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Appointment of Rector Role Description and Person Specification

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Contents Details of Post ...... 2 Groups and Committees ...... 5 Context ...... 2 In the Benefice ...... 5 Wider Context ...... 2 Support Structures ...... 6 Local Context ...... 3 Other Relevant Documentation ...... 6 Role Purpose and Key Responsibilities ...... 3 Person Specification ...... 7 General ...... 3 Qualifications/Training ...... 7 Key Responsibilities Specific to the Local Experience ...... 7 Situation ...... 3 Knowledge/Skills and Competencies ...... 7 Other Responsibilities ...... 4 Personal Qualities ...... 8 Benefice Summary ...... 5 If You Are Interested ...... 8 Key Contacts for the Role...... 5

Details of Post Role title: Rector Type of Role: Full-time Stipendiary Name of benefice: Parish of Caversham Thameside and Mapledurham Episcopal area: Reading Deanery: Reading Archdeaconry: Berkshire Conditions of Service: Please refer to Statement of Particulars document issued in conjunction with this role description. Key contact for Archdeacon of Berkshire. This role falls within the Clergy Clergy Terms of Service: Terms of Service formally known as Common Tenure. The (use only for those on Archdeacon of Berkshire is the person designated by the Common Tenure) Bishop of Oxford to issue the Statement of Particulars for the post holder. Accountability: Priests share with the Bishop in the oversight of the Church. Whilst, as an office holder, the individual is expected to lead and prioritise work in line with the purpose of the role, they are encouraged to inform the Archdeacon and Church Warden/s about any issues exceptional or otherwise that have the potential to affect ongoing delivery of ministry. Additional Responsibility: N/A

Context Wider Context As a diocese we are committed to holistic mission, working through the framework of ‘Living Faith for the Future’. We have defined our purpose as ‘to join with God in creating a caring, sustainable and growing Christian presence in every part of the Diocese of Oxford, enabling every Christian and every Christian community to live and share the love of God, seen in the life of Jesus Christ.’ Within the Living Faith framework we are inviting every parish, benefice, Board and Committee to paint their own unique work of art using the colours of: • Sustaining the Sacred Centre • Making Disciples • Making a Difference in the World • Shaping Confident, Collaborative Leadership • Creating Vibrant Christian Communities These priorities are supported centrally by resources, training, conferences, workshops, missioners and much more. We are inviting benefices and their priests to share a vision rather than demanding a response. 2

We encourage a priest to have a ministerial interest beyond the benefice which is a personal specialism and may be made available to the wider church – a ‘sixth day ministry’. Above all, we want all our priests to flourish in ministry and to deepen their enjoyment of God. Local Context The Parish of Caversham Thameside and Mapledurham lies within Reading Deanery, one of the largest deaneries in the country. The Deanery is currently in the process of developing a Mission Action Plan. Details of the parochial context can be found in the Parish Profile.

Role Purpose and Key Responsibilities General A. To exercise the cure of souls shared with the bishop in this benefice in collaboration with colleagues including the praying of the Daily Office, the administration of the sacraments and preaching. B. To have regard to the calling and responsibilities of the clergy (as described in the Canons, the Ordinal, the Code of Professional Conduct for the Clergy) and other relevant legislation including: • bringing the grace and truth of Christ to this generation and making him known to those in your care • instructing the parishioners in the Christian faith • preparing candidates for confirmation • diligently visiting the parishioners of the benefice, particularly those who are sick and infirm • providing spiritual counsel and advice • consulting with the parochial church council on matters of general concern and importance to the benefice • bringing the needs of the world before God in intercession • calling your hearers to repentance and declaring in Christ’s name the absolution and forgiveness of their sins • blessing people in God’s name • preparing people for their death • discerning and fostering the gifts of all God’s people • being faithful in prayer, expectant and watchful for the signs of God’s presence, as he reveals his kingdom among us C. To share in the wider work of the deanery and diocese as appropriate, for the building up of the whole Body Christ. Key Responsibilities Specific to the Local Situation Mission and Outreach The new Rector must:  Build on the lessons the Parish has learnt from Leading Your Church Into Growth  Work to ensure a strong spiritual foundation across the Parish  Enthuse people to act towards the furtherance of mission within the Parish  Welcome people into the church family

 Build and maintain contact within and outside the churches  Be open to effective mission opportunities  Encourage the growth of the Christian message throughout Caversham among all ages. Leadership and Working Collaboratively The Parish was previously a training parish and it therefore benefited from the presence of a trainee curate. Although we hope for further opportunities to secure a trainee curate post, it seems likely that in future we will have fewer clergy. The new Rector must therefore lead the Ministry Team effectively and ensure that its members are deployed to best effect among the various congregations. He/she will also need to consider how an LLM/SSM might be attracted to the vacant St Margaret’s post. Worship and Preaching The new Rector will need to:  Lead with confidence a range of styles of service  Speak and preach clearly, concisely and fluently  Address and allow discussion of ‘difficult’ issues affecting the Church and the world, eg poverty, women bishops, gay marriage. His/her preaching should be energised by the Gospel of Jesus Christ and by a living faith in Him. Pastoral Care The new Rector will need strong pastoral skills and hold a balanced overview of pastoral care for all ages. He/she will need to implement, enforce and adhere to defined policies supporting safeguarding and other such measures. Stewardship and Benefice Organisation The new Rector must demonstrate a desire to:  Understand the historical financial assets of the Benefice and how these can best be used within the Parish  Inspire and foster a culture of giving of one’s time and money by church members  Develop a sharing Christian community within the Parish. Personal Development and Spirituality The new Rector will be expected to develop his/her own pattern of personal and spiritual development. This might include:  Spiritual direction  Monthly quiet days  An annual retreat. Other Responsibilities • Participate in the Bishop’s Ministerial Development Review scheme and engage in Continuing Ministerial Development

• Carry out any other duties and responsibilities as required in line with the benefice needs • Take care for his/her wellbeing including health and safety and building a good repertoire of spiritual and psychological strategies.

Benefice Summary Benefice: The Parish of Caversham Thameside and Mapledurham Churches: St Peter, Caversham St Margaret, Mapledurham St John the Baptist, Caversham Patrons: Christ Church, Oxford (St Peter) Eton College (St Margaret) No. of PCCs: 1 No. of Churchwardens: 6 Ministers: Stipendiary Community Priest Self-supporting Curate Associate Priest LLM/SSM (vacancy) (Potential for stipendiary curate for training) Paid staff: Parish Administrator (4 mornings / week) Parish Secretary (3 mornings / week, term-time only) Churchyards: St Peter – closed St Margaret – open for burials and Garden of Remembrance St John – Garden of Remembrance Resolution A, B, C: Not passed Church tradition: The liturgical tradition across the parish is varying degrees of a central churchmanship No plans for any pastoral reorganisation. For more detailed information, please refer to the Parish Profile.

Key Contacts for the Role Groups and Committees • Deanery Chapter • Deanery Synod In the Benefice • Churchwardens • The PCC • Ministerial Colleagues • Head teachers of local schools • Churches Together in Caversham • Caversham Consolidated Charities and the Lister Charity

Support Structures • Area Dean • Archdeacon • Spiritual director, as per personal arrangements • Staff at the Diocesan Office with key responsibilities for various aspects of supporting parochial ministry • Area Bishop Other Relevant Documentation This role description is issued alongside and should be read in conjunction with the following documents: • The Ordinal • The Canons of the Church of England • Guidance for the Professional Conduct of Clergy • Bishop’s Licence • Statement of Particulars issued to the office-holder on successful appointment • Diocesan Clergy Handbook • Parish Profile • Mission Action Plans (MAPs) Any objectives discussed and agreed between the post holder and the supervising minister

Role description signed off by: The Archdeacon of Berkshire, when in post

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Date: 04.2013

To be reviewed next on: XX.20XX

Person Specification Qualifications/Training Essential Ordained priest within the Church of England, or a Church in communion with it, or a Church whose orders it recognises. Have satisfactorily completed Initial Ministerial Education. Desirable Evidence of Continuing Ministerial Development or other training. Attendance at a ‘Leading Your Church into Growth’ conference. Or willingness to attend one soon after appointment.

Experience Essential A proven track record in parish ministry. Priestly ministry involving setting and realising a vision. Experience of team development and empowering colleagues. Engagement with and pastoral support for people of all ages. Desirable Responsibility in a complex organisation with substantial resources to manage. Leading ministry in a parish or benefice with more than one church. Track record in leading a team. Experience of doing forms of church in creative, engaging and imaginative ways.

Knowledge/Skills and Competencies Essential Leadership skills including the ability to motivate, inspire and effectively coordinate volunteers. Experience in fostering lay ministry. Gift for identifying and developing potential. Ability to lead a range of styles of worship, including mature and thoughtful all age worship. Ability to preach well to a broad range of listeners with varying outlooks, ages and levels of understanding. Demonstrable ability to identify and respond to opportunities for mission. Track record in making and building on links with individuals and community organisations whose involvement with the Church is limited. Experience in organising resources and prioritising demands effectively.

The ability to work to a Child Protection policy. Strong pastoral skills. Desirable Experience in working collaboratively with other churches.

Personal Qualities Essential Empathy with the values of the Diocese and those of the Parish, particularly the three core values of the Parish: generous, inclusive and life-giving. Ability to work in sympathy with the liturgical tradition of the Parish. A strong appreciation of church choral music and an understanding of how it can draw people to God. Willingness to lead debate on controversial or difficult issues. A personal commitment to prayer. Resilience. Ability to make difficult decisions. Ability to translate ideas into successful practice. A passion for learning and personal development. Desirable An ecumenical outlook and an enthusiasm for working with other local churches. A good singing voice.

If You Are Interested For an informal chat about the position please contact Jeremy Tear ([email protected]) or Marion Pyke ([email protected]).

For further information, in the first instance Applications should be made to the office of please contact the Parish Administrator: the Bishop of Reading: Mrs Caroline Smith Bishop's House Parish Office Tidmarsh Lane Church House Tidmarsh 59 Church Street Nr Reading Caversham RG8 8HA Reading Tel: +44 [0]118 984 1216 RG4 8AX Fax: +44 [0]118 984 1218 Tel: +44 [0]118 996 8836 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Or visit www.ctmparish.org.uk