Pioneer Worker for Children & Families
The Thirsk and Northallerton Methodist Circuit is at an exciting stage of its life. This past year we became a two-church circuit made up of St James Green Thirsk, and Vale of Mowbray Church which is made up of 6 worshipping/missional communities from across the Circuit. We have recently appointed a Mission Enabler and Community Engagement Pioneer.
We are seeking an innovative and prayerful individual who can help us pioneer fresh ways of engaging with children and young families. This means listening carefully to local communities, noticing where God may already be at work, building relationships beyond existing church activities, and shaping new opportunities for faith, belonging and support under the guidance of the Superintendent Minister.
- Job title: Pioneer Worker for Children & Families.
- Location: Working with local communities and the Circuit to pioneer new openings alongside children and families. Office space is available at Northallerton Methodist Church.
- Employing body: The Thirsk and Northallerton Methodist Circuit.
- Responsible to: The Superintendent Minister.
PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES:
The pioneer aspect of the role will require curiosity, courage and flexibility: listening to children, families and local partners; identifying gaps and possibilities; trying small-scale initiatives; learning from what emerges; and helping new expressions of Christian community take root. (see https://www.methodist.org.uk/for-churches/evangelism-growth/new-places-for-new-people/called-to-pioneer/)
80% of the role will focus on pioneering new work alongside children and families: discerning needs, testing fresh approaches, forming relationships within the local communities across the Circuit, and developing sustainable opportunities for faith exploration. This may include planting one or more NPNP projects. The remaining 20% of the time will be committed to supporting and encouraging already established groups.
- To enable children and families to participate fully in the life of Christian Faith.
- To encourage already established groups, supporting those involved in leading them.
- To work on collaboration with the Mission Enabler and Community Engagement Pioneer.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:
Under the supervision of the Superintendent Minister, the successful applicant will be responsible for children and family work across the Circuit, helping worshipping communities to explore New People for New Places opportunities. To pioneer new ways of working alongside children and families in the community, developing creative, accessible and context-sensitive opportunities for people to encounter Christian faith.
- The initial phase of the appointment will involve listening, mapping and discernment: identifying opportunities within local communities where new pioneer work with children and families can be established.
- Mapping what is already established within the circuit (i.e., Open the Book, Messy Church, Sunday schools, Godly Play, toddler groups, etc.).
- Develop and assist children and families to explore the Christian faith in creative and dynamic ways, pioneering new forms of mission that may include community-based projects, intergenerational activities, outdoor or sports-based engagement, and other locally shaped initiatives.
- Keep records of contacts and work undertaken in compliance with GDPR legislation.
- Utilise available Circuit, District and Connexion resources including Pioneer Networks.
Safeguarding
- Work with the Superintendent and the Circuit Safeguarding Officer to ensure compliance with the Churches’ Policy on Safeguarding, creating a safe space for all.
Financial
- Manage and administer an agreed budget to enable the ministry to develop.
Other requirements:
- Be an active and engaged participant in Reflective Supervision.
- Report regularly to the Circuit Leadership Team.
- Prepare written reports/maintain records as asked to do so by your Line Manager.
- Attend meetings and gatherings as asked to do so by your Line Manager.
- As requested by your Line Manager, undertake other reasonable duties that support the evolving vision and mission of the Thirsk and Northallerton Methodist Circuit.
- Link in to the Districts New Places for New People network and New Streams Circuit as required (https://www.yorkshirenemethodist.org/our-work/new-places-for-new-people/)
Pay: £17.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
