Rural Dean, Fincham and Feltwell Deanery, Norfolk, Diocese of Ely - House for Duty post

The Church of England; Watlington; On-site; GBP 8,000 - 11,000; Part time

Job summary

A religious organization seeks an experienced priest for the role of Rural Dean, with responsibilities including leadership in diverse rural settings, support for clergy, and innovation to grow church attendance. The position requires strong leadership qualities, kindness, and collaboration. The initial appointment is for five years, with options for housing or an allowance. The posting is in the picturesque village of Watlington, United Kingdom, which offers both community engagement and logistical convenience.

Benefits

Housing allowance

Expenses covered

Qualifications

• Experienced priest with a generous spirit and understanding of rural ministry.
• Able to innovate and lead change in challenging environments.

Responsibilities

• Support clergy and lay leaders in the Deanery.
• Lead the Deanery Synod alongside the Lay Chair.
• Liaise with the Bishop and Archdeacon for diocesan strategy.

Skills

Leadership amidst diversity

Collaborative task delegation

Kindness and wisdom

Openness to new ideas

Inclusiveness and respect

Education

Ordained priest

Job description

Rural Dean (HfD)

Fincham & Feltwell Deanery, West Norfolk, Diocese of Ely

• are you an experienced priest with a generous spirit who understands rural ministry?
• are you looking for part time work with real responsibility and yet flexibility and autonomy?
• are you willing to locate to a beautiful part of the country near the coast yet only 100 mins train ride from London?

(Baptism at St James, Hockwold)

The Deanery of Fincham & Feltwell covers those parts of West Norfolk that sit within the Diocese of Ely (Ely is only 20 mins drive away). The Deanery contains the market town of Downham market (pop. 9000) with 30 parishes / villages surrounding it. The total population is 38,000 and roughly 380 of these are on our electoral rolls.

The Deanery is served by 4 full time stipendiary clergy, with support from 3 self supporting ministers, 8 licensed lay ministers and 8 clergy with PTO, alongside churchwardens, authorised lay ministers and administrators. Your role will be to support all these leaders and unite them in the common purpose of renewing the church and growing younger disciples.

• Being pastor to the clergy and LLMs in the Deanery
• Leading Deanery Synod alongside the experienced Lay Chair
• Supporting and leading parishes in vacancy
• Liaising with the Bishop and Archdeacon so that diocesan strategy works to the benefit of growth in these rural areas
• Innovating, leading change, addressing problems with the soft skills of prayer, encouragement, challenge and example.

The role is not all plain sailing! We have some PCCs with almost no officers, 2 churches being rebuilt after catastrophic fires, small congregations and significant financial challenges, as well as the priority to grow younger and more diverse. Yet we also have lots of opportunities : great relationships with local schools (many Church schools), some churches that have grown significantly, and a willingness to work together that has been carefully nurtured by former Rural Deans and Lay Chairs.

The Deanery of Fincham & Feltwell

We seek an experienced priest, who is :

• Able to lead amidst diversity without taking sides,
• Capable of delegating tasks and working collaboratively,
• Kind, gentle and wise,
• Open to new ideas, forward thinking and supportive of difference,
• Inclusive and respectful, yet clear and principled.

Terms :

The House that accompanies this role is in the beautiful village of Watlington, which is near Downham Market and has its own train station. Alternatively a housing allowance (currently £10,500) may be paid. Expenses of office will be provided.

The Post will be held under Common Tenure Terms.

Initial appointment is for 5 years.

Are you interested?

Download Application Form below.