Priest-in-Charge of St Mark's Church, Biggin Hill (London Borough of Bromley)

Introduction

The parish of Biggin Hill (pop. 12,018) is a small town - still referred to by many residents as a 'village' - on the edge of the London Borough of Bromley.  It is mainly residential and surrounded by beautiful, open countryside, yet sits within just a few miles of the M25.

The Living is currently suspended to allow for the possibility of future pastoral reorganisation, but the hope is that our new priest will guide the parish towards achieving its full potential and the suspension being lifted.

The ideal candidate will be:

• A prayerful and practical leader, keen to develop the prayer life of the congregation;
• Able to work collaboratively with our enthusiastic ministry team, and have experience enabling others in their discipleship;
• Comfortable leading a wide range of worship styles;
• Creative in extending the use of our church space and facilities;
• Willing to work with a team to establish a Youth Group.

St Mark's Church was dedicated in 1959 and is Grade II Listed.  A complete refurbishment of the lighting has recently been completed, enabling a range of lighting arrangements for traditional worship, concerts and other community events.  The modern audio-visual system enables Parish Communion services to be live-streamed and recorded, which is very popular.  

The Church Hall complex is very well used by a number of local organisations, with a large hall, separate lounge, well-equipped kitchen, meeting room and office.

The adjacent Vicarage is a 4-bedroom family home with a separate study, double garage and good-sized garden providing private and well-screened accommodation.

Sunday Worship takes place at 10.30am, with an All-Age Family Service on the first Sunday and Parish Communion services on other Sundays (USA 50-55).  Worship is supported by a choir and band or keyboard player with a mix of hymns and songs.  A said Midweek Communion takes place on a Wednesday morning (USA 12).  There are also a number of special services held throughout the year.  Full details can be seen in the accompanying Parish Profile.

Biggin Hill is renowned for its contribution to WWII when the RAF base within the parish played a key role in defence of Britain.  Our priest also acts as Chaplain to St George's RAF Memorial Chapel, taking one service per month in the Chapel as well as supporting and working alongside their ministry team.

You will be supported by an enthusiastic and experienced PCC, a part-time paid Administrator, an LLM-in-training, a Pastoral Visiting Team, and a large number of volunteers who all play a part in regularly organising and planning church activities and outreach (including five who have completed the Hearing and Speaking God's Word course and able to lead worship and/or preach).

For full details please see the accompanying Parish Profile, or visit our website: https://www.movingchurch.org/

For an informal discussion with the Archdeacon of Bromley & Bexley, The Ven Allie Kerr, about this post, please contact her EA, Fiona Porter, by emailing fiona.porter@rochester.anglican.org

Interviews will be held March (date tbc, but possibly Monday 23rd)

The wider a group’s diversity, the smarter, wiser, and more compassionate and creative its decision making becomes. We are committed to achieving diversity throughout our Diocese by seeking UKME/GMH colleagues and those from a wide-range of backgrounds, to help us create a culture of inclusion and belonging.