The Ministry of Archdeacons
Archdeacons are called to share in the mission of the church, exercising their ministry in close collaboration with the Bishop. They play a significant role in the recruitment, oversight, discipline, and pastoral care of the clergy.
The Archdeacon is to ensure that the Bishop is aware of the needs and concerns of clergy and people, and to foster in them a fuller sense of their responsibilities as members of Christ's body. S/he shares the ordinary jurisdiction of the Area Bishop and exercises the jurisdiction of the consistory court of the diocese as the chancellor directs. S/he presents ordination candidates to the Bishop. S/he inducts and installs ministers conducts visitations of the parishes and cares for Churchwardens in their office. Archdeacons work closely with the Area Bishop, Associate Archdeacons, Area Deans and Lay Officers to help grow the churches in their care. Byword, deed, and example, s/he encourages good administration and due process, exercising authority with wisdom, gentleness, and vision; in all things remembering that s/he ministers as priest and pastor in the church of God.
The legal responsibilities of an Archdeacon in the Church of England derived from Canon 22 “of Archdeacons” underpin the duties and responsibilities of the post holder and they are detailed in the enclosed document
Specifics:
The most attractive element of the post of Archdeacon of Buckingham is the fact that they will be working with and be a member of a very supportive diocesan team in a diverse Archdeaconry that respects, honours and works across all traditions within a Diocese that is financially secure.
Location
To work from the Buckingham Area Office in Stone, with working from home on occasion at the clergy house provided under common tenure, with and visits to churches/clergy as required.
Terms of Service
As outlined in the Statement of Particulars issued alongside this Role Description.
Housing Provision
Comfortable housing will be provided in Aylesbury. Further information can be found in Appendix B.
Accountability and support
Responsible to the Bishop of Buckingham for the work in the Archdeaconry, with regular meetings for consultation and contact as needed. The Archdeacon will supervise the Associate’s work and be available for advice. PA support is provided and the Archdeacon will have line management responsibilities for the postholder.
Working relationships
The Archdeacon will be a member of the Bishop’s Staff and will be a member of the following teams/committees/trusts: Buckingham Area Team, Bishop’s Council, Diocesan Synod, Diocesan Mission and Pastoral Committee, Archdeaconry of Buckingham Mission and Pastoral Committee, Diocesan Advisory Committee, Diocesan Buildings Committee, Bayne Benefaction and others to match gifts and skills of the individual in role. The Archdeacon meets regularly with and works closely with the Area Bishop and the Area Team.
Key challenges of the role
We have identified the following key challenges for this role at this next appointment:
- To be an excellent (and traditional) Archdeacon, knowing the clergy and parishes in your care, enabling strong appointments, and leading within the Area Team on matters of resources, buildings and delivery.
- To enable the ministry and leadership of the Bishop of Buckingham to focus on mission in the public square; the spiritual formation of the Church across the Area and the overall strategy for the Area.
- To build good relationships with immediate colleagues in the Area Team based on shared prayer and mutual support and to enable the team to flourish.
- To lead on challenging situations of conflict, safeguarding and discipline in parishes with clarity and compassion and to manage the considerable case load which comes with the role.
- To play your part as a senior member of the Diocesan Team according to your own gifts and present needs and to live out the diocesan vision.
- In all of this to watch over yourself and your immediate colleagues, modelling what it means to flourish in ministry.