Minister, Cowes, Isle of Wight

Could you be the new Minister for Cowes?

Four distinct parishes exploring working together in plurality; rich in history, industry and nautical adventure.

The Church of England in Cowes is at a unique, pivotal moment in its history and mission. The churches in and around the town of Cowes are at an important and exciting point on their journey, as they seek to work in collaboration to serve the whole town and its closest village neighbours Northwood and Gurnard. The vision for Cowes is for one united Cluster of four distinct parishes, with multiple expressions, locations, worship styles, ministries and missions across the town and villages, to proclaim the gospel afresh to every generation. Each of the four churches involved is committed to working together in a seamless way, which aims to enhance and develop the present base of traditional Anglican worship, expanding its scope to include regular charismatic and contemplative opportunities, while also being generous and welcoming to new and generous ways of being Church.

Those involved in this new plurality believe that the best way to ensure the financial, spiritual and physical renewal of their church communities is through genuine collaboration between expressions of Church that are ancient and modern, sacramental and charismatic, urban and rural, young and old. This is what we’re calling generous orthodoxy, where different traditions sit side-by-side and genuinely seek to enhance each other’s ministry and mission. Welcoming, preserving and enhancing the present base of traditional Anglican worship, at the same time as expanding its scope to include regular charismatic and contemplative opportunities. It involves working together in plurality, while still preserving distinct parish identities and traditions. It involves embracing what might be seen as difference and celebrating the strength of diversity in Cowes where there are at least four different churches and associated buildings that can be used for these different expressions of worship. We would like to pour our energy and prayerful focus on Cowes where we plan to launch some major missional initiatives that seek to bring together our churches in Cowes, honour our traditions, and renew and refresh our missional ministry. If these key values resonate with you, we would love to hear from you.

Person Specification

• Ordained priest within the Church of England, or a Church in communion with it, or a Church whose orders it recognises.
• Experience of ministry to more than one church.
• Passionate leader of liturgy, and sacramental worship.
• Ability to lead a Team Ministry, whilst working on own initiative, balancing own workload and demands on time.
• A knowledge and understanding of changing patterns of mission and ministry in the church.
• Experience in developing new styles of worship.
• Committed to growing the church through prayer, sacramental worship, the bible, discipleship and mission.
• Competent user of IT, with good verbal and written communication skills.
• Growing a younger congregation.
• An engaging preacher.
• The ability to lead inclusive congregations with confidence.
• Developing and identifying new leaders.
• Compassionate and sensitive approach to leading others through change.
• Ability to lead, focus and direct a team collaboratively, working sensitively with clergy and laity, balancing the needs of each church.
• Capacity to handle conflict effectively, and to lean towards reconciliation.
• Willingness to engage with, and give and receive, feedback.
• Able to work with and engage schools in Christian ministry.
• Capacity for compassionate pastoral visiting of people in the parishes.

The Diocese of Portsmouth is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workforce that represents our context and wider community. We are aware that those of United Kingdom Minority Ethnic/Global Majority Heritage, women, and disabled people are currently under-represented among our clergy, and we particularly encourage applications from those with the relevant skills and experience that will increase this representation. The appointment will of course be based on merit alone. Enhanced DBS will be required.

For further information on the role, please contact Archdeacon Steve Daughtery on Stephen.daughtery@portsmouth.anglican.org

• Closing date for applications: Friday 12th July 2024
• Interviews: Wednesday, 24th July 2024