This full time post is an outstanding opportunity for an ordained minister in the evangelical tradition to make a transformative difference to a deprived urban community in Blackburn by reaching out with the good news of Jesus.

Church of the Saviour is one of two parishes, which along with St. Bartholomew’s make up the Benefice of the Redeemer, Blackburn. We are a conservative evangelical church that is all about Jesus, under the authority of His Word. We come together as a church family because of what Jesus did for us on the cross and through the power of His Spirit.

“Our aim is to know Christ better and make Christ better known.”

The Church of The Saviour Parish is situated in a residential area just South of Blackburn town centre. It has a population of 5200 and is one of the most deprived parishes in the country (ranked at 282 out of 12382 parishes). There are a nursery, two primary schools (infants and juniors) and a dementia care home in the parish.

The church benefits from a fairly modern worship centre and older parish hall, both of which provide excellent facilities.

In line with our aim ‘to know Christ better and make Christ better known,’ Church of the Saviour is looking to appoint a full-time assistant minister who will develop and drive the church’s outreach to our parish community. With the support of the Benefice Vicar and the congregation, their task will be to reach out to our urban parish community with the good news of Jesus and to nurture and disciple new believers.

The urban outreach minister will:

• In partnership with and under the oversight of the Vicar take responsibility for leading the Church of the Saviour into spiritual and numerical growth.
• Implement plans and strategies that will result in church growth

• Work with other leaders to develop the Sunday morning and Friday evening congregations at Church of the Saviour
• Intentionally disciple existing church members
• Call out and develop the gifts of lay leaders within the congregation, especially those whose gifts the Church has traditionally overlooked
• Be a strong and confident Christian presence in the community, actively building relationships within and beyond the Church family. In particular, develop strong links with two schools, a care home and community groups
• Work in partnership with our CAP centre and seek out new ways to serve the vulnerable and struggling families in the community.
• Develop and implement plans to make better use of our excellent church facilities.
• Play a full part in the ministry of the church through prayer, preaching, teaching and celebrating the sacraments
• Actively participate in decision making.
• Play a full role in the Deanery and Diocese and network with others across the region who are involved in urban evangelism
• Have due regard for all safeguarding guidance issued by the House of Bishops.
• Undertake other responsibilities as agreed with the Vicar to ensure their gifts are used to the full.

The Ideal Candidate

• An ordained Church of England Minister
• A prayerful, God-dependent man who is attentive to their own spiritual growth
• A conservative evangelical, committed to the authority of scripture.
• A passionate evangelist who is:
  • Willing to live and work in an urban priority area.
  • Experienced in understanding the needs of an urban estate.
  • Confident in building relationships in an urban parish.
  • Effective in communicating the gospel to an urban community.
• A Bible teacher who is able to help all ages understand and apply the Bible in a relevant way.
• A leader who will equip and inspire the congregation to share their faith and use their gifts for God’s glory.
• A humble leader who is able to work under the Vicar’s authority and as part of a team.
• Someone who is capable in the use of IT and is able to make the most of social media for mission purposes.

Our Benefice Profile is available for more information. Please note that the person specification on the profile was for the recruitment of our Vicar and is not for this specific role.

The PCC has passed resolutions under the House of Bishop’s Declaration on the mission of

bishops and priests.

You can visit our website at: http://www.the-redeemer.org.uk/ and https://www.facebook.com/theredeemerblackburn

For an informal conversation please ring the Vicar, Revd Chris Anderton on 07951695257, or email chris.anderton@the-redeemer.org.uk

Closing date: Thursday 27th January 2022

Interviews will take place: 17^th February 2022