Archdeaconry Mission Enabler - Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich
Full or part-time
£35,000 per annum FTE
Fixed-term contract until 30th June 2028
The Diocese of Ipswich and St Edmundsbury’s Mission and Ministry Team seeks to support the making of new disciples of all ages in both parish churches and fresh expressions of church. As part of our Growing in God (our Diocesan Vision to grow in Number, Depth, Influence and Younger), the Mission team is seeking to appoint either one full-time Archdeaconry Mission Enabler (or two part-time Enablers) to work alongside the Diocesan Mission Enabler to achieve the objectives of this vision and strategy. This will be achieved through the further development and embedding of Missional DNA across the diocese, to ensure an outward facing culture of mission, evangelism and service.
Each Archdeaconry Mission Enabler will take the overall lead in supporting parishes in one or more of our three archdeaconries, but will also be required to work flexibly across the diocese as part of the Mission and Ministry Team according to need, workload, and the skills and experience they bring.
As the postholder(s) will often be engaging with incumbents, the successful candidate(s) will be ordained with at least five years’ experience at incumbent level, in order that they have the skills, experience and credibility needed to build relationships of trust with ministry leaders in the diocese. A key aspect of the role will be to proactively encourage and support incumbents and their Benefice Ministry Teams and PCCs to develop and implement Benefice Plans for Growth on a three-yearly cycle to encourage growth in depth, influence, number and younger as determined by prayerful discernment in the Benefice.
The emphasis for the Archdeaconry Mission Enabler(s) is on engaging with clergy and lay leaders, benefices and deaneries. It is therefore expected that the majority of the postholder’s time will be spent out and about, or in other meaningful contact with the churches and new worshipping communities in their area. As such, access to a vehicle and a full driving license is necessary. There will be occasional meetings, and preparation and follow-on work to be done before and after meetings and events, but the intention is that these should not dominate the role. There will be a requirement to work some evenings and weekend days, and time off in lieu will be given for this.
This is a fantastic and rewarding opportunity for someone with a good understanding of the differing traditions of the Church of England, who has some knowledge of the practice and theory of Congregational Development, Church Growth, and effective Mission strategies.
If you feel you meet our criteria and are interested in joining our Mission team to support deaneries, benefices and new worshipping communities as they play their part in fulfilling our vision of Growing in God we’d love to hear from you!
We are an equal opportunities employer and the DBF 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.
The care and protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults involved in church activities is the responsibility of the whole church. Everyone who participates in the life of the church has a role to play in promoting a Safer Church for all.
Safeguarding is an integral part of the mission and ministry of the church in this diocese and is in line with our Growing in God strategy. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
Enhanced DBS check required.
For an informal conversation please contact: Katie de Bourcier, Diocesan Mission Enabler or 07955 273158.
Closing Date: 20 May 2026
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