The Fellside Team, formed in 2001, consists of 5 parishes situated in some of the most beautiful countryside in the Diocese of Blackburn with easy access to the M6 giving excellent links to major towns and cities in the North West, as well as to the Lake District, the Trough of Bowland and the Yorkshire Dales.

Jill Duff, the Bishop of Lancaster writes:

When I minister in this team, my heart is always warmed by the discovery of hidden treasure.

There are stellar lay leaders, rich opportunities for the gospel, centred on five churches poised at the heart of village life, being ancient wells of worship over hundreds of years. Church buildings and parish halls are in good order. We are praying for a Rector to “lift the lid” on this hidden potential. To re-excavate the deep wells by prayer. To encourage and call out gifts in our leaders of all ages and stages, firing up the faith. To courageously make the most of the opportunities offered by these churches, with their wonderful array of four schools and amazing head teachers of faith.

The Bishop of Lancaster and Parish Representatives would like to appoint a person to Fellside who will be:

• A person of vision and strategy to enable our church communities to grow in numbers and spiritual strength and to assist the fulfilment of the Diocesan Vision 2026.

• An inspirational leader and teacher, grounded in the Scriptures, with vision for encouraging families, teenagers and children in their journey of faith through our churches and schools.

• Someone with wisdom and discernment to encourage lay people to recognise and develop their gifts, encouraging them into leadership roles.

• Comfortable with the management demands of a multi-parish team, with good technology and social media communication skills.

• Respecting and appreciating diverse groups, able to make and develop good relationships.

• Adaptable, innovative, and forward thinking with strength of character and resilience, enthusiastic with a good sense of humour.

• Comfortable with contemporary and traditional styles of worship, music, and a variety of theological views within the churches.

• Someone who will help realise our potential and love our rural parishes.

Closing date: 12 noon, Friday 2nd December 2022

For an informal conversation about the post, please contact the Archdeacon of Lancaster: Ven David Picken (david.picken@blackburn.anglican.org)

Interviews will be held on 21st December 2022.

For more information about Blackburn diocese: https://jobs.churchofengland.org/blackburn/vision-2026/

For more information about the Pathways application process https://jobs.churchofengland.org/clergycandidatesfaq/