Associate Vicar

Help further our Vision to be “in the community, for the community, to the Glory of God”. The role includes sharing in all aspects of the ministry & vision of the Church, leadership of our three Sunday services, and team management.

Responsibilities

The Associate Vicar will share Parochial responsibilities with the Vicar. Tasks and Responsibilities: You will be fully involved in the life of Christ Church and of the staff team, and in taking forward our vision, through: - leading and preaching on 3 Sunday services with the Clergy and Service Leaders on a rota basis. - sharing leadership of monthly services at local nursing homes as well as occasional services such as Baptism, Weddings and Funerals. - provide supervision and line-management for Pastoral staff include termly review and goal setting, based on their job specs, previous appraisals, and the Church’s Vision. - deputizing for the Vicar in his absence - chair the Pastoral Care Team and share in the pastoral care of the Church family. This will include the regular visiting of church members and parishioners especially those new to the parish, sick or in hospital. - share oversight of the Connect Groups and outreach courses. Dividing responsibility for teaching and training ministry possibly including: -- Coordinating the Home Groups, leadership training and selection of study material -- Coordinating training courses -- Recruiting and training volunteer teams to be involved in Sunday services -- Overseeing occasional courses such as Alpha, Christianity Explored, Discipleship Explored etc. Training leaders and being involved in the programme of evangelism and discipleship through these courses. - share leadership of door to door and other evangelistic initiatives to ensure that our purpose is fulfilled - “to know Jesus and make Jesus known” - doing all to assist with the furthering of the Vision and Purpose we believe God has give us for Christ Church, see www.cc-vw.org - through ongoing discussions with the Vicar, the Associate Vicar will be encouraged to take leadership in one or more aspects of ministry that use their gifts and calling to maximum effect and to the glory of God.

Required skills

Whilst it is acknowledged the successful candidate will be ordained and licensed by the Bishop of Guildford, there are specific attributes and experiences considered essential for this role: - An evident vibrant faith in the Lord Jesus Christ - A proven track record in parish ministry with evidence of increasing responsibility - A servant heart - The ability to work within a ministry team - Good relational and bridge-building skills - Approachable - Flexible and enthusiastic

Other

Further Details: This is an initial 3 year term, full-time position with 42 days annual holiday, inclusive of 6 Sundays, plus the statutory 8 Bank Holidays. This entitlement includes time off in lieu of working during Christmas and Holy Week. Holiday dates are to be agreed with the Vicar to ensure continuity of ministry. All members of staff are required to read and agree to the terms set out in the Staff Handbook. Accommodation is provided rent free by the Parochial Church Council, in a property owned by the Diocese of Guildford. Following occupation, it is the responsibility of the Associate Vicar to maintain the garden and keep the interior of the property in good order and to bear the costs of so doing. Any issues pertaining to the maintenance or repair of the exterior of the property should be brought to the attention of the Diocese. Christ Church is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those who are vulnerable. We expect all of our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service and identity check. Terms of Appointment Attendance at Meetings The Associate Vicar will be expected to attend Sunday services and meetings of the PCC, Steering Committee, Clergy and Wardens, Safeguarding as well meetings pertaining to specific ministry areas such as those of the Home Group Leaders, Pastoral Care Team etc. Additionally, the Associate Vicar will help give leadership to the staff team who meet monthly for Bible study and prayer, and to review the ministry of the Church. The Associate Vicar is expected to participate in Deanery Synod and Chapter meetings. Continuing Education, Ministerial Development and Ministry Review The Associate Vicar will participate in the Diocesan Continuous Ministry Education (CME) programme and is expected to engage in continuing theological study. The Vicar and Associate Vicar will meet regularly for prayer, discussion and mutual support. Personal Development?The Associate Vicar will be encouraged to continue his personal development. Extra Parochial activities such attendance at Missions and Conferences is by agreement with the Vicar and Church Wardens. External Ministry The Associate Vicar may take outside ministry commitments, if compatible with his ministry at Christ Church. These outside ministry commitments are to be agreed by the Vicar and Wardens. Reporting and Performance Review The Associate Vicar will be supervised by the Vicar with whom he will meet on a regular basis. The Associate Vicar’s performance and ministry contribution will be subject to an annual Performance Review conducted by the Vicar. The Associate Vicar is encouraged to seek additional spiritual direction and to devote time each week to personal study. Stipend & Pension The stipend for an Associate Vicar is set by the Diocese of Guildford, subject to annual increments in accordance with Diocesan policy and is payable through the Diocesan payroll. Pension contributions will be made to the Church of England Pensions Scheme Expenses Expenses will be met by the Parochial Church Council in line with Diocesan policy and local Staff Expenses policy as detailed in the Employee Handbook. The Associate Vicar will submit expense claims as expenses occur, or at least monthly.