Lay Ministry Officer

Manchester Diocese has an inspiring vision for 2030, with a strong focus on developing missional leaders who can inspire and equip the Church for the future. We are now seeking a Lay Ministry Officer who will support the continued flourishing of lay min­istry, ensuring that lay people are equipped to live out their calling and use their gifts.

Hours – Full time (35 hours)

The Lay Ministry Officer plays a key role in the Mission and Ministry Team. Working collaboratively with colleagues they will contribute to a culture where the vocation of all God’s people is celebrated, and lay people in particular are equipped to live out their calling and use their gifts in the church and in the world. The post-holder will lead, oversee and develop our well-established Foundations for Ministry course, an annual programme helping anyone active in church life who feels some sense of vocation or calling to unpack what following Jesus might look like. They will expand our programme of lay training conferences and similar training days, offering leadership development, missional creativity and spiritual depth at deanery and more local levels.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, empowering individual who will be a resource to leaders, parishes and wider networks in discipleship resources, championing a culture of whole-life and life-long discipleship which lies at the core of our shared call to follow Jesus.

Candidates should be committed to mission and collaborative ministry and confident in their own Christian faith.

It is important to us that the new Lay Ministry Officer is committed to diversity, inclusion and racial justice. We are also looking for someone who is generous in working with a breadth of traditions and spirituality in the Church of England. In particular, we welcome female candidates and candidates of global majority heritage to help ensure the diversity of our team. 

There is an occupational requirement for the post holder to be a practising Christian and member of the Anglican Church, in accordance with Schedule 9 to the Equality Act 2010. The package includes 22 days annual leave per year, rising to 25 days after 12 months’ service, in addition to Bank Holidays and three church days.

A full DBS check is required for the successful candidate.