1

“Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart.”

Philippians: 4 v 6

Welcome to Christ Church Eccleston

2

Table of contents

Introduction to the Eccleston team ........................................................ 3

Parish profile ......................................................................................... 4

About the parish .................................................................................... 5

About Eccleston ..................................................................................... 6

About our church and its people ............................................................ 7

What do we like about our church? ....................................................... 9

Worship ................................................................................................. 9

Study and teaching .............................................................................. 12

The buildings ....................................................................................... 14

The vicarage ........................................................................................ 15

Finance ................................................................................................ 17

Who are we looking for? ...................................................................... 21

Appendix 1 – Role description ............................................................. 24

Appendix 2 – Person specification ....................................................... 27

3

Introduction to the Eccleston Team Christ Church Parish Profile Team Introduction

The church of Christ Church Eccleston forms part of the Eccleston Team of churches. The

Eccleston Team is made up of five parishes to the west of St Helens town centre. The Team

serves a population of around 36,000 people and consists of five parishes each with their

own PCC and freedom to develop their own mission and outreach plans. With a total parish

share of £185,000 the Team is a net contributor to the Diocesan Stipend Fund.

Since the formation of the Team the clergy have met regularly for Bible study and prayer and

this has proved a vital means of communication, support, encouragement and challenge for

individual ministries as well as parish ministry. There is scope to further develop ministries

across the Team drawing on the gifts within particular congregations.

Services such as Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Ascension Day and Confirmation are

held as Team services which rotate around the parishes during the year. Four times a year a

Team service takes place on a Sunday afternoon and congregations are encouraged to join

with the other churches to worship and enjoy fellowship together.

There are some changes planned within the Team. When established, the Team had an

allocation of four clergy to serve the five churches, with the Team Rector serving two. To

enable this pattern to be effective clergy in the Team offered cover of one Sunday a month

away from their own church. One of the churches in the Team, St Matthews, is exploring

becoming a Chapel of Ease. This would mean regular Sunday worship would cease and

therefore the need for Sunday cover would lapse. However if full holiday entitlement is

taken, for half a year, the Team would be served by just three clergy meaning there would

still be a need to offer assistance to the other churches during holidays, interregna etc..

The Eccleston Team is a strong Christian presence in St Helens; there is a good mix of

faithful, spiritual inherited church as well as various forms of Fresh Expression and other

outreach programmes. The folk are God fearing and God serving and as such are keen to

share the Good News they themselves have discovered. For anyone coming into the Team

they will find support for their ministry, opportunity to develop outreach supported by a

prayerful base founded upon faithfulness and the desire to see God’s Kingdom grow in the

place where God has set us.

Reverend Harry Welch –Team Rector

4

Parish Profile

Christ Church Eccleston is a loving, welcoming and caring church community, and remains

one of the most well-attended, well-maintained, well-funded churches within the Diocese

of Liverpool and St Helens Deanery.

Overview of the Church:

Newly re-ordered church building fit for 21st century worship

Average weekly congregation of 100 people

Full Parish Share paid annually

The parish with the largest annual contribution to Christian Aid collections in St Helens

A PCC of many talents plus countless eager volunteers – ready and willing to serve

But:

We need to engage better with young families

We need a usable church hall as the current hall is dilapidated and some distance from

the church

We are open to (and eager for) ‘fresh expressions’, pro-active community outreach and

service – we want to make a difference!

Christ Church is part of a team, which comprises St James’, St Luke’s, St John’s Ravenhead

and St Matthew’s, with an allocation of four full time clergy. We need a vicar who can enable

us to move forward and grow.

Contained in this profile is information about:

the area and the parish

our church people and their work

the buildings

As a community we work together to foster a sense of love for Jesus Christ and the people

and world around us. And while there are things we do well there are things we need

support with; we pray that God will lead the right person to us.

5

About the parish

Our parish is in Eccleston within the borough of St Helens and has dwellings to the East

and farmland and a golf course to the south and west. There is also farmland to the north.

The properties are mainly owner occupied and are a mix of semi-detached and large

detached houses. There are two small estates of social housing at Trapwood Close and

Gillars Green. Trapwood Community Centre is often used by the church for teaching and

activities. Private apartments for the elderly have been built in the parish and these are

close to all amenities and to the local bus stop.

Within the parish there is a small parade of shops, a local co-op supermarket, library and

a cafe, which is very popular. The doctor’s surgery at present shares the site of our

dilapidated church hall and for this a monthly rent is paid to the church. There are plans

for the surgery to move elsewhere later in 2015. There is a dental surgery in the parish

and another small supermarket has recently opened near to a new housing development.

Eccleston Village Hall, which is close to The Smithy, formerly a blacksmith’s workshop and

now a heritage centre, is available to rent and there is also a small centre which provides

courses and activities for the community with a focus on care for the elderly.

There are two primary schools within the parish. Eccleston Mere Primary is a state school

and there is also St Julie RC Primary. Close by is Bleak Hill Primary School, another state

school, which is just outside the parish boundary. Children from Eccleston attend all three

of these schools which all have outstanding reports from Ofsted. Bleak Hill and Eccleston

Mere School have strong links with our church. Two of our children’s groups take place in

Bleak Hill School and Eccleston Mere is used for activities such as Messy Church and our

Anchor Project. Assemblies have been taken in both schools on a regular basis and we

would hope that this would continue. The last incumbent was a governor at Eccleston

Mere School.

De La Salle School is in the parish and there are other high schools within easy travelling

distance of Eccleston. Most of the children from Eccleston Mere Primary School and Bleak

Hill Primary School transfer to Rainford Technology College when they are 11 years old.

Carmel College is a Catholic Sixth Form College which welcomes students of all faiths.

The college is one of the top 5 Sixth Form Colleges in the country.

6

About Eccleston

Eccleston is a suburb of St Helens and had a population of 11,525 at the 2011 census.

There have been a considerable number of private properties built since then (a

development of 272 houses is being built close to our church) so the figures will be higher

in 2015. The Lake District, Snowdonia, Yorkshire Dales and cities of Manchester and

Liverpool are easily accessible. The train to London takes two and a half hours. The M6,

M57, M58, M62 and the East Lancashire Road linking Manchester and Liverpool are all

close. The public transport links are very good. There are buses to Prescot and St Helens

and from these there are good train services to Liverpool, Wigan, Warrington and

Manchester and thence all parts of the UK.

There are many sporting facilities close to and within the parish. Eccleston Mere is a large

body of water used by the local sailing club. There are plans to increase the use of the

Mere's facilities for the benefit of the community. The nearby playing fields are used for

walking, ball games and the children’s football teams. Ruskin Drive sports complex has

tennis courts, bowling greens and cricket and rugby pitches as well as a gym with

swimming pool. The Parish also includes the beautiful Taylor Park which covers

approximately 52 acres, including a substantial lake and is Grade II listed on the Register

of Historic Parks and Gardens.

7

About our Church and its People

We have 176 people on the electoral roll. In 2014/2015 we had 11 deaths but also 11

new members and at the annual meeting in 2014 we reported that 21 names had been

added from the number in 2013.

We like to think that our church is “growing”. However the age profile is fairly high and we

are considering how we might reduce this by encouraging and welcoming young families.

The PCC

There are 20 members of the PCC who meet regularly. A standing committee of 8 people and the minister also meet regularly. There are two Wardens, a Treasurer, a Secretary and a lay Chairperson who do sterling work. An away day is held annually. This is when we review our mission statement and consider the needs of the congregation and the parish. The PCC has appointed a Safeguarding Officer. We have many hardworking and lively members who contribute to the life and worship of the church. Their skills are many and varied.

Our Church

Wardens are

always ready

to help and to

welcome

people.

8

Licensed staff

Brenda Parker and David Anderton are retired Ordained Local Ministers with the

Bishop’s permission to officiate. Sue Kirkham and Pauline Parr are Licensed

Readers.

These people lead our worship and preach

Lay involvement

Each month a group of people prepare and lead the worship on the third Sunday

and there are also others who preach at some services.

In addition to the PCC and officials, others act as sidespersons, computer

“operators”, musicians, tea and coffee makers, flower arrangers, typists, office staff,

magazine editors, gardeners, maintenance workers, cleaners, money counters and

bankers, gift aid secretaries, electoral roll officer, children’s group leaders, social

planners, event organisers, launderers, property managers, Christian Aid

organisers, safeguarding officers, helpers with home communions and many other

tasks which help to vitalise the church community. It is clear that there is a

great willingness to volunteer. We have in excess of 100 jobs, which people

carry out regularly. People show their love for Jesus Christ and their church family

through their actions.

Pastoral care is carried out by the ministers and other members of the congregation.

There are strong links with the Trapwood Community Centre which houses elderly

people in social housing.

Sheila our organist

Some of the cleaning team

9

What do we like about our church?

Jean in her seventies

"As we start arriving

the building begins

to come alive with a

feeling of fellowship

and love."

Lucy aged 9

"Er..I don't quite know

how to say it. I mean

there is something for old

people and lots for the

children."

Alan aged 93

"I've been coming here since

1947. It feels like home. I've

been making things for the

building for years.”

Rachel aged 36 and Daisy aged two

"Christ Church is a very

special place where

faith, friendship, fun

and humour flourish."

Jeff in his sixties. Ready for tree trimming.

"The love and generosity

of Christ Church people is

second to none."

Lawrence aged 16

"It was great

helping out in the

youth group and

also at the church

camp."

10

Worship

Our adult average attendance is

shown here. The statistics show

that the attendance of children

is low and we are praying for

guidance so that we can

address this issue.

Patterns of worship

Week 1 10.30am Family Worship with Baptism

Week 2 8.00am Holy Communion 2

10.30am Family Communion with children's group

Week 3 10.30am Family Worship – “Worship for All”

Week 4 8.00am Holy Communion 2

10.30am Family Worship

11.00am Communion at the Trapwood Centre

2.00pm Home Communion – Tuesday Fellowship1

Week 5 10.30am Prayer and Praise Service

Holy Communion 2 is a traditional service - all other communion services

use newer liturgy

Music is provided by: a small music group

an organist

or through the laptop and sound system

During Family Communion services a children's group for infant and

junior age children is provided. Sometimes older children help the adults

with this group.

Worship for All groups lead the Family Service in week 3.

11

Children's attendance at special services such as Harvest, Christingle, Mothering Sunday

and Father's day is encouraging. Special services for families such as our Easter

Eggstravaganza and the Christmas Crib service continue to be popular.

Typical numbers attending each service are shown here

8.00am 15 Actual numbers

between 9 and 22

10.30am 80 + Actual numbers

between 55 and 90

plus up to 9 children

Monthly Communion

at Trapwood

8 adults Actual numbers

between 6 and 9

Tuesday Fellowship 10 Actual numbers

between 14 and 8

1Tuesday Fellowship meetings take place monthly and this is offered to those who can no

longer attend church. The social benefits for these very elderly people are much

appreciated and Communion is offered. People attending Tuesday fellowship are collected

by car if necessary.

Thursday Fellowship supper Worship and Holy Communion at the Trapwood Centre

Thursday Fellowship has about 40 mainly older female members who are very friendly

and have lively minds. They enjoy speakers on a wide range of topics, Christian, social

and environmental, also suppers and outings.

12

Study and Teaching

Some members of the congregation meet weekly in two groups to study and discuss

various aspects of the Bible, its teaching and our discipleship.

Course books are often used for shorter courses. Many have attended these and have had

the opportunity to consider their faith. An Alpha course is offered each year.

Children's Groups

AllStars for children from four to seven years of age is held weekly from 6.15pm to

7.30pm in Bleak Hill School. There are opportunities to sing, talk, play and worship in a

lively environment.

Star Academy is also in Bleak Hill School

at the same time as All Stars. It is for

children of junior school age and they too

explore the Bible and its relevance to their

lives. There is also time for fun games and

fellowship.

YPF our Young People's Fellowship is for

secondary aged children. This is held in our

lower church hall from 8pm to 10pm on a

Friday night. The first hour is spent

considering how Christianity affects their

lives and behaviour. The second hour is

organised as a youth club with games and activities.

In total there are approximately 50 to 60

children and young people who attend these

groups. Some of the children take part in our

Worship for All services and special services

from time to time. Attendance at the special

services is encouraging.

There are also outreach events for children,

which are for the wider community. We

organise a Teddy Bear's picnic to which all

local children are invited and usually have

about 60

children and

their

parents at

this event.

For the slightly older children we organise science and

technology challenge days. These are very competitive

but great fun.

Ready for a story

Having the picnic

13

Messy Church is held in the hall of Eccleston Mere School. It is a fresh expression of

worship for families and their children. At the last session we had 40+ children, 35

parents, as well as 25 helpers.

The Anchor Project is just beginning. This is for children

with additional needs and their families.

A link was made with Prospects2 in order to get advice about

this type of work.

A Mums' and Toddlers' group is due to begin a trial run in

the autumn. This will be held in the crèche area. We are

hoping that young mothers will enjoy the fellowship. We

expect that there will be an influx of young families into the

area as the new building project develops.

In addition to our regular worship, occasional ‘special’ worship events form part of our

outreach:

A special ‘Songs of Praise’ event supported by a Brass Ensemble was held during April. Remembrance Sunday Service. Commemoration Service for the bereaved on the afternoon of Remembrance Sunday. Christingle on Advent Sunday. Nativity in December. Carol singing at the new Sainsbury’s Local store and on Eccleston Grange. ‘Carols by Candlelight’ at Christmas. Crib Service on Christmas Eve and an Easter Eggstravaganza service.

Joe investigates snails

14

The Buildings

Christ Church is a 177 years old Grade II listed building. In the church is a plaque

commemorating Richard Seddon, the first prime minister of New Zealand, who was born

in Eccleston.

The church interior is now looking fine after its recent re-ordering. Three rows of pews

have been removed to create a more flexible space.

Making use of our flexible space Christ Church singers

-- afternoon tea after a concert

The spire has been rebuilt recently.

We have a new brew facility and a new under floor heating system.

The installation of LED lights is being investigated and a new data projector has

been installed.

A glass screen provides a crèche

area for children and families.

a disabled toilet has been built and

the floor has been raised and

levelled to remove steps and

covered with oak flooring.

The church, graveyard and garden of

remembrance are maintained weekly

by a group of volunteers.

15

The Vicarage

The Diocese is planning

to provide a new

vicarage on a section of

the large plot where the

present vicarage

stands. The new

incumbent will be

invited to be part of the

planning process.

The Church Hall is in a

dilapidated condition

and only the lower hall

is used. The Young

People's Fellowship

group meet there and

the hall is rented to the St Helen's U3A for the men's singing group and occasionally to

the entertainment group. We have used a great deal of our money to reorder the church

and rebuild the spire but the congregation are generous in their sacrificial giving and we

are hopeful that funds from the sale of land will be available for us to build a new hall,

when planning permission is obtained. We would hope that the new incumbent would

support us in this project, which is in the developmental stage following discussions with

the diocesan representatives and St Helen's planning department.

Church house is a detached house, which was originally built as a dwelling for the

verger on a site in Church Lane a few metres from the church. It is at present rented to

a private individual.

The Church Field is behind the graveyard and is a very large open space. This is used

by the community for recreation. Some wild flower areas have been developed and at

one time it was used for the church gala days.

16

Occasional Offices

The figures for weddings and

baptisms in 2014 would have

been higher had not reordering

been taking place.

Members of the Eccleston team are asked by the team rector to support each other to

cover pastoral offices during holiday periods and when a clergy member is not available.

Social Events: On a social level and outreach level, we enjoyed in 2014

A Spring Fair in March. A U3A presentation of ‘Old Time Music Hall’ in March. A day trip to visit the ‘Well Dressing’ at Tissington which took place in May. A Christmas Fair in November

Whilst some of these events did generate income, they fall under the heading of

FUNdraising events in which any income is secondary to fellowship and gentle outreach.

A number of parishioners play bowls together at a local club in the Spring and Summer.

Unfortunately the indoor bowls group has had to close because of lack of interest.

We always enjoy our coffee time after Sunday worship now that we have a brew facility.

Local community links

Members of our congregation serve as governors of local schools, as parish councillors

and as trustees and workers for the Eccleston Old People's Welfare committee. We deliver

food to the local foodbank.

Support for other charities

Crosslinks, as our overseas Mission agency, and through them the work of Jirka and

Keira Kralovi in the Czech Republic.

Raised money for The Children's Society through our Christingle Service

Organised the local collection for Christian Aid and raised £3700.

Participated in the "shoebox” appeal and gave a retiring collection to Syria.

17

Organised a musical concert and afternoon tea, which raised an additional £360 for

Nepal.

Donated to Prospects2 which encourages worship opportunities for people with

additional needs.

£915 was given to the “Step Out” Scripture Union holiday for assisted places.

Ecumenical Links are maintained with St Julie’s RC church and a number of joint

events were organised

A service during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Women's World Day of Prayer and the Good Friday walk of witness

Carol singing and Easter and Christmas card distribution.

Finance

The church has always paid the full Diocesan parish share and we are grateful for the

generosity of our congregation. The Building for the Future fund benefits from regular

giving in excess of the planned giving and the loose offerings. However we are mindful of

the fact that the building of the church hall, if permission is obtained, will be an expensive

project. We have also had some vandalism in the last year and, whilst this has been

partially covered by insurance, it is nevertheless costly.

In 2014 there were 75 people who had signed enduring gift aid declarations and a further

12 who gift aid regular single donations in building fund envelopes.There are also 29

people who have planned giving envelopes but who do not pay tax.

Of course we pay clergy expenses and would support the incumbent as they take time for

training.

A visual breakdown of our most recent accounts is included on the following pages.

18

Income Total – £193,401

19

Expenses Total –

£296,406

20

Expenses (less building works) - £112,300

21

Who are we looking for?

Do you want to come and live and work with us? We are looking for someone with these

characteristics.

Spiritual/Personal qualities

A person who loves the Lord and loves people; who prays, studies, reflects and acts upon God's Word.

A stimulating and inspiring preacher who supports the theology of our church (open evangelical).

Experience of working with children and young people in order to continue and encourage the development of the Children’s and Young People’s groups.

To reflect, interpret and preach the gospel in a way that will encourage faith development, adapting content and style for different congregations, occasions and purposes.

A person who values the diversity of styles of worship and musical traditions and feels comfortable leading them.

A person who leads by example both spiritually and socially. To recognise our strengths and support us in our weaknesses. Capable of exercising appropriate leadership, to motivate, inspire and co-ordinate the work

of volunteers. Sharing ministry as appropriate and working collaboratively with others, (including clergy

colleagues, churchwardens, PCC, staff and volunteers), so that individuals’ gifts and talents are identified and used effectively in any given situation or task.

To attract those on the fringe and draw them into the life of the church and initiate fresh ways of reaching out to the uncommitted.

Able to establish a high profile in the Parish and make use of every opportunity to develop relations with community and external organisations to promote positive links with the church.

To continue and build on the very good relationships established with local schools. A person who will encourage the development of music within the church, both traditional

hymns and modern songs, and support the recently formed singing and music groups. A person with a strong pastoral instinct.

To work alongside the PCC to achieve our long awaited scheme for a new Church Hall. Managerial

Experience of working in a team situation. To take care and development of themselves and their personal relationships, including

adequate time for family life, friendship, recreation, renewal and personal health, through taking a weekly day off and their full holiday entitlement.

Has an understanding of church financial processes.

IT

Have a working knowledge/competency of IT. Use of Microsoft Office to make best use of

our newly installed projector.

22

Our targets for 2015

Many of these have already been met but we hope to make significant progress towards our

goals in the next year.

1: Growth Worship: Teaching on finance/giving.

Discipleship: Further encouragement re the identification and use of gifts in

service to enable continuity and promote personal and corporate growth.

2: Witness Outreach: Progress group for people with learning disabilities.

Recruit ‘Messy Church’ Co-ordinator and organize more events.

More effective advertising of Friday evening children’s groups.

Organise a family friendly Easter ‘equivalent’ to the Crib Service.

Organise a simple ‘Welcome Pack’ for new attenders/new housing.

Distribute Church Magazines to selected roads/houses at the

beginning of the month.

3: Caring Fellowship: Form a rota for tea/coffee after worship.

Form a team for Home Communion visits.

4: Buildings/: Outstanding items associated with reordering to be completed i.e. Data projector to be

permanently mounted on wall, in situ hot water heater for tea/coffee to be installed, pew cushions to be

purchased, improved storage in the Tower to be addressed.

Progress discussion re potential Hall/Car park on the Orchard.

About the Deanery written by Rev David Eastwood, the Area Dean

The Deanery of St Helens has a reputation for being a progressive and forward thinking Deanery.

The Clergy Chapter is well attended, providing a supportive and encouraging place to pray, learn

and grow together. Each year we have a 24 hour retreat where the Chapter agenda is set for the

forthcoming year.

All Parishes and Teams are committed to the Deanery Mission Plan, and since 2007 each parish

has produced an Annual Mission Plan, reviewing the past year and outlining goals for growth and

development in the coming year. Each Team has agreed to produce a mixed economy Team Plan

that will outline the pattern of ministry and the resources required, including buildings and staff.

The Deanery Mission Plan is the local response to the Bishop’s Growth agenda.

Each Team is looking at ways of deploying its resources most effectively so that mission is the

priority, and clergy within the Eccleston Team, have a reputation of working well together.

The church building having recently been reordered and with its outward focus, the future for

Christ Church, Eccleston is promising.

23

And finally…

We are a local Parish church rooted in the local community and ready for growth.

Our friendly and engaging congregation are eager to put our recently reordered

church to best use. Are you the person to help us move forward?

If you would like more information please contact:

Phil Larsen Warden phillarsen@talktalk.net

Will Lomax Warden wjlomax3101@hotmail.com

Our website can be found at www.cce.org.uk

24

Role description for a Team Vicar – Christ Church, Eccleston in the Eccleston Team

Signed off by: Archdeacon of St Helens and Warrington

Date: 2015

1. Details of the post

Role title: Team Vicar, Christ Church, Eccleston

Name of benefice(s): Christ Church, Eccleston.

Team/Group: Eccleston Team.

Deanery: St Helens

Archdeaconry: Warrington

Initial point of contact on Clergy Terms of Service: The Archdeacon of St Helens and Warrington

2. Wider context

The Diocese of Liverpool has a vision to be a place where there is a sustainable, led and transforming Christian

presence in every community encouraging all people to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God. This

touches each and every aspect of congregational and parish life and will need to be worked out carefully and

prayerfully in each setting. Within this wider vision the Bishop has set a clear priority of growth in numbers of

church members and in vocations.

The Diocese of Liverpool places a strong emphasis on devolved Deanery mission planning as interpreting this

wider vision within the local context.

3. Local context

The Eccleston Team consists of five churches, Christ Church (1838 Grade 2 Listed), St James', St Luke's, St

Matthew's and St John's Ravenhead. The post holder will be based at Christ Church but will be expected to play

a full part in the life of the Team ministry. The post holder would be encouraged to liaise with local schools and

to lead school assemblies. There are established links with the local community and the post holder would be

expected to communicate across age ranges to develop the mission and ministry in the area.

4. Responsibilities

4 (a) – General

To share with the Bishop in the privilege and responsibility of the oversight of the Church and the parish.

To lead God’s people in the offering of praise and the proclamation of the gospel.

To sustain the community of the faithful by the ministry of word and sacrament.

To identify and nurture gifts of every member, and in particular vocations to Ordained and Reader ministry.

25

To engage all members in ministering to the needs of the parish.

To advance the Kingdom of God in this place through servant leadership, mutual ministry and personal

example.

To have particular regard for the Bishop’s priority for the church to grow numerically.

4 (b) – Local

To play a full part in the life of the Eccleston Team and to lead worship in the churches as it becomes

necessary.

To have responsibility, within the Team, for all areas of parochial ministry at Christ Church.

To support and develop the ministry of the Licensed Readers at Christ Church.

To develop a visible expression of collaborative ministry at Christ Church .

To develop and enhance the vision and use of Christ Church in terms of an holistic approach to community

needs and outreach.

To take a full part in the life of the Clergy Chapter, Deanery and Diocesan synodical system.

5. Key contacts

Groups & committees

PCC

Chapter, Deanery Synod, St Helens

In the parish/Team

Clergy colleagues

Churchwardens

Readers

Worship for All Groups

Study Group leaders

Archdeacon of Warrington

Bishop of Warrington

Staff at St James House

Summary

Parish: One

Churches: One

PCC: One

Churchwardens: Two

Clergy: Three

Buildings: One

Churchyards: One

Population: Eccleston

Average Sunday Attendance: 95

Parish Share: £50,154

26

Expenses: Reimbursed in full

Resolutions: None.

Church traditions: Various.

Pastoral Reorganisation:

27

-

Appendix 2 – Person Specification_

Team Vicar –Christ Church, Eccleston in the Eccleston Team Each of the following criteria will be assessed via: (a) application form; (i) interview; (p) presentation

Essential requirements Desirable requirements

Qualifications Theological studies (a)

Theological

Loyal to the Church of England

Demonstrates depth and breadth of

theological understanding, (i)

Commitment to the ministry of the whole people of God (i)

Commitment to the theological

understanding and development of fresh expressions of church and missional

communities. (i/p)

Comfortable working in a church of a central

tradition (i)

Spiritual / Personal

qualities

Fully embraces the diocesan bishop’s

Growth Agenda (a)

Be a person of integrity (i)

Sympathy with the values and ethos of the

Church of England (i)

An active Christian faith based on regular

worship, study of the bible and prayer (a/i)

An innovative and creative approach to new

tasks (i/p)

A proven problem solver with resilience and

flexibility. (a/i)

Show sensitivity in dealing with people and

change (p)

28

An entrepreneurial spirit. (i)

Ability to work in a team and on own

initiative (a/i)

Vision and Leadership

Able to lead the church in mission with conviction and enthusiasm (p)

Able to stimulate, challenge and open eyes to new vision (i)

Able to lead and work with a team of ordained and lay colleagues (i)

Have the capacity to discern, along with others, the needs of the parish within the wider context of Mission Action Planning (a)

An established track record of ministry to young families and children. (a/i)

An effective communicator and teacher (i)

A people-person with a strong pastoral

instinct who will be active in the local community (i)

Has experience of helping churches to

grow. (p)

Have experience and understanding of a urban church setting (a)

Be responsive and flexible to emerging needs (i)

Managerial

Able to manage the administration of

projects (a)

Able to initiate and manage change (i)

Able to delegate and devolve responsibility (i)

Have good time-management and self-

organisation skills (i)

Experience of coordinating the management of

people, resources and buildings (i)

Financial Awareness of financial issues and

procedures (a)

29

IT Skills Have a functional level of computer literacy (a)

Experience A minimum of four years’ experience

working in a variety of settings, including

schools and churches (a/i)

Experience in working across churches (a/i)

Experience in delivering training (a/i/p)

Experience of leading or managing volunteers

(a/i)

Knowledge

and

skills

Excellent communication skills (a/i/p)

Project management skills (a/i)

Ability to facilitate events and teaching

sessions (a/i)

Presentation skills (p)

Ability to develop materials and resources

(a/i)

Ability to work in partnerships with other

denominations (a/i)

Able to network effectively (a)

Ability to conduct research and analyse

results (a/i)

Able to prioritise tasks and manage own

performance (a/i)

Able to facilitate meetings (a/i/p)

Ability to write reports (a/i)

An understanding of safeguarding of

children and vulnerable adults (a/i)

Knowledge of Church of England structures (i)

The Employment Equality (Religion and Belief) Regulations, Section 7.2 applies to this post

This post will be subject to appropriate Criminal Records Bureau checks and Independent Safeguarding Authority

registration.