Rector - Benefice of Winslow with Great Horwood and Addington

Overview

We wish to appoint a Rector to lead three churches located in rural north Buckinghamshire in an area of rapid growth close to Milton Keynes and in the east-west arc between Oxford and Cambridge.

Introduction

Our churches are all very distinctive with different strengths and areas for development. We are working more closely together as a benefice to support each other during the vacancy, with the Church Wardens meeting regularly. This has helped the running of the benefice and the growth of relationships.

You will have two ministerial colleagues, a curate in training (Year 3) and a Self Supporting Priest, some administrative help and the support of a range of active lay leaders and retired clergy.

Main Responsibilities

• To lead and support the churches to growth both spiritually and in number, particularly with families and young people
• To be open to new ways of doing things while being supportive of the churches’ identities and their inclusive liberal catholic tradition
• To help the churches make stronger connections with the towns and villages, the schools and the new developments in and around the benefice and make new disciples
• To help the benefice work together to grow in worship and supporting their communities, developing their individual Visions and Missions
• To support the PCCs in working more closely together as PCCs

The Ideal Candidate

Our ideal candidate would have the following personal qualities and skills:

• excellent people skills and an ability to relate quickly and get on with people both in and outside the church
• strong experience of being a leader and team player, understanding the importance of delegation
• excellent skills in compassion and approachability – someone who is a good listener, values other opinions and sees pastoral care and home visiting as a key part of their job
• enthusiasm and willingness to become involved in the wider community
• proven experience of being both innovative and proactive
• be comfortable with our tradition of Anglican worship but be eager and able to explore new approaches to worship
• keen to bring in young people, without alienating older members of the congregation
• a willingness to engage with training curates for ministry
• a proven commitment to working with lay people, particularly with regard to mission, pastoral care and fund-raising
• willing to work to develop the benefice as a whole and each church within the benefice
• first rate administrative, organisational and communication skills including IT

About us

Our churches are in the Oxford Diocese and the largely rural Claydon Deanery. There is huge development throughout the area with new road and rail links between Oxford and Cambridge and HS2 passing through the benefice. The churches have a strong musical tradition and a desire to reach out into their communities. We are members of Inclusive Church.

We offer:

• an attractive 4-bedroom house in Winslow
• lively, vibrant, supportive communities and congregations
• paid secretarial help
• excellent transport links to London, Aylesbury and Milton Keynes

For an informal conversation about this role, please contact either The Rt Revd Alan Wilson, Bishop of Buckingham on 07525 655756 or The Revd David Meakin, Area Dean Claydon Deanery on 01296 641606.

Closing Date for Applications: 24 November 2022

Interviews:  15/16 December 2022

Enhanced DBS Disclosure required