Interim Minister for Withernsea

Come and join us as we look to God to do new things amongst us. We have a bold vision to revitalise our church and this new post enables our new Minister to focus all of their time on growing our church and reaching out to Withernsea. Although initially for only up to six years, it is hoped this will become a permanent post as God grows his church here.

As part of the diocesan vision of ‘Living Christ’s Story’, South Holderness Deanery has set out a clear and imaginative vision to re-shape deanery life so that their churches see growth and health. The diocese has designated Withernsea as a ‘revitalised parish’ and will be providing extra resources and support to help this process. The PCC and church family are committed to this vision and are praying for a new Minister to lead us forward into the plans we know God has for us.

We have been on an exciting journey re-ordering our church building and this has deepened our ability to serve our community. We know that ministry belongs to the whole people of God and we are committed to sharing with you in this next chapter of our life with God.

Our Deanery Plan – a bold and creative experiment. In partnership with the wider diocese, the deanery have embarked on a period of exciting experimental ministry. The two large centres of population (Withernsea and Hedon) are to have a Minister who can focus predominantly on them alone. To enable this the rest of the parishes in the deanery, 21 in all, will be overseen by a Ministry Team which includes one stipendiary Incumbent, two House for Duty priests and a team of lay ministers. The Ministers in Withernsea and Hedon will be expected to be highly collaborative and be closely involved in deanery life. There will be occasions when their support for the wider deanery’s ministry will be needed; however, the deanery’s primary commitment is to enable them to be focused on their own parish.

To enable this change to occur as an experiment, without any legal changes to benefice structures, we are making a number of ‘Interim’ appointments. In the case of Withernsea, the person appointed will be licensed as an Interim Minister and technically as ‘assistant Curate’ of the wider benefice. However, we expect them to be treated as the ‘Vicar of Withernsea’. The Area Dean is to be licensed as the Interim Priest in Charge of the whole benefice. The interim nature of the appointments reflects that there is an expectation of change and exploration leading to growth. An interim appointment can only be for a maximum of 6 years but we are hopeful that this will become permanent in time as growth occurs.

1. To lead St Matthew’s into a period of growth and revitalisation
2. To engage and co-operate creatively with the diocesan ‘Revitalisation Team’
3. To be an incarnational presence in the community, identifying with the people of Withernsea
4. To nurture and value both the existing congregation and those beyond it
5. To communicate well through preaching, story-telling and other means
6. To explore with the church family new ways of worship
7. To ensure the church building is used creatively and with the community in mind
8. To inspire and encourage others in the care of creation
9. To actively participate in the life of the wider deanery

We are looking for a Minster who will

• Love us and our community, leading us in mission and outreach
• Live amongst us and share themselves with us
• Deepen our discipleship and release our gifts and talents
• Communicate well through preaching and story telling
• Help us to explore new ways of worship
• Be committed to use our church building to serve our community

About Us

The Diocese of York, led and guided by Archbishop Stephen Cottrell, takes in much of North and East Yorkshire. As the largest diocese in England, geographically, the area is very diverse, featuring a multitude of needs and opportunities. This includes the bustling urban centres of York, Hull and Middlesbrough, the beautiful North Yorkshire Moors National Park, and the incomparable Yorkshire Coast; as well as areas of deprivation in some of our urban and smaller rural and coastal communities.

Our mission and ministry relies on thousands of people - lay and ordained, volunteer and paid. Our diocesan teams provide a wide range of support services to our mission and ministry, including lifelong learning for ministry, the care of church buildings, and safeguarding. Together, we are striving to be a people who are ‘Living Christ’s Story’. We want to be a simpler, bolder, humbler church which in its diversity reflects the communities it serves. We are bringing renewed focus and fresh energy to achieving our aims:

• Becoming more like Christ
• Reaching those we currently don't
• Growing in discipleship, influence and numbers
• Transforming our finances and structures

Our approach is aligned with a commitment to the best of our parochial inheritance, to the poorest communities, and to the financial realities we face.

Under current immigration rules, it is not generally possible for us to appoint clergy who are not already eligible to work in the UK.

Informal enquiries are welcome:

The Archdeacon of the East Riding, the Ven Andy Broom | ader@yorkdiocese.org |
01482 881659

Appointment is subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS disclosure

Closing date for applications: 12 noon Wednesday 4 January.

Interviews: Thursday 2 February