This is a new role in a new team in the diocese, supporting us as we journey together to become a rejuvenating community of Jesus-centred, Kingdom-seeking disciples. This role sits within the REVIVE strand of our strategy which brings a call to deepening prayer and relationship with Christ for all our clergy and lay leadership, to experience a continued personal refreshing of the wonder of God’s presence in our life. Key to this is the establishment of ‘Cairns’ – small peer-to-peer ‘Benedictine-style support networks’ capable of developing plans of missional revitalisation. As our Lay Ministry Discipleship Officer, you will be a passionate leader with an inspiring faith in Jesus Christ, who will develop and enable lay ministry across our Diocese. You will work as part of the Ministry and Discipleship team in helping to deliver the REVIVE element of our strategy, forming a coherent structure for both licensed and commissioned lay training and their ongoing development. Part of your role will be effectively as ‘Warden of Readers’, guiding and inspiring those licensed lay ministers who have been historically known as Readers. You will also be responsible for promoting, supporting and shaping other licensed and commissioned lay ministers’ roles, and will work with the Spirituality team overseeing the growth of our spiritual direction provision. The PURPOSE of the role is to: Provide strategic leadership in the development, coordination and review of all licensed and commissioned lay ministers, and other pathways towards lay ministry. Develop a coherent structure of lay training across all areas of lay ministry and oversee the delivery of these programmes. To work closely with Lead for Revive and Lead for Vocations to promote and carry responsibility for Licensed Lay Ministry development in the diocese, taking forward a diocesan review of the future shape of all licensed lay ministry. Work with clergy and key lay leaders to promote lay discipleship and leadership across the diocese. It’s an exciting time to join us as we launch a major new phase of missional work for rejuvenation and growth across the diocese, supported by a recent award of £5.3m funding by the SMMI Board on behalf of the national Church of England. Deadline for applications: Friday 25th April, 2025 Interviews to be held on: Friday 9th May, 2025