Background
The Diocese of Liverpool wants to grow and sustain the Church for future generations. Fit for Mission is a pioneering new way of working which connects to the strategy of ‘bigger church, bigger difference’, and focuses upon addressing barriers to both past and current growth, like bureaucracy, as well as what we can all do to make the church ready for future mission
There are 4 key priorities
- Introducing people to Jesus
- Deepening discipleship
- Developing Christian Leaders
- Working for Justice
Our bishops and archdeacons share this vision and want to see it worked out locally in deaneries.
The principal task of the ABPO is to work with the Bishop’s Planning Officer (BPO) on behalf of the Bishop is to support the Mission of God in each Deanery, having regard to Fit for Mission but also these 4 key priorities
S/he will therefore work with the Bishops, Archdeacons, Area Deans, Lay Chairs and Deanery Mission & Pastoral Committees. S/he will work closely with the Mission and Pastoral Officer (MPO), Kim Stanley, to support a mixed economy of both the inherited church and new congregations as deaneries seek to grow numerically, kindle their love for God and neighbour and serve their local community.
It is a task which requires a clear understanding of God's mission in each of the deaneries of the diocese and the ability to get alongside parishes and deaneries and to help them through the legal processes.
The BPO and MPO, will be supported by the Assistant Bishop’s Planning Officer/s (ABPOs) who will have particular areas of responsibility.
Terms and Conditions
The appointment, which will be made by the Bishop of Liverpool, on advice, is for 3 years. The post-holder is accountable to the Chair of the Diocesan Mission & Pastoral Committee (DMPC), but will also have access to the Diocesan Bishop as required.
The role will involve some evening work and substantial travel in and around the diocese. Experience suggests that the role can take up to 5+ hours per week, and involves 2 evening meetings per month.
We currently offer an honorarium to the PCC to cover for the time away from the parish.
They will also attend the monthly legal and admin meetings with the BPO team and Archdeacons, the Diocesan Mission and Pastoral committee which meets 4-5 times a year and the Church Buildings (Uses and Disposal) Committee which meets 5-6 times a year.
Key links and relationships
The post-holder will be expected to liaise with the Archdeacons, the Registrar, Area Deans, Church Commissioners and local planning authorities, as required.
S/he will particularly need to form a good working relationship with the MPO as well as the Secretary of the Church Buildings (Uses and Disposal) Committee (CBUD), Chris Leggett.
Core knowledge
The post-holder will be expected to have or develop a working knowledge of the Mission and Pastoral Measure 2011 as amended in 2018, Patronage Benefice Measure 1986 and other national publications that relate to Mission and Pastoral Measures, as well as being alert to financial and political issues affecting the diocese.
It would be helpful, but not essential, if the post-holder is informed as to the demographic trends and the planning of local and regional authorities as they affect population distribution, trunks roads, and other factors bearing on appropriate pastoral units.
Key tasks
These can be summarised as follows:-
1. Working with parishes and deaneries in advising the best way forward to meet parish and deanery mission and growth plans and aspirations, in line with the 4 key priorities of the Diocese
2. Ensuring that we maintain and develop good, efficient and user-friendly procedures for managing and processing mission and pastoral reorganisation consultations. This will require working with the MPO on the drafting of proposals and schemes, Bishop’s Mission Orders, suspension of presentation, boundary changes, etc; and the CBUD Committee Secretary on drafting proposals for redundant churches.
3. In conjunction with the BPO and MPO overseeing the preparation of the agenda for the DMPC and Legal and Administrative meetings and ensuring that all decisions taken are acted upon.
4. Contributing to the development of diocesan strategy and policy both through constructive engagement and input in meetings and by producing discussion papers.
5. Giving advice on request to the Bishops, Archdeacons and others on mission and pastoral matters affecting the diocese.