Associate Archdeacon and Vicar of Princes Park; Chatham - dual- appointment

It is an exciting time in the life of Rochester as we reflect on how we, as a Diocese as well as in each of our parishes, might Change and Serve and Grow so that God’s Kingdom can be increased, and more people can come to know the love of Christ.

As part of this work, we are seeking a confident and strategic missional leader to work alongside the Archdeacon of Rochester and assist her in vision setting and supporting parishes across the Archdeaconry. It will be an exciting and relational role for someone with strong pastoral awareness as well as practical wisdom.

This a dual‑role appointment (3‑days per week) linked with the part time vacancy for a parish priest for Christ the King, Princes Park (2 days plus Sundays).

• Meeting with clergy and church Office Holders on pastoral matters, including complaints and mediation.
• Being part of discussions around the strategic direction of the Archdeaconry, and membership of the Archdeaconry's Mission & Pastoral Working Group.
• Working with the Archdeacon on the parish vacancy process, including attending Pre‑Vacancy (Pre‑Section 11) meetings and assisting parishes to write their Profiles.

• lead and encourage others by their example, teaching and training, and bring the Good News of the Gospel in a relevant, inspirational and applicable way;
• relate well to our mixed‑aged and ethnic background congregation, and be able to bring together the different groups in our church to engender a sense of belonging for all;
• encourage us to explore other styles of worship, music and teaching;
• be committed to working with families and young people in our local schools, groups and across the wider community;
• find new and innovative ways to build on our work and relationships in the community.

The parish was created in 2007 and is situated just south of Chatham town centre. It is predominantly residential, with the majority of houses being built in the 1970s/1980s. The population (c.8,700 in the last Census) is diverse in ethnicity and social backgrounds, and relatively young with 39% of residents being 29 years old and under, and only 8.6% aged 70+.

The church complex is a modern building, consecrated in 1991, and highly visible to passing traffic as it shares an access road with the local major supermarket. The Hall is well used by a variety of community groups.

Worship encourages the use of Spiritual Gifts. Music style is mixed, with modern songs and traditional hymns.
Our congregation is increasingly diverse, and a number of new families with school‑age children has changed the make‑up of our church. We recognise this requires us to change our structure and style if we are to cater for our current and future congregation, and pray our new parish priest will be able to guide us in that.

The Vicarage is a modern, 4‑bed home located a 10‑minute walk away from the church. It benefits from an extension which provides a generous study, WC and separate entrance.

Full details can be found in the accompanying documents.

If you would value an informal conversation with the Archdeacon about this post, please contact her EA, Fiona Porter, in the first instance by emailing: fiona.porterlican.org.

The wider a group’s diversity, the smarter, wiser, and more compassionate and creative its decision making becomes. We are committed to achieving diversity throughout our Diocese by seeking UKME/GMH colleagues and those from a wide‑range of backgrounds, to help us create a culture of inclusion and belonging.