BENEFICES ROLE – General Comments The new priest for these two parishes will hold the two benefices in plurality. The priest will live in Rossington Rectory. Both St. Michael’s and St. Luke’s have agreed to embark on an adventure of faith in welcoming the ministry of a priest shared with a neighbouring parish of very different ecclesial tradition and theological persuasion. Geographically, holding both benefices together makes absolute sense. The communities, though socially diverse, are cheek-by-jowl, sharing numerous facilities including schools. They are separated by a railway line and linked by a level-crossing. A new spur road off the M18 will offer new communication links with each other and beyond. Theologically, the role requires a priest of considerable skill and versatility, able to identify gladly with both traditions, and to help each of the parishes to welcome the partnership whilst exploring their own natural networks: New Rossington within the Hickleton Chapter; Rossington in a Mission Partnership with Auckley and Finningley. Rossington Rectory is in a central location that can well serve both parishes, but the priest will be aware of potential sensitivities over where the priest of the two parishes is to live, especially as the Rectory is adjacent to St. Michael’s. A wise and visionary leader will hopefully lead both parishes in fulfilling their goals and aspirations, and serve as an example of “mutual flourishing” and collaborative effort, embracing the rich diversity of the Church of England. Please note – St Michael’s Rossington has been exploring the possibility of deploying a Mission Partnership Development Worker with the neighbouring parish of Finningley and this will be explored further when the new appointment is made. Diocese of Sheffield Role Description 1. Details of Post Role Title: Rector Name of Benefice: Rossington, St. Michael Deanery: West Doncaster Archdeaconry: Doncaster 2. Role Purpose a. to exercise the cure of souls in Rossington in collaboration with the Bishops of Sheffield and Doncaster b. to grow Christ-like, lively and diverse Christian communities in this place which are effective in making disciples and in seeking to transform our society and God's world c. to represent the Church of England in society d. to support, encourage and resource colleagues in the deanery and diocese as together we seek to realise our diocesan vision 3. General Responsibilities a. To fulfill the responsibilities of clergy as described in the Canons, the Ordinal, the Code of Professional Conduct for the Clergy and other relevant legislation. b. To watch over yourself c. To ensure that a high standard of worship, preaching and pastoral care is offered d. To develop the ministry of the laity such that all are using their gifts for the common good and to develop a ministry team e. To offer the gospel in a lively and engaging way to those who are outside the church f. To offer pathways for people to explore the Christian gospel for the first time leading to baptism and confirmation and a lifetime of discipleship g. To teach and encourage people, leading them towards mature Christian commitment h. To lead the church in responding to human need by loving service i. To participate in diocesan, national and international initiatives to transform unjust structures of society j. To seek at all times to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth k. To encourage Christian stewardship of people’s time, money and abilities l. To collaborate with Churchwardens in ensuring that the church building(s) serve the church’s wider mission in the community m. To seek ecumenical cooperation wherever possible n. To collaborate with the deanery in mission and ministry and cooperate in the implementation of the deanery plan o. To ensure full compliance at all times with the Diocesan Safeguarding Policy p. To pursue “mutual flourishing” between the doctrinal integrities of the Church of England and the Diocese of Sheffield, and especially within the combined Benefices of Rossington and New Rossington, according to the House of Bishops’ Five Guiding Principles. 4. Specific Responsibilities a. To embrace the low-central churchmanship of the parish and its concern to grow in Bible knowledge, mission, and the full ministries of men and women. b. To build on the numerous outreach initiatives of the parish, notably the Children’s Singing Group and the Café-style Church, such that families are integrated into the life of the Church Community and led into discipleship and Christian maturity c. To play a full part in the various community events hosted by the parish, as opportunities for building relationships with, and ministering to, the many people who do not yet attend Church services regularly d. To become a well-known and respected figure among staff and pupils at St. Michael’s C.E. Primary School and at Rossington All Saints Academy, both schools being key opportunities in the parish. e. To continue the development of lay ministries in the Parish, and to encourage suitably gifted men and women to seek appropriate training in leadership, including pathways leading potentially to ordination. f. To assist both St. Michael’s and St. Luke’s to grow closer in mission and ministry to the Rossington area g. To develop the embryonic Mission Partnership between Rossington and the Benefice of Auckley and Finningley 5. Key colleagues within the church (local, deanery, diocese and ecumenical) a. The Bishops of Sheffield and Doncaster b. The Archdeacon of West Doncaster c. The Area dean of West Doncaster d. Ecumenical colleagues, notably Rossington Community Baptist Church, the RC Parish of Christ the King, Rossington, New Rossington Methodist Church and New Life Christian Centre 6. Key partners in the wider community (individuals and organisations) Statement by the Archdeacon on behalf of the Diocese: The combined Benefices of Rossington and New Rossington require a male leader of spiritual stature and versatility, who gladly identifies with the differing aspirations of each parish, whilst nurturing mutual appreciation and essential unity in Christ. In order to be a focus of local unity, the new priest will be a man, able to work in full collegiality and fellowship with female colleagues, both lay and ordained, but who can also to articulate the Catholic persuasion represented at St. Luke’s. Rossington offers many opportunities for mission and growth. Given that the parish is sharing its priest, it will be particularly necessary for the Rector to plan his diary judiciously in helping the parish in the transition from enjoying the ministry of a Rector all to itself. The Parish seeks a gifted Bible teacher who can bring God’s word to life for today’s world, and who will bring a growth-oriented mission focus to his pastoral ministry. The Parish also asks for a man who will run beginners courses for enquirers. The parish strategy advocated by the Diocese would add also the need for small groups that offer continuing catechesis, prayer, and support in discipleship. Planning developments in the Rossington area make this a strategic moment in this part of Doncaster, as new housing and businesses take root. We look to the new priest to lead the parish in making the most of this chapter in the history of the village. Please see the accompanying Benefice documents for a planning map of the new housing area. Review Date: Signature of office holder: Date: Signature of Archdeacon: Date: Diocese of Sheffield Role Description 1. Details of Post Role Title: Priest in Charge Name of Benefice: New Rossington, St. Luke Deanery: West Doncaster Archdeaconry: Doncaster 2. Role Purpose a. to exercise the cure of souls in the Parish of New Rossington St. Luke in collaboration with the Bishop of Sheffield and his fellow-bishops b. to grow a Christ-like, lively and diverse Christian community in this place which is effective in making disciples and in seeking to transform our society and God's world c. to represent the Church of England in society d. to support, encourage and resource colleagues in the deanery and diocese as together we seek to realise our diocesan vision 3. General Responsibilities a. To fulfill the responsibilities of clergy as described in the Canons, the Ordinal, the Code of Professional Conduct for the Clergy and other relevant legislation. b. To watch over yourself c. To ensure that a high standard of worship, preaching and pastoral care is offered d. To develop the ministry of the laity such that all are using their gifts for the common good and to develop a ministry team e. To offer the gospel in a lively and engaging way to those who are outside the church f. To offer pathways for people to explore the Christian gospel for the first time leading to baptism and confirmation and a lifetime of discipleship g. To teach and encourage people, leading them towards mature Christian commitment h. To lead the church in responding to human need by loving service i. To participate in diocesan, national and international initiatives to transform unjust structures of society j. To seek at all times to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth k. To encourage Christian stewardship of people’s time, money and abilities l. To collaborate with Churchwardens in ensuring that the church building(s) serve the church’s wider mission in the community m. To seek ecumenical cooperation wherever possible n. To collaborate with the deanery in mission and ministry and cooperate in the implementation of the deanery plan o. To ensure full compliance at all times with the Diocesan Safeguarding Policy p. To pursue “mutual flourishing” between the doctrinal integrities of the Church of England and the Diocese of Sheffield, and especially within the combined Benefices of Rossington and New Rossington, according to the House of Bishops’ Five Guiding Principles.