Dean Diocese and Rector Cathedral, Synod Diocese

The Bishop of Athabasca is seeking to appoint a full-time position which will be broken out as:

• ½ time Rector for the Cathedral Parish of St. James’, Peace River, Alberta.
• ½ time Dean of the Diocese and Assistant to the Bishop

This is a three-year commitment.

½ Time Rector

St. James’ has a variety of ministries contributing to the life of the parish and wider community, including hosting an ecumenical soup kitchen and a strong history of supporting the musical and theatrical arts within the town. The Rector has oversight of this Cathedral parish of with average Sunday attendance around 25 members in a town of about 6,500, situated in the picturesque Peace River valley and surrounded by agricultural land and boreal forest.

The position is supported by a custodian, three music teams, volunteer administrator, wardens, three Lay Readers, an active ACW and other volunteers. The Town of Peace River has hiking, skiing, a vibrant arts scene, and is a regional centre for schools and shopping.

We are seeking a Rector who can engage with parishioners where they are, being welcoming, accepting, and approachable, compassionate and perceptive, able to employ a deep appreciation of biblical insights in both conversations and more formal educational experiences.

An effective communicator and administrator, the applicant is passionate about and experienced in: worship and preaching, parish growth and development, discipleship and apostleship. Strengths are encouraging parishioner ministries, evangelism, leadership and pastoral care to help guide St. James for many years to come.

½ Time Dean and Assistant to the Bishop

We are seeking a Dean who is collaborative, listens well, thinks strategically, and can totally support the diocesan WHY of “To experience and share Christ’s love in all circumstances to all people so that the family of Christ, the kingdom of God, is further established.” Close alignment with the bishop is critical to this position.

The Dean will be a team player and leader in supporting clergy and lay development, serve on the Diocesan Executive Council, the Bishop’s Advisory Council, and other tasks and appointments as needed.

The Dean assists the Bishop in ministry, staff development and provisioning, with measures and strategies to help the diocese become self-sufficient. The Dean will collaborate on increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of Diocesan Operations.

The Dean will provide adventurous and creative leadership for the future across Northern Alberta, fully embracing living out Jesus’ mandate to share that the kingdom of heaven is near, caring for those in need, teaching disciples, and loving as Jesus loves us, across our small churches.

Candidates must provide confirmation they are a priest in good standing and have their bishop’s permission to seek this employment opportunity. A current Criminal Records Check, Vulnerable Sector Check, Curriculum Vitae, three references, and a 500-word statement outlining how the candidate is being called by God into this position must be submitted with the application.

To receive a copy of the Parish Profile and a full job description, please contact:

The Synod of the Diocese of Athabasca,

Avenue
Peace River, AB T8S 1J3