Rector of Whittesey, Pondersbridge & Coates, nr Peterborough

Lambeth Palace Library; Peterborough; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A local benefice in Peterborough is seeking a Rector to lead four interconnected churches focused on growth and community engagement. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong leadership, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to pastoral care. Responsibilities include rebuilding team dynamics and developing church facilities for mission. This role is vital for responding to the evolving demographics and needs of our community.

Benefits

Excellent modern rectory

Supportive colleagues

Well funded continuing ministerial development

Qualifications

• Spiritual Depth
• Emotionally intelligent
• Energy and Enthusiasm
• Hospitable faith

Responsibilities

• Lead four churches towards growth and transformation.
• Rebuild team relations and guide through conflict.
• Engage with the community to attract new residents.
• Develop church buildings for renewed mission.

Skills

Team Builder and change enabler

Leader of missional engagement with the community

Pastorally Sensitive

Able to train a curate

Car Driver

Job description

Rector for the Benefice of Whittlesey, Pondersbridge & Coates, near Peterborough, Cambridgeshire

Inspiring ministry and mission in our market town.

The role of Rector of the benefice of Whittlesey, Pondersbridge and Coates is an opportunity to lead 4 diverse but interconnected churches with a desire to grow in mission and grace. We serve 18000 people in this fenland town and surrounding communities within 4 miles of Peterborough. Our population is growing younger as new housing brings new people to enrich our fenland communities.

Our churches have been a benefice for decades and are held in high regard in this community. Recent leadership has taken us into a season of growth and transformation. Though we still face the challenges of buildings that need adapting and finding a strategy that enables all to flourish in diversity.

Missional challenges and opportunities

• Rebuilding a sense of team - We have been through a period of unsettling change that has strained relationships. We need our next rector to be able to listen and lead us out of conflict into healthy change. The diocese will provide support and training to the incumbent as they lead us into healing and renewal.
• Continuing to grow younger and more diverse - We have grown younger over the last few years. We want to maintain this momentum: growing our ministry to baptism families, enlarging Alpha, developing local teams and leaders. Our town is growing fast, and we want to attract and engage new and existing residents.
• Growing Missional Disciples - We see disciples growing in many different ways: through bible studies in Lent & Advent, LYCIG (leading your church into growth), a weekly bible study group, prayer triplets, mid-week services, Men’s ministry, Community breakfast, Women’s breakfast, Worship Wednesdays.
• Renewing buildings for mission - We have big plans for developing 3 of our 4 church buildings and renewing our hall.

We are looking for these qualities in our next incumbent

Skills

• Team Builder and change enabler
• Leader of missional engagement with the community
• Pastorally Sensitive
• Able to train a curate
• Car Driver

Character

• Spiritual Depth
• Emotionally intelligent
• Energy and Enthusiasm
• Hospitable faith

Our diocese and deanery offers

• Excellent, spacious modern rectory in quiet street
• Friendly supportive chapter colleagues
• Well funded CMD and support for clergy and their families
• Generous and pastoral senior leadership

Application details

• Download the Benefice Profile and application form from the Diocesan website here: https://www.elydiocese.org/about/news-jobs-and-events/job-vacancies/
• Please note that applications must be submitted by email to [e-mail]
• Closing Date: To be advised
• Interviews: To be advised
• Full details at https://www.elydiocese.org/about/vacancies
• Informal enquiries Ven Richard Harlow, Archdeacon of Huntingdon & Wisbech, Telephone [phone]

Safer Recruitment in the Diocese of Ely

The Diocese of Ely is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees to undertake safeguarding checks and training relevant to their role and to adhere to the Church of England’s safeguarding policies and procedures. Therefore, this position is subject to an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS).