The person appointed will be an experienced ordained Anglican priest (6 yrs min), a team player, a natural teacher and a strong preacher. Forming disciples of Jesus Christ and enabling lay ministry will come naturally, and s/he will have a track record which attests to their effectiveness in these areas. The person appointed will demonstrate humility and joy in the exercise of ordained leadership in a diverse, complex urban setting, and will minister comfortably within a theological context of generous orthodoxy. S/he will have strong organizational gifts, able to exercise initiative and to lead and manage others, to thrive in a team setting where responsibility is held collectively.

We seek to build a clergy team that reflects the diversity of God’s Church. At the time of appointment we will be without a woman priest in the stipendiary clergy team. So while we will review all applications on their merits, we particularly welcome applications from qualified women.

We offer a competitive package which includes stipend, housing at the Cathedral Centre, pension and education allowance.

Serving as a partner in the Cathedral’s Ministry Leadership Team, the Canon Missioner has a unique role. This ordained leader is a team player, a natural teacher and a strong preacher. Forming disciples of Jesus Christ and enabling lay ministry come naturally, as does building relationships with our neighbours and serving among them.

This ministry has four inter-related parts:
1. DISCIPLESHIP AND EVANGELISM
Objective: Enable discipleship journey among inquirers, long-time members and the newly baptized
• Evaluate and propose small group discipleship resource(s) in collaboration with cathedral clergy and Diocesan Season of Spiritual Renewal. Create and share a recognized toolkit of discipleship resources.
• Play a leadership role in developing and overseeing lay-led small group ministry;
o Phase 1: identify existing small groups and support their growth and development; build awareness and participation through Cathedral Ministry Council; suggest new groups that would serve alongside existing teams (e.g. Welcome Team, Hospitality Team)
o Phase 2: equip and empower multiple small groups; train group leaders; plan commissioning of small group leaders
• Develop one or more contextually-appropriate programmes for people exploring Christian faith and embed process evangelism into the Cathedral’s culture
• Lead baptism preparation, first communion and confirmation preparation; identify sponsors/companions; include small group leaders as appropriate
• Support Children and Family Ministry – build profile; connect with parents; resources for home teaching; occasional teaching on Sunday morning (on rotation)
• Connect with newcomers and newly baptized – invite their participation in small groups
• Develop materials for visitors which introduce Christian faith through aspects of the building, its history and architecture
• Occasional “did you know?” short teaching pieces in Connections (e.g. making the sign of the cross; anointing, prayer)

2. ENGAGE IN COMMUNITY LIFE
• Support annual Easter Egg Hunt, Blessing of the Animals, Remembrance Day and other community events; follow up with attendees; consider other events that would be of interest to community members – e.g. Carols with Friends?
• Research neighbourhood associations; identify historic relationships and events
• Explore opportunities and make recommendations to be present and involved in civic and neighbourhood events in St. James’ Park and area (e.g. concerts, Earth Day)
• Attend monthly St. Lawrence Supper Club Dinner; build awareness with St. Lawrence Community Association
• Seek events for the Dean to attend and reasons to invite community leaders to events at St. James Cathedral
• Develop relationship with civic leaders, MPP and MP
• Serve as chaplain of the Childrens’ Community Choir team
• As capacity allows, contribute to development of an arts and culture programme in the Cathedral

3. PASTORAL CARE
• Share in the pastoral ministry with the other clergy
o Connect/visit with newcomers, parents, and inquirers
o Share in visiting the acutely sick, housebound
o Supervise and build Lay Pastoral Visiting team
o Lead organization (with lay team) of a regular newcomer event

4. LITURGICAL LEADERSHIP
• Preside and preach on rotation as determined by the Vicar
• Assist the Vicar as required, e.g. with a view to newcomers, discern gifts; identify and train lay volunteers for liturgical leadership roles; draft the schedule of readers, intercessors, etc.

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL DEMONSTRATE:
• Humility and joy in the exercise of ordained leadership in a diverse, complex pastoral setting; a life-long learner
• Able to offer comfortably within a theological context of generous orthodoxy
• Team player with strong organizational gifts
• Liturgical presence, familiarity, and comfort with the diverse liturgical life of St. James Cathedral
• Strong preaching gifts and willingness to explore different preaching styles; a lively prayer life
• Strong written and spoken communication skills, and the ability to communicate the faith creatively and winsomely
• A natural teacher with a passion for discipleship and mentoring disciples – a developer of others
• Pastoral gifts with a commitment to pastoral care of the whole Body of Christ (intergenerational) and an ability to equip volunteers for lay pastoral ministry
• At least six years ordained ministry experience with a track record of effective delivery

IN ADDITION
• The role as expressed here is a demanding one. There is no sense that this is all the responsibility of the Canon Missioner alone, nor that each of these areas need to be prioritized from day one. Priorities, plans, and teams will be developed over time.

Additionally, future staff changes may create the opportunity to sharpen or shift responsibilities to some extent, depending on the gifts and passions of the postholder

To apply please submit a resume and covering letter to Serena Li, Dean’s Assistant by email. To arrange an informal conversation with Dean Stephen Hance, please also contact Serena. Applications will close on August 30, 2024 at 12 noon with interviews during September.