This is a stimulating and challenging post based in north-east Derbyshire, close to Sheffield and on the edge of the Peak District.

The Team comprises 5 churches:

• St John’s, the historic (c1135) Parish Church of Dronfield
• St Swithin’s, Holmesfield
• St Mary’s, Unstone (LEP),
• St Andrews, Gosforth Valley, (LEP) based in St. Andrew’s School
• St Phillips, Holmsdale

We particularly seek someone who has a passion for children and young people finding their rightful place and representation in our worshipping life (where they are valued, seen as equals and included - Growing Faith outcomes).

The parish seeks a priest with a depth of experience, tolerance, and vision. The priest will possess the gift of evangelism through mission, who will build up the existing five congregations to function as a true, proper, and tight-knit team.

Investment in the laity is a further area for development. We recognise that investment in discipleship has been poor, and the rector should make it a priority to see people grow in spiritual maturity and for some to become lay leaders (including Readers).

The new rector will be expected to distribute their time, including Sundays, across the five churches.

Key roles include:

• Taking a lead in the development and implementation of the parish vision and strategy.
• Initially to be the lead minister for St. John's but new models of ministerial deployment within the parish will need to be explored.
• Prepare the parish for the likely reduction in clergy and develop plans to recruit a new children and young people’s ministry enabler.
• Maintain and encourage the initiatives of Churches Together in Dronfield and District
• Champion the highest possible standards of safeguarding across the parish.

We seek a Rector who is:

• An experienced Parish priest, rooted in Scripture and full of faith and the Holy Spirit, willing to work to build a close-knit, effective, missional team across all the churches
• Able to be the lead minister for St. John’s Church, with its long history and place at the heart of Dronfield town.
• Keen to develop our work with children, young people and families, in schools and in the community, working with the Growing Faith agenda.
• Able and wise in identifying our talents, encouraging and developing new leaders, motivating and growing us in our discipleship
• Approachable, compassionate and discerning, helping to broaden and strengthen our ties with the wider community
• Not afraid of leading congregations through change

Closing date is Friday 2^nd December 2022

Team Rector of the Benefice of Dronfield with Holmesfield - Diocese of Derby (anglican.org)