shrewsbury, which is part of a mutually-supportive Deanery Group Ministry. Alongside that you would have the additional responsibility of being Assistant Archdeacon in the Ludlow Archdeaconry, supporting the Archdeacon in her work and developing your own gifts and leadership. To reflect the level of this additional responsibility, the stipend for this post is equivalent to that of a Cathedral Residentiary Canon. The parishes, deanery, and archdeacon have worked very closely together to develop the ideas and role description for this joint post, and we are delighted that you are interested in exploring whether God is calling you to serve him and his Church here. Please know that we are praying for you as you read the profile and prayerfully discern whether to apply. The parishes, the post, and the person You will find full details of all of these in the profile. We hope you will enjoy reading it and finding out more about us and the person we are seeking as Rector and Assistant Archdeacon. In summary, though, we are praying for a rector and colleague who will: Have a sound Biblical base, with a sympathetic and realistic view of Christianity’s place in the community and the world Lead in worship and mission, enabling those within the Group’s shared ministry to grow in ability and confidence and as leaders. Work collaboratively in the parishes and deanery Have a vision for growth and an ability to introduce new ways to encourage the further involvement of our schools, young people and families in the parishes Have an appreciation of the countryside and rural life and be able to respond to the new pastoral needs and opportunities that emerge as communities grow and develop. Want to grow and develop in their own gifts and leadership Under the delegated authority of the Archdeacon of Ludlow: take a lead in specific vacancy processes in the Ludlow Archdeaconry, conduct some Triennial Inspections, carry out some interim Ministerial Development Reviews, and work strategically with both the Archdeacon of Ludlow and the Archdeacon of Hereford to share good practice and co-ordinate property, fabric, finance, and mission planning matters across the diocese. So that the person appointed may be a full member of the Deanery Chapter and Synod, they will not carry out any archidiaconal duties in the Deanery in which they live and are beneficed. Details of how time would be shared across the parish and assistant archdeacon duties are in the profile. Since this is a post with significant leadership responsibilities, the person appointed will need to have been ordained for a minimum of six years prior to taking up the post. Practical details Closing date for applications is Wednesday 26th February 2025. Parish Visits will be on Monday 17th March 2025. Interviews will be on Tuesday 18th March 2025. If you have any questions, or would like to have an informal conversation about the post, please contact the Archdeacon of Ludlow, The Ven Dr Fiona Gibson - Fiona.Gibson@hereford.anglican.org or 01588 673571. This post requires Enhanced DBS clearance.

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