STATEMENT OF NEEDS

The last two years have been a difficult time for Bridgnorth and its surrounding parishes. Because of serious, long-term illness we have been without, first, our rector (who was also the rural dean) and, then, our newly installed team vicar. At times it has been very unhappy. There have been all sorts of tensions as a result of the vacuum and important things have been left undone. However there has been the truly remarkable effort of our non-stipendiary priest to keep things going and, unexpectedly, the difficulties have had the effect of inspiring many lay members into taking a much more active role. In fact people have really pulled together and this can be seen in increasing congregations and new initiatives like Messy Church.

So whilst we can offer a local church in a surprising state of rude health, there is an enormous challenge ahead. For example, pastoral care has suffered badly during this time and there has been little teaching. Bridgnorth may look like a beautiful, sleepy town where everyone lives happy, problem-free lives, but of course it is not like that at all. We now need a new rector with great strength of character. We need a rector who will lead. We need someone who will prioritise and be decisive. At the same time, to be effective, that person should be a good listener, should want to share and develop the ministry with the existing Team, and should be sensitive to all the different currents across the different parishes.

Our ideal candidate will love people and variety. He or she will relish the challenge of dealing with a very wide cross section of society, will be at ease with those whose families have lived in the area for many generations, and will enjoy the company of newcomers. Similarly, whilst many of our services use the modern forms of liturgy, we would want someone who also has a genuine love for the aesthetic and musical traditions of the Church.

This is a new beginning for the church in Bridgnorth. We are offering you the opportunity to shape our future. In particular, he or she should have the following qualities:-

 Be an inspiring leader in faith and worship

 Be an excellent communicator, negotiator, conciliator and good team player

 Be able to embrace, develop and guide the varied patterns of worship and pastoral care already developing within the Team and Group, and to bring innovative, fresh and challenging ideas to the parishes in all aspects of the ministry, and encourage the work of its lay members.

 Be competent to train and mentor other clergy and ministers

 Be a good administrator with delegation skills

 Able to encourage and build on existing ecumenical links within the area

 Encourage the musical and aesthetic traditions of all the Team and Group churches, particularly at St. Mary's Bridgnorth, and to foster them further in the work of the Church in the area

And finally to approach this role with faith, humour and humanity - we know only saints will be eligible, but if we don't ask . . .!