Deacon - Northwest Christchurch Anglican Parish

The Northwest Christchurch Anglican Parish are seeking a priest or deacon to join us and our Vicar-led team in mission in the northwest suburbs of Christchurch.

We are offering an exciting new opportunity for mission and ministry among younger generations on the edge of church.

We want to reach out to the families that are connected to the parish through our ministries. These include our Pre-School Music and Movement, our ‘Wacky Wednesday’ afterschool club, and ‘237 Youth’, our community-facing youth group.  There are also families who have come to bring children to be baptised and ones who have been married in the Parish.

The role will involve developing:

• opportunities for people to discover faith and be discipled in their faith journey.
• worship opportunities that encourage their discipleship journey and build community- a place to belong.
• opportunity for these younger generations to know and be encouraged and mentored by our older generations.

The aim will be to grow a community of faith, which includes families with youth and younger children, adults in their 20’s, 30’s and 40’s, single, married, and with families.

We want a second clergyperson on the team to:

• Assess the needs of these families and consider ways to begin a new form, or fresh expression, of church community with them. This would include developing teams to support this from the existing congregations, in worship, hospitality and support.
• Look at ways to build relationships between the new community and the existing congregation, linking people of mature faith to those who are beginning the journey.
• Look at ways to disciple newcomers - Alpha, Discipleship Cohort model, other options.
• Provide oversight and leadership of our Youth Programme - leading and developing a team of volunteer leaders and developing their gifts and encouraging them on their faith journey. Develop ways to introduce faith and build discipleship among the young people.
• Connect with the families, whanau, parents of the youth, to build relationships with them.
• Provide oversight of our Wacky Wednesday afterschool programme – developing and leading the team of volunteer leaders and encouraging them to use their gifts and grow the team.
• Connect with Preschool Music families by attending sessions and building relationships.

The person we are looking for will be:

A priest or deacon, who is passionate about Jesus Christ, experienced in ministry, with a passion for people and able to build relationships with people on the edge of the church. The new person will be skilled in sharing their faith and making disciples, and can enable congregation members to help make disciples.

This will be a position that gives you the privilege and opportunity to focus on ministry and mission to younger generations on the edge of the church and make disciples.

The position is initially for 3 years.

The Northwest Christchurch Parish is a friendly, welcoming parish, with a heart for community connections and a desire to see people come to faith in Christ, and grow as disciples. 

• We have a dedicated group of members who contribute in many ministry areas.
• Our worship is a relaxed Anglican style with a blend of contemporary and traditional music, and a charismatic influence. We have a variety of talented musicians and singers who lead with a real desire to honour God and bring people into the presence of God. 
• Home groups play an important role in parish life, providing discipleship, and a place to explore faith and offer pastoral support.
• Our pastoral care team connects with many who are home-bound or in retirement facilities.
• We have a team of preachers with varying styles who use Bible-based teaching for real-life situations.
• We contribute to a range of community networks and ministries, including schools and support for the elderly

For a parish profile and job description please contact the parish office at admin@northwestchchparish.org.nz 033521366-9.30am-12.00pm weekdays.

Closing Date for applications 25^th January.

We envisage the position starting Feb/March/April depending on circumstances of the successful candidate.

If you would like an informal conversation with the vicar Joanne Latham before you consider applying please contact her on 021 038 0471. joanne.latham@gmail.com .

Please note the office will be closed from December 24^th until January 25^th and the vicar on holiday until 20^th January.

03 3521366

adminSPAMFILTER@northwestchchparish.org.nz

04/12/2020

25/12/2020