The following content displays a map of the jobs location - 17 Peckover Drive, Wisbech,
Deanery Change Leader and Priest in Charge of Orchard Welle Benefice
Vacancy Reference cofe/TP/73579/7270
Number of Positions:
1
Contract Type:
Office Holder
Contract Details:
Common Tenure
Salary/Stipend:
National Stipend level
Location:
17 Peckover Drive, Wisbech,
Closing Date:
07/01/2025
Vacancy Category:
Clergy
Business Unit:
Diocese of Ely
Organizational Unit:
Diocesan Established Post
Introduction
Deanery Change Leader and Priest in charge
Orchard Welle Benefice, Wisbech.
(Interim Common Tenure Post in Diocese of Ely)
(SSOM Rev Daphne Calvert at Upwell Christingle service)The role of Deanery Change Leader and Priest-in-Charge of the Orchard Welle benefice 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.
(the benefice house, centrally located in suburban Wisbech)
We offer you an excellent home to live in (photo above), 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
- 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.
- To Apply and for further information, please visit the Diocesan website here - https://www.elydiocese.org/about/news-jobs-and-events/job-vacancies/deanery-change-leader-and-priest-in-charge-orchard-welle-benefice-wisbech.php
- Closing Date: Midday 7th January 2025
- Interviews: Tuesday 28th January and Wednesday 29th January 2025
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).
Our Diocese
The Diocese of Ely stretches from Cambridge to Peterborough and out towards the coastal areas of West Norfolk. It houses 3/4 million people, which will rise to 1 million in the next 15 years. This area buzzes with energy from the academic, business and medical excellence of Cambridge University to the rich agricultural areas of Huntingdon, Fenland and Norfolk.
Despite the presence of a world leading university, Cambridgeshire is not all affluent. Towns and cities have pockets of poverty and low attainment. Rural areas can be isolated and insular. The churches are strong in some places, but there is much work to be done.
The Diocese of Ely is a good place to live and work: stable finances, good housing, inclusive and warm hearted bishops, coupled with a rich diversity of benefices in all traditions make this a place that clergy stay once they have discovered us. We have just over 100 incumbent status clergy, with a strong Diocesan team, and a real emphasis on lay development and training.
The Diocesan Bishop has moved on, but the Diocese remains on a steady course, as it seeks our next Diocesan Bishop. Our Mission Strategy, Ely 2025, devolves much decision making to the parishes, benefices and deaneries, so that clergy are able to innovate, take risks and build alliances for the sake of the Kingdom of God and the good of our communities. We welcome applications from clergy who are prepared to work collaboratively and faithfully. We will enable you to flourish and grow in ministry, whilst maintaining a sensible work life balance.
