Head of Discipleship

Church of England; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 61,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent religious organization is seeking a Head of Discipleship to lead the development of Christian formation within the Diocese of Oxford. The ideal candidate must have strong theological understanding, strategic leadership skills, and the ability to design initiatives fostering diverse vocations. This role involves collaborating with various stakeholders to inspire growth in faith and support community missions. A commitment to the Church's vision of equality and inclusivity is essential.

Qualifications

• Strong strategic leadership skills to inspire change and manage complex projects.
• Proven ability to develop learning resources for mission and vocational callings.
• Experience in team leadership and staff development.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of Christian formation vision.
• Collaborate with bishops, clergy, and lay leaders.
• Oversee a skilled team on Social Justice, Environment Care, and Generous Giving.

Skills

Theological depth

Strategic leadership

Mentoring

Team leadership

Creative approaches to Christian formation

Education

Ministerial experience

Communicant member of the Church of England

Job description

Salary: £61,491 - £66,222 per annum, dependant on experience

Contract: Permanent

Location: Church House Oxford, Langford Locks, OX5 1GF

Hours: Full time – 37 hours per week

Contract Type: Permanent

Closing Date: 12noon – 08 January 2026

Interview Date: 21 January 2026 in person at Church House Oxford

About The Role

The Diocese of Oxford is seeking a creative and experienced Head of Discipleship to lead the development and delivery of our vision for Christian formation and the broad vocations of all God’s people. This pivotal role will shape and implement our strategic framework, Everyday Disciples, ensuring that individuals and communities grow in faith and live out their calling in the world.

As a key member of the Department of Mission and Ministry’s Strategic Leadership Team, you will work collaboratively with bishops, clergy, and lay leaders to refine and communicate clear goals, design diocesan-wide initiatives, and oversee a skilled team resourcing work on Social Justice, Environment Care, and Generous Giving. Your leadership will help integrate discipleship priorities with wider mission objectives, influencing both local practice and national policy.

About You

We are seeking a dynamic leader with theological depth and ministerial experience, rooted in a vibrant personal faith and prayer life. You will bring a proven ability to develop creative approaches to Christian formation and discipleship, working effectively across diverse theological traditions. Strong strategic leadership skills are essential to inspire change, build trust, and manage complex projects, alongside experience in team leadership, mentoring, and staff development.

You will be adept at designing and delivering learning resources and initiatives that equip people for mission and nurture vocational callings and demonstrate a wholehearted commitment to the vision and values of the Church of England, with a passion for enabling all God’s people to flourish in their discipleship.

There is a genuine occupational requirement that the appointee must be a communicant member of the Church of England or of a church in full communion with it, in accordance with schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010.

How To Apply

For further information and to apply, please visit Head of Discipleship – Diocese of Oxford (link omitted for formatting).

We want the Church of England’s commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion for all to be reflected in our staff. We are particularly keen to receive applications from UK minority ethnic / global majority heritage and disabled candidates, who are currently underrepresented.

The Church of England is committed to the safeguarding, care and nurture of everyone within our church community. In the Diocese of Oxford we follow and are committed to the Church of England’s House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Policies and the relevant statutory legislation and guidance "Working together" to ensure the welfare of children and young people is paramount. This post is subject to an enhanced plus barred lists DBS check.