Encouraging Parish Mission Lead

Encouraging Parish Mission Lead

Full time, 35 hours per week, Fixed term 4 Years

Flexible working including some evenings and weekends

Are you passionate about helping churches grow in confidence, mission and witness? The Diocese of Leeds is seeking an Encouraging Parish Mission Lead to play a key role in the Barnabas transformation programme, supporting parishes, benefices and church teams as they discern practical, sustainable next steps in mission.

Since 2023, Barnabas has engaged more than 60% of parishes through a wide-ranging offer of support, from buildings and leadership development to new congregations. This role will help churches access that support well, build local confidence and capacity, and turn mission opportunities into thoughtful, achievable plans.

There is an Occupational Requirement for the post holder to be a practising Christian in accordance with Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010.

For clergy applying to this role, your Area/Suffragan Bishop must be informed of your applications at the earliest opportunity. Furthermore, you must seek a Diocesan Bishop’s Licence in order to be eligible for a new role, and please be aware that granting a licence is subject to a CCSL from your Area/Suffragan Bishop.

A full DBS check is required for the successful candidate

Working closely with the Director of Mission and Revitalisation, the Barnabas Programme Co-ordinator and wider diocesan colleagues, you will lead a stream of work focused on encouraging parish mission. You will support the development and use of Compass and mission action planning tools, co-ordinate mission accompaniment, help embed parish mission resources such as Personal Growth and Leadership, and strengthen support for new congregations across the Diocese.

You will be a committed and baptised Christian with experience of working in a church setting and a willingness to serve within the breadth of the Church of England. You will bring a passion for healthy church development, the flourishing of churches of all sizes and traditions, and the encouragement of confidence in individuals and groups.

We are looking for someone who can take initiative, build strong relationships, communicate clearly, organise well and work collaboratively with colleagues, volunteers and parish leaders. Experience of developing volunteers, co-ordinating group learning, and working across church traditions would be especially valuable.

Note: This role has a genuine occupational requirement for the post-holder to be a committed and baptised Christian.