POST: Priest in Charge (Interim) Coltishall Benefice

A rewarding opportunity for a priest to serve as Interim Priest in Charge of the Coltishall Benefice, comprising of 5 parishes set in the Norfolk Broads National Park.

Coltishall is 8 miles north of Norwich, and 3 miles from Hoveton and Wroxham station, with an hourly service to Norwich and good onward connections to London, Cambridge and Peterborough.

There is a real desire for change in these parishes, as they seek to grow in number, make meaningful connections with the people of their parishes and bring them to faith. Good leadership, communication and vision will be key to achieving this.

This is an interim post to enable the parishes to discern appropriate ways in which to change and grow in the future. We anticipate that this discernment will be well advanced in three years and are open to a second three years in which to see fruitfulness.

We are praying for a priest who will:

• Listen to the communities, getting to know and working with both those in and outside the church.
• Prayerfully discern vision and lead change
• Actively grasp opportunities for mission and service
• Have a desire to see lives transformed by Christ
• Encourage a younger and more diverse church through the building of relationships with families, especially though the 3 schools and the Horstead centre
• Lead meaningful and engaging worship which equips everyday faith
• Deepen discipleship
• Look at ways to create a mixed economy of church, which is sustainable
• Care for those who have faithfully served their church communities in their life time
• Work towards a sustainable financial future

Key characteristics of post-holder:

• An ordained priest in the Church of England, or a Church in communion with the Church of England with a desire to see lives transformed by Christ
• Personally rooted and confident in their love of God and God’s love for others
• A visible presence in the communities – both knowing and being known
• A pastoral heart
• Able to facilitate change with sensitivity
• Able to communicate vision and inspire others
• A desire to work with families, children and young people

For an informal discussion about this post, please be in touch with the Archdeacon of Lynn, The Ven. Catherine Dobson on 01362 709200 or email archdeacon.lynn@dioceseofnorwich.org