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Archdeacon of Blackburn
Vacancy Reference cofe/TP/2804/8138
Number of Positions:
1
Contract Type:
Office Holder
Salary/Stipend:
Location:
Blackburn
Closing Date:
20/03/2025
Vacancy Category:
Clergy: Archdeacon
Business Unit:
Diocese of Blackburn
Organizational Unit:
Diocesan Employed Posts
Introduction
Is God Calling you to be the Archdeacon of Blackburn?
The Diocese of Blackburn is seeking a priest with a passionate faith in the Gospel and with experience in the renewal of Parish life to be the next Archdeacon of Blackburn following the retirement of the Ven Mark Ireland.
The successful candidate will carry out the duties of an Archdeacon but do so in a way that is strongly aware of the evangelistic dimension of this important ministry.
They will carry a portfolio for ‘Making Disciples’ across the Diocese and will work with a staff and volunteer team to lead on this strand of Vision 2026.
We are seeking a priest who believes in the power of prayer, who will prioritise the flourishing and wellbeing of clergy and who will bring wisdom and discernment to their work in supporting parish life. They will have the joy of caring for a group of passionate and hope-filled clergy and lay leaders who are ministering to Christ across a vast range of demographic contexts. They will be part of a close-knit and mutually supportive senior team and will benefit from a comfortable house on the edge of Blackburn and an excellent PA.
We are seeking an Archdeacon who will:
- Play a full role in the leadership of the diocese and in the implementation of Vision 2026
- Carry out the legal and administrative responsibilities of an archdeacon
- Have the experience and insight to lead on the ‘Making Disciples’ strand of the Diocesan Vision
- Play a key role in configuring posts and advise the Bishops in the appointment of clergy
- Encourage and support clergy and lay leaders both in good times and when challenges arise
- Lead in setting a culture in which excellence in safeguarding is the norm
The Archdeacon of Blackburn will need to be:
- Experienced in the renewal of Parish life and the growth of the Church
- Committed to the pastoral care of clergy and lay leaders
- Encouraging, positive and confident
- A person of disciplined prayer
- Emotionally intelligent, self-aware and a natural team player
- Approachable, with good pastoral and listening skills
- Able to think strategically
We welcome a broad range of applicants. We are particularly keen to encourage applications from female priests and those of global majority heritage. Applicants need to have been ordained for at least six years.
Full details are in the application pack. Should applicants require clarification of any aspects of the role, they can arrange a telephone conversation with the Bishop of Blackburn who will be happy to answer questions. Please contact appointments@bishopofblackburn.org.uk to arrange an appointment.
The Diocese of Blackburn believes that diversity enables us to thrive and develop and is committed to race equality, welcoming applications from UK Minority Ethnic/ Global Majority Heritage backgrounds.
The Diocese of Blackburn is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.
Closing date for applications: 12noon on Thursday 20th March 2025
Shortlisted candidates will be notified by: 1st April 2025
Interviews will be held: Thursday 1st May 2025
For information about Blackburn diocese please follow this link https://jobs.churchofengland.org/blackburn/vision-2026/
For information on making an application through Pathways please follow this link https://jobs.churchofengland.org/HELP/candidate-faq/
