Strategic Mission and Planning Enabler (Accrington & Burnley)

Blackburn, England, United Kingdom

12/20/2024

Please do not apply via Pathways. To apply, please visit General vacancies | The Diocese of Blackburn (anglican.org).

Background

This is a unique opportunity for an individual with demonstrable experience of discerning vision and developing strategy to play a vital role in the delivery of Blackburn Diocese’s Vision 2026 - "Healthy Churches Transforming Communities" and its successor, as the ‘Accrington & Burnley Mission Enabler’.

Vision 2026 is an agenda for growth and change agreed by the Blackburn Diocesan Synod in 2015. It challenges our parishes to be healthy churches which can transform the communities in which they are set. It also lays out four ways in which this over-arching goal can be achieved: Making Disciples, Being Witnesses, Growing Leaders and Inspiring Children and Young People for Jesus Christ.

To catalyse the goals of Vision 2026, an extensive consultation process was carried out to hear from parishes what would help them to grow a healthy church that transform its community and make deeper and more followers of Jesus. The responses to this consultation process resulted in an application to the national Church of England Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment (SMMI) board. In June 2024, £25.5 million was awarded for a programme of renewal in the Diocese over nine years, with £12 million in the first phase and £13.5 million (agreed in principle) for two more stages of work and subject to evaluation of progress.

Our application also requested that we be permitted to submit a further significant application (provisionally to be submitted in 2026) to specifically request investment into two towns, Accrington and Burnley. The SMMI Board accepted this request and has funded this three-year full-time post to enable the discernment, writing and initial implementation of SMMI funding proposals for both towns.

Some Key Responsibilities

Accrington (approx. 80% of time):

• Under the guidance of the Area Dean, to lead/arrange prayer sessions, particularly focussed on Accrington, the churches and schools based there, and the surrounding area.
• Get to know the parishes of Accrington deanery, building strong and positive relationships with ordained and lay church members. This will involve visiting churches, visiting services or other church events and also attending occasional evening PCC meetings.
• Lead the process to enable the clergy and lay leaders of Accrington deanery to discern a positive and ambitious vision for the Church of England in Accrington town and Oswaldtwistle.
• St James holds a particular strategic position in Accrington, located in the town centre. Work with the parish and deanery leaders to enable the discernment of a strong, ambitious and robust vision and investment plan for St James as part of the wider deanery planning.
• In liaison with the Area Dean and Director of Vision Delivery, identify how national CofE funding streams could catalyse the plan for Accrington town (incl. St James church) and Oswaldtwistle – what would need external funding, when and where?
• Draft the funding application (supported by the Director of Vision Delivery).
• Oversee the initial implementation of the plan which is likely to include recruitment of new posts and oversight / providing additional capacity where helpful to enable any other change agreed under the plan.
• Ensure the Accrington Deanery Synod and Accrington Clergy Chapter, as well as being integrally involved in the process, are regularly updated on overall progress.
• Ensure the Director of Vision Delivery is regularly updated and provide any necessary reports for the diocesan Strategic Programme Board.
  
  
  

Burnley (approx. 20% of time):

• Actively participate in prayer sessions, particularly focussed on Burnley, the churches and schools based there, and the surrounding area.
• Support the ongoing process (which is being coordinated by the Bishop of Burnley & Director of Vision Delivery) to enable the clergy and lay leaders of Burnley deanery to discern a positive and ambitious investment proposal that will enable mission and ministry.
• Draft the funding application (supported by the Director of Vision Delivery).
• Oversee the initial implementation of the plan which is likely to include recruitment of new posts and oversight / providing additional capacity where helpful to enable any other change agreed under the plan.
  
  
  

Some Key Skills And Knowledge Required

• Educated to degree level (or equivalent experience)
• Strong track record of leading vision and mission action planning (ie strategic planning) in or for a large and complex organisation
• Able to analyse complex inter-related issues and to prayerfully discern key missional and financial obstacles and opportunities
• A flair for communicating both in writing and in person in such a way as to enthuse and engage others.
• A practicing Christian involved in a regular worship in a church with theology compatible with the Church of England
  
  
  

For an informal chat about the role please contact

Carolyn Barton, Director of Vision Delivery & Deputy Diocesan Secretary, at carolyn.barton@blackburn.anglican.org

Closing date: 2nd February 2025

Interview date: 14th February 2025

We are also welcoming applications from independent consultants. Please apply following the same process and include any relevant details within your covering letter.

How To Apply

For full details of the role, including a full job description and person specification, terms and conditions and how to apply, please visit General vacancies | The Diocese of Blackburn (anglican.org).

Diversity - 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.