BE THE TRAILBLAZER ACTIVATE CHANGE STRENGTHEN LIVES

BUILD COMMUNITIES Pioneer Evangelist EMBRACE THE CHALLENGES BE THE HELPING HAND CENTRE OF MISSION

FAITH TAKING ACTION PURPOSEFUL ACTION Job Application Pack REAL PEOPLE REAL FAITH RISK TAKERS

FROM THE CEO

I am delighted you are interested being part of Church Army and our Middlesbrough Centre of Mission.

For 135 years Church Army, has been committed to unlocking potential in people's lives; embracing the difficult; activating change; and impacting communities across these islands.

Church Army is experiencing a time of unparalleled growth. We have grown from 10 Centres of Mission in 2014, to now 22, and we have many more in the pipeline. Our Marylebone Project is the largest women only homeless project in the UK and last year we provided over 40,000 nights of accommodation and moved over 90 homeless women into their own homes. Our Amber Project in Cardiff helps over 100 young people each year who battle self-harm.

Our DARE Strategy commits us to Doing, Advocating, Resourcing and Enabling mission and evangelism, so we take the experience and wisdom from our front-line work and seek to resource and enable more people in the wider church to be confident in evangelism. We are seeing more and more people choose to train with us, and we estimate over 15,000 people have taken part in our Faith Pictures evangelism course through their local churches.

Church Army is committed to helping people know their lives matter, because God thinks they are fantastic. All we are is rooted in our values, we are generous, risk taking, accounta ble, collaborative, expectant, unconditional and prayerful. If you share these values and want to join us to work towards our vision for everyone everywhere would encounter God's love and be empowered to transform their communities through faith shared in word and action, then we would love to hear from you.

Join us, and you will join a fantastic, committed and energetic team, who are delivering real change. I am proud of all our team does, and I hope you can be part of it.

Mark Russell CEO

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WE ARE CHURCH ARMY

We are Church Army. We are catalysts; strengthening lives and communities. We do not shy from the gospel because we believe it changes lives.

Our vision For everyone everywhere to encounter God’s love and be empowered to transform their communities through faith shared in words and action.

Our values Everything we do is underpinned by our values: Prayerful - We listen for God's voice and want to be obedient to him. We want to be like Jesus in our actions and witness. Expectant - We are hopeful, expecting God to do new things amongst us. Risk-taking - We have a long heritage as a pioneering movement, prepared to takes risks and give colleagues permission to seek to do new things. Accountable - We are accountable to God and others. We want to be reliable and live responsibly to high professional standards. Collaborative - We are committed to partner with those who share our values; we believe it enhances our work. Generous - We want to model God's generosity to others. Unconditional - We will serve anyone regardless of their age, gender, race, sexual orientation, ability, status or circumstances because God loves everyone and everyone is significant in his eyes.

See our We are Church Army video here

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FROM THE BISHOP OF WHITBY

Welcome, and thank you for your interest in this post and for looking at our information pack. This story begins when the Archbishop and the Diocese of York’s leadership team took a step back from day-to- day ministry tasks, and we asked ourselves, ‘Who isn’t being reached with the Gospel in our communities, and what needs to be different if that’s to change?’ We identified two sectors of our population where contact and engagement with the Church of England is relatively thin: younger adults, and people living amid multiple deprivation. We held a consultation across the Diocese, and a strong theme was that whilst we all value traditional, ‘inherited’ patterns of ministry and church life — much of which is being carried out faithfully and imaginatively — there has to be a new approach alongside them. We agreed on our three goals of reach, grow, sustain. Out of that has come a strategy to deploy a bigger variety of approaches to ministry and evangelism that we hope and pray will truly be Good News. As you’ll see from the following pages, the invitation to Church Army to work with us in the Middlesbrough estates of Brambles Farm and is a key element of this, with a new post focusing on people in the 20s - 40s age group, and leading to the growth of new worshipping communities. Together with Church Army we have appointed a Lead Evangelist, Jane Emson, and now we are seeking a Pioneer Evangelist to work under and alongside her. This is an exciting opportunity, offering scope for a minister with the gifts of innovation and encouragement. The people on these estates have had long experience of ‘being done to’, even when that has been well-meaning; and so, for this ministry to be effective, it will be vital to have purposefulness blended with patience, and the ability to lead blended with commitment to seeing residents developing in confidence and independence. I hope that you will be ready to explore this post with us, if that is where God may be leading you.

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THE ROLE OF XXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX Centre of Mission

About the context …

THE ROLE OF PIONEER EVANGELIST

York Diocesan Strategy

The Diocese of York has set the goal of ‘Reaching Those We Currently Don’t’ and one clearly identified group is those in their 20s – 40s. The Diocesan strategy is to (i) Establish 14 new full time roles, placed strategically around the diocese. (ii) Create a ‘Growth Fund’ to enable Lay Pioneers to be appointed (iii) St Michael le Belfrey will become a Resource Church for the diocese (iv) All of the above, plus a wider programme of events, will stimulate a ‘ripple effect’ which enables every benefice to reach 20s – 40s.

For more information about how this relates to the wider diocesan strategy, see www.dioceseofyork.org.uk/reach-grow-sustain

Funding for these new posts is coming from the Archbishops’ Council’s Strategic Investment Board (SIB). Whilst the SIB will fund each post for 5 years, the Diocese is seeking to ensure that where the role needs to continue beyond this, we will have the necessary funding available.

Our Approach to Reaching 20s – 40s

Given every context is unique, we are not offering a template of ‘how to reach’ those in their 20s – 40s. However, common to other areas the following elements are likely to be seen:

• A Clear Purpose: The clear intention is to reach those aged 20s – 40s with the view to them becoming disciples of Christ. Therefore the 20s – 40s Minister is expected to make this their focus and resist being drawn into any wider responsibilities within the parish unless it meets the needs of reaching 20s – 40s.

• The Creation of a Plan: A commitment from the 20s – 40s Minister, and the parish community in which they are set, to commit to a period of discernment which involves a prayerful listening to the community to understand the context before any initiatives occur. This would be expected to take a minimum of 6 months during which time the Minister would be expected to network and engage with

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the community relationally and evangelistically and through this to discern where the focus of the ministry might lie and what particular opportunities should be explored.

By the end of the first 6 months it is envisaged that clear proposals will be offered for how 20’s – 40s will be reached and discipled, whilst recognising that the unexpected will occur and that God will work in surprising ways. An annual review will occur for honest reflection and the setting of new objectives. The timing of this period of discernment relates to the appointment of the Lead Evangelist but the Pioneer will support and participate in this process.

• The Expectations around Growth: The new disciples will be drawn into fellowship with others. It is most likely that this will be in the establishment of a New Worshipping Community, but it might include incorporation into an existing congregation or the establishment of more than one smaller gathering where discipleship and worship occur.

The Strategic Investment Board require a description of the likely size and shape of the outcomes that they are funding. Whilst this is, of course, dependent on the work of the Holy Spirit we have based our projections on the extensive research by the Church Army Research Unit which seeks to describe what God has done elsewhere. In doing so, for the sake of simplicity, we have worked on a model that assumes the 20s – 40s Minister’s ministry will lead to the creation of one New Worshiping Community (NWC) and that, over a period of 5 – 7 years, this will grow to between 80 & 100 people. This figure would include both adults and children, the initial team and the inevitable transference that nearly always occurs. Based on experience elsewhere, we would expect over half of them would not have been attending church prior to joining the NWC. It is recognised that in more deprived communities the timeline is likely to be nearer 7 years and the scale of growth nearer 80.

It is hoped that the all involved in the NWC would be encouraged to see generosity as an aspect of their discipleship and that the parish’s Freewill Offer would increase and move towards covering the ministry costs of the 20s – 40s Minister; again, it is recognised that in more deprived communities the capacity for this will be less.

• Future Planting & the ‘Multiplication of the Small’: It is anticipated that the NWC will reach a point where it is able to plant out a new missional initiative, led either by the 20s – 40s Minister or under lay leadership. It is also hoped that throughout the creation of the NWC, the 20s – 40s Minister will be looking to share insights and learning with others and, in time, that the NWC might share resources also; all of which we refer to as ‘Multiplication of the Small’. To encourage this, it is expected that each Minister will contribute a ‘tithe’ of their time to others in the deanery and beyond; including contributions to the new diocesan ‘Toolbox’ of resources.

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Collegiality, Support & Wider Networks

The Pioneer Evangelist for 20s – 40s will be part of the wider parish team but with a clear brief to focus on reaching and discipling 20s – 40s, which the Incumbent and PCC will honour and protect. They will work under the oversight of the Lead Evangelist and can expect support and the necessary freedom to fulfil their role. It is an essential quality of the Evangelist and Incumbent that they can work collaboratively and that they will be committed to a relationship which will involve a regular pattern of meetings and prayer together.

Revd John Lee has been appointed as the 20s – 40s Team Leader and he will support the network of 20s – 40s Ministers across the diocese. It is envisaged that all Ministers will be committed to this network, attending monthly gatherings and offering mutual support and encouragement to colleagues.

The 20s – 40s Team Leader will line manage the Lead Evangelist, who will in turn line manage the Pioneer Evangelist. A Steering Group representing all stakeholders will set the direction of the ministry as it seeks to fulfil the diocesan strategy for reaching and discipling 20s – 40s. It will share in any strategic, legal or significant financial decisions and will meet at least three times a year.

Each 20-40s Minister will also be offered a mentor / companion who has some experience of similar ministry and will be available to offer their insights and encouragement.

Key Relationships

• Those in their 20s – 40s living locally • The Church Army Lead Evangelist • The Incumbent & PCC • The diocesan ‘20s – 40s Team’ and its Leader • The Church Army Regional Development Officer • The deanery and local Suffragan Bishop and Archdeacon • Mentor / Companion • Diocesan Officers and especially those working with Children & Young People • Ecumenical Partners

The Parish of St Thomas the Apostle Brambles Farm and Thorntree Estates, Middlesbrough No building, no congregation, but God is doing a new thing on the Brambles Farm and Thorntree Estates. In the Autumn 2016 Middlesbrough Deanery ‘Renew and Inspire’ conference, Brambles Farm and Thorntree Estates came out as the top deanery priority

Page 7 of 17 for re-evangelisation and church planting. The demographics of the estates places them at the heart of the Diocese of York’s reach priorities of 20-40s and People in Poverty.

Following the demolition of St Thomas Church, Brambles Farm in 2007 when the building became unsafe, Sunday worship was held at the community centre on Marshall Ave. Father Terry Leathley, Vicar of St John’s Southbank was appointed 0.5 Incumbent of the parish shortly after the demolition of the church building. On Tuesdays a few of the congregation met for Mass at Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Church, and on a Thursday a family service was held in a chapel converted from a classroom at Brambles Primary School. The school chapel was probably the most positive and fruitful of the continued ministry without a building for St Thomas. At the school there were a few baptisms, and for two consecutive years some of the children from year 6 were confirmed. It had all the signs of beginning to grow, but a change in the headteacher had all of this stopped. The Tuesday Mass at Corpus Christi was ended as attendance fell. Finally, in 2014, council budget cuts saw the community centre close down, since which there has not been an Anglican place of worship on the estates. Sadly, all but one of the original congregation, who is too frail to attend church, has died. However, the legacy of St Thomas’ is a positive one on the estates and is associated with many warm memories. The PCC of St Thomas still exists and continues to make a small offering of £500 towards the Common Fund. Fr Terry has a good network of relationships in the parish through his school and community work and has become a well- known figure round the estate due to his coffee van. The Coffee Van, "Given with God's love" which Terry takes out onto the estate 3 times each week, has been positively received by the community, and offers the opportunity for building relationships and pastoral contact. There is real potential for this ministry to be a springboard for further mission and a signpost to opportunities to find out more about faith.

Originally planted in 1933, from Holy Fr Terry’s Coffee Van Trinity Church in , in the last few decades of its life St Thomas’ was a Forward in Faith parish with a tradition of Anglo-Catholic ‘slum priest’ ministry. Whist Fr Terry has his roots in this tradition and cannot in conscience accept the sacramental ministry of women, he is happy to work with women colleagues as long as his personal integrity is not compromised. He and the wider deanery recognise that whilst honouring what has been, a future congregation may take a very different form.

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The Economic Context Middlesbrough is a town of 19th and early 20th century economic migrants built upon the iron and steel and later chemical industry which boomed from 1850 to the 1960’s. Since then Middlesbrough has seen decades of church decline, population decline, loss of industry, increasing levels of unemployment and increasing levels of poverty. 17 out of 19 parishes in Middlesbrough Deanery are in the top 20% most deprived in England with 83% of the deanery population living in those 17 parishes. The levels of inequality experienced by these estates in the context of the UK cannot be over emphasised. York Diocese is a diocese of extremes with some of the most deprived and some of the wealthiest parishes in England. The East Middlesbrough parishes are some of the most deprived communities in England, with the highest levels of child poverty in a diocese which also has some of the UK’s lowest poverty rates.

Parish Population Pop. 18-44 IMD Ranking Child Poverty Holy Trinity 3,128 1,256 (41%) 2 64% (1st) St Thomas 9,298 3119 (34%) 14 61% (4th) Ascension 12,626 4,393 (35%) 63 55% (19th) TOTAL 25,052 8,768 (35%) (of 12,599 (of 12,599 Parishes) Parishes)

Existing scope of CofE ministry in BFT Despite not having a Sunday congregation, Church of England ministry in the parish has been maintained. Fr Terry has a good relationship with local funeral directors, baptisms tend to go to the Ascension or Holy Trinity whilst many choose to marry at St Cuthbert’s Ormesby. Fr Terry delivers fortnightly collective worship to two primary schools on the estate and regularly goes holds a monthly Communion Service as well as visiting residents Cleveland View Nursing Home. Thorntree Community Hub

Renewed Vision and Mission Following the deanery ‘Renew and Inspire’ conference there has been renewed energy and vision to see the re-evangelisation of the two estates. During Lent 2017, people from across the deanery met on the estate each week to pray, and a monthly prayer meeting for Brambles Farm and Thorntree at Thorntree HUB has continued ever since.

With renewed vision Fr Terry set aside time to fast and pray and through answered prayer the Coffee Van ministry began, sharing God’s love three times a week around the

Page 9 of 17 estates. St Thomas’ is working closely with neighbouring parishes as part of the emerging East Middlesbrough Mission Partnership.

Tommy’s Youth Club, run by Trinity Youth and Children’s Project (part of the ministry of Holy Trinity North Ormesby), runs a weekly youth club for 11 - 14 year olds in Thorntree HUB every Wednesday evening in school term time, with up to 50 young people attending. St Cuthbert’s, Ormesby runs a music and memories group fortnightly for people living with dementia and their carers, based in Thorntree HUB. The Vicar of St Cuthbert’s, the Revd Jennifer Croft, has developed strong links with the women’s hostel on Thorntree estate. Thorntree Hub and Caldicotes Primary Academy have been part of Feast of Fun, providing activities and healthy food for low income families, a project organised by Together Middlesbrough and Cleveland (Joint venture between CUF and the Diocese of York). All of this missional activity ensures that the love of God is shared in a variety of practical ways and is laying firm foundations for renewed mission and evangelism.

Ecumenical and Interfaith The only other Church with a significant presence on the estate is the imposing Corpus Christi RC Church. On the neighbouring estates there are a few Non-Anglican churches, most of which are at a low ebb; Baptist, St Alphonsus RC Church, North Ormesby and Ormesby Methodist at the southern edge which also hosts New Life Church (FIEC). There are two ‘Black majority’ churches, Victory Christian Ministries International at the TAD Centre, and Mountain of Fire Ministries at St Alphonsus Church Hall. The Salvation Army, which calls itself ‘TS3 Church’, has a citadel near Brambles Farm. There is a small presence of people of other faiths on the estates. There is a Hindu Mandir in North Ormesby and a Mormon temple on Cargo-Fleet Lane.

"I pray for revival every day." Andrew, Police Sergeant

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JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Pioneer Evangelist, Middlesbrough Centre of Mission St Thomas’ Middlesbrough: Brambles Farm & Thorntree Location: Estates Lead Evangelist, Middlesbrough Centre of Mission and Accountable To: Centre of Mission Steering Group

To share the good news of Jesus with people of Brambles Farm & Thorntree in their 20s to 40s, making disciples and Purpose: building appropriate Christian communities; to assist other churches locally in their mission to 20s to 40s.

Objectives: 1. To reach those in their 20s – 40s, sharing Christian faith in word, action and presence 2. To pioneer, innovate, and establish New Worshipping Communitie(s) appropriate to the context; so that within 7 years these include 80 adults and children 3. To work as team member under the Lead Evangelist, and build a team who will share in the task and calling to reach 20s – 40s 4. To offer encouragement, as part of the DARE strategy, to other churches especially, but not exclusively, in the deanery as they seek to reach 20s – 40s 5. To enable future planting out from the New Worshiping Community in a manner appropriate to the context 6. To prosper the work and witness of the Church Army Mission Community.

Key Tasks: 1. To reach those in their 20s – 40s, sharing Christian faith in word, action and presence 1.1 Engage in a “listening and discernment” process to identify the most effective way to begin reaching those in their 20s – 40s and continue prayerfully developing strategies for the ongoing growth of the Centre of Mission. 1.2 Build life-enhancing relationships with people. 1.3 Express the Gospel through actions and words, so allowing people to discover an experience of belonging, to consider the call of Christ upon their lives and to learn to become disciples of Christ. 1.4 Partner with other agencies where appropriate for the positive transformation of the local community.

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1.5 Create and develop small discipleship groups and one-to-one relationships to deepen the Christian understanding and life of new believers. 1.6 Encourage a culture of personal discipleship. 1.7 Establish financial generosity as a mark of discipleship

2. To pioneer, innovate, and establish New Worshipping Communitie(s) appropriate to the context; so that within 7 years these include 80 adults and children 2.1 Identify how to approach gathering those who are reached into a Christian Community, providing an outline of the proposed approach after 6 months. 2.2 Gather those being reached into a new worshipping community of St Thomas within the extended structures of the CofE. 2.3 Develop a culture of giving, raise funds as appropriate and work towards financial sustainability of the ministry. 2.4 Ensure that those being reached and gathered have a ‘DNA’ for reaching others so that planting a new congregation or smaller gatherings as appropriate, and sharing significant resources within 5 - 7 years is a natural outcome.

3. To work as team member under the Lead Evangelist, and build a team who will share in the task and calling to reach 20s – 40s 3.1 Operate as a team member and follow the lead of the Lead evangelist, supporting her and the vicar in their respective roles 3.2 Grow a team of mature Christians with right support and accountability to share in the ministry of the Centre of Mission who will serve the community 3.3 With others, develop a life of prayer for the work of the Centre of Mission 3.4 Encourage new Christians to share in Christ’s mission locally and proactively share their faith with others

4. To offer encouragement, as part of the DARE strategy, to other churches especially, but not exclusively, in the deanery as they seek to reach 20s–40s 4.1 Work alongside other churches to share insights and encouragement as they seek to reach 20s – 40s 4.2 Establish healthy and collaborative relationships with colleagues in the local parish, the Deanery and the wider diocese and network of those reaching 20s – 40s 4.3 Contribute towards the diocesan ‘Toolbox of Resources’ to equip other churches, advocating, resourcing and enabling evangelism

5. To enable future planting out from the New Worshiping Community in a manner appropriate to the context 5.1 Establish a core value of reproduction in the DNA of the New Worshipping Community

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5.2 Develop a ‘portfolio’ approach to growing church, exploring how church can best happen with different groups 5.3 Work to multiply the New Worshipping Community whether by division or the addition of further worshipping communities.

6. To prosper the work and witness of the Church Army Mission Community 6.1 Fundraise for Church Army through the Evangelist Support Scheme with a negotiated target. 6.2 Publish at least three prayer letters per year, telling the story of the ministry in an appropriate way 6.3 In negotiation with Church Army, to visit other churches and invite their prayerful and financial support 6.4 Inform Church Army, York Diocese and others who share an interest in evangelism of what can be learnt from the experience of mission in Middlesbrough Centre of Mission.

General: • To undertake other duties as outlined by the line manager which are commensurate with the post. • To be conversant with and work within the procedures and practices of Church Army (including policies within the Staff Handbook). • To take an active part in the life of the Church Army Mission Community, either as a Commissioned Evangelist, or as someone progressing toward Commission, or as an evangelist who has trained elsewhere and wants to join the community as a Covenanted Evangelist. • To attend meetings for the Middlesbrough Centre of Mission; regular one to ones with your line manager; the 20s – 40s Cohort of Ministers plus diocesan and deanery meetings as appropriate. • To complete an annual appraisal with your line manager. • To take advantage of training courses offered or approved by Church Army or the line manager. • To undertake and regularly update assessments of the risks associated with the project, and to take steps to manage and reduce the risk. • To comply with all current safeguarding legislation, Safer Ministry policy and such Diocesan Regulations as may be appropriate to the same. • To Act in the best interests of Church Army and the Centre of Mission at all times.

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PERSON SPECIFICATION

The following sets out what we are looking for in the post holder. As you apply for the post and submit your application, please make sure you evidence with good clear examples how you meet the criteria below.

ESSENTIAL DESIRABLE METHOD OF ASSESSMENT Experience, knowledge and qualifications

Training in mission to a Experience of having nationally recognised • Application Form pioneered Christian standard (such as Church • Interview & Selection community among Army commission, a lay Process profoundly unchurched training scheme, or • Pre-employment checks people. Ordained Pioneer Ministry) (e.g. references)

A proven ability in relating A person of prayer, robust to 20s – 40s outside of the spirituality and self- church, taking initiative, discipline with the personal having imagination and resources to sustain a being prepared to work pioneering ministry 'outside the box'

A demonstrable ability to A proven ability in growing evangelise and and developing a sense of communicate the faith community and belonging, effectively to those outside & making and nurturing the church disciples

Strong desire to reach those in their 20s – 40s, and Well-developed abilities to where appropriate their handle complexity and children, and see them initiate change become disciples of Christ

A demonstrable track record of innovation in Experience of working and their life and a / or living on outer estates commitment to pioneer

Commitment to a process Evidence of an intentional of ‘listening and discerning’ approach to turning and the valuing of context reflection into action

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Collaborative approach to relationships and ministry, both within the parish and across the deanery and wider diocese

Commitment to a ‘mixed economy’ approach to mission and a deep respect for parish ministry within the Church of England

Skills and abilities

• Application Form Ability to speak naturally, Ability to enthuse and lead volunteers. • Interview & Selection confidently and from Process personal experience about • Pre-employment checks the enrichment that (e.g. references) Christian faith brings to Good IT and media skills everyday life.

Attributes

A burning desire to see people come to a living faith in Jesus Christ.

A commitment to living the mission of Jesus through a thoughtful and committed Christian faith.

Willingness to work with those of different Christian traditions to further the mission of God.

Willingness to work flexible hours in order to fulfil the requirements of the role.

Own transport or workable alternative

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OUTLINE TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Salary £20, 712 per annum

Contract Type Open ended, funding anticipated to be for 5 years

Location St Thomas’ Middlesbrough: Brambles Farm & Thorntree Estates

Hours 37.5 hours a week (including evening and weekends)

Pension If a Church Army commissioned evangelist, non- contributory, operated by the Church of England Pensions Board. If not Church Army commissioned, then the employee will be assessed under autoenrollment pension legislation and if eligible, minimum contributions will be made.

Annual Leave 25 days per year plus bank holidays (33 days in total)

DBS An enhanced DBS check required and compliance with Church Army’s Safer Ministry policy.

Occupational This post is subject to an Occupational Requirement under Requirement the provisions made in the Equality Act 2010 that the post holder has an active faith in Jesus. The successful candidate must be in agreement with the vision and values of Church Army and York Diocese

Housing A house will be provided on or adjacent to the estate.

Probation Six months

Employer Church Army

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APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, please submit an application form which is available to download from our website. References will only be taken up once we have asked you expressly for your permission to be given. Applications should be sent to: [email protected]

Deadline: 28th June 2019

Interview date: 10th July 2019 with an introductory tour of the area and meetings with key stakeholders on that day.

Start date: September start

For more information about Church Army please visit: www.churcharmy.org

Offers of employment are made subject to:

• Evidence of your eligibility to work in the UK • An enhanced DBS check • Successful completion of a six-month probationary period. • Two satisfactory references - one faith based and one employment based References are usually only be taken up once an offer of employment has been made, and/or we have asked your permission to do so.

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