Mid Canterbury is seeking an Associate Priest who will lead ministry across Mid Canterbury with the Archdeacon, with primary responsibility in Mayfield–Mount Somers, Methven and Rakaia.

Vision: To refresh Anglican ministry and mission and, through wise and inspired deployment of human and financial resources, open the way for the gospel to be seen, heard and experienced in Mid Canterbury in conjunction with other “people of peace.”

The Associate Priest will:

• Facilitate the Vision (above) in conjunction with the Archdeacon and key lay people from across the Archdeaconry

• Have primary responsibility for the provision and development of ministry and mission in the parishes of Methven, Rakaia and Mayfield-Mount Somers

• Be accountable to the Archdeacon of Mid Canterbury through an agreed pattern of staff meetings, daily office and prayer (including in person and

  online)

• Work collaboratively with available ordained and lay ministers for the supply of presiding, preaching and pastoral care

• Live in the Vicarage in the growing Methven community, or in their own home in Mid Canterbury for which they would receive a housing allowance.

The Archdeacon, who is Vicar of Ashburton, will work with the Associate

Priest to prepare the Archdeaconry for the future, seeking to:

• Equip the Church to grow in numbers, spiritual commitment, and service to the community

• Ensure the provision of relevant patterns of worship, spiritual refreshment and outreach

• Equip church members to live out the Five Marks of Mission

• Establish training and study opportunities for all interested

• Ensure the resourcing, mentoring and ongoing identification of lay ministers

• Co-ordinate the churches’ response to local needs and opportunities

• Effect workable governance of the rural congregations and churches.

 Applicants must be Anglican priests currently in good standing with their

present bishop in the Anglican Communion, who already have the right to work in New Zealand and are willing to undertake Police vetting.

A parish profile and an expression of interest form are available by emailing the Executive Assistant at the Diocese of Christchurch: bishopsea@anglicanlife.org.nz or by phoning 03 348 6701.