The Diocese of Rochester THE ARCHDEACON OF TONBRIDGE

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1 The Diocese of Rochester THE ARCHDEACON OF TONBRIDGE

2 Contents Our Archdeacons: shaping the church for mission... 3 The Archdeaconry of Tonbridge... 5 The next Archdeacon of Tonbridge: the role... 7 The next Archdeacon of Tonbridge: the person The Archdeacon of Tonbridge: practical matters

3 Our Archdeacons: shaping the church for mission Working with the Bishops and other colleagues, our three Archdeacons are focal leaders of the church as it is formed and re-formed for mission, both structurally and spiritually. Archdeacons have particular opportunities to foster healthy, fruitful and safe patterns of church life, encouraging collaboration and making sure that our churches are safe communities, especially for the young and the vulnerable. Within this Diocese, our three archdeaconries encompass very different segments of geography and social, community and economic life. The Archdeaconry of Bromley and Bexley lies wholly within Greater London, and the Archdeaconry of Rochester covers the Thames-side communities of North Kent and Medway. Meanwhile, the Archdeaconry of Tonbridge encompasses the towns of Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, Paddock Wood, and Malling, and their surrounding villages. Suburban, rural and generally prosperous in character, it is more sparsely populated than the other two. Each Archdeaconry has, therefore, a particular character, and the Archdeacon has a leading role in encouraging the church s mission and ministry within that setting. Alongside and indeed by means of their statutory duties, our Archdeacons have a continuing pastoral and strategic engagement with parishes and deaneries. Working closely with patrons and PCCs, they lead on clergy appointments on behalf of the Bishop. 3

4 The Archdeacons are often the first point of support, advice and pastoral care for the clergy and other ministers and leaders. Working with the Area Deans, Lay Chairs and Archdeaconry Mission and Pastoral Working Groups, the Archdeacons are shapers and animators of the church s missionary and pastoral presence in our communities. In their own right and on behalf of the Bishop, the Archdeacons have a role in representing the church to public and other authorities within their areas. With other senior colleagues, the Archdeacons are part of the Bishop s Leadership Team and share in the corporate leadership of the whole Diocese. The Archdeacon of Rochester is a Residentiary Canon of the Cathedral; the other two Archdeacons are Honorary Canons ex officio. Alongside the oversight of their own Archdeaconry, each Archdeacon will hold one or more diocesan-wide responsibilities or portfolios. Each Archdeacon has the opportunity to develop a particular interest in one of our diocesan overseas partnerships. The Bishop is also keen that the Archdeacons should, according to time, skills and interests, be involved in the life of the wider church and/or community. As a Diocese, we are at present undertaking a process of consultation and re-envisioning which will lead to the adoption of a new framework for mission and ministry. This sits alongside the Church of England s national Renewal and Reform programme. Wide consultation across the Diocese continues until Easter, with the new vision due to be made public in November The priorities and aspirations which emerge and are adopted will provide the framework for the work of the Archdeacons and others. This is likely to include continued work on re-imaging and reforming the shape of parish ministry, further development of lay ministries, and attention given to areas of new potential, including areas of new housing. Growth and sustainability are likely to be key strands. In order to achieve an appropriate and fair distribution of resources across the Diocese, the Archdeacons will need the skills and qualities required to make and see through sensitive and difficult decisions. 4

5 The Archdeaconry of Tonbridge The Archdeaconry of Tonbridge lies in South-West Kent, and covers all or part of the Boroughs of Tonbridge and Malling, Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks and Maidstone all within the County of Kent. Focal centres of population are the towns of Tonbridge, Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells, Edenbridge, and Paddock Wood, and the communities of the A20 corridor between West Malling and Aylesford. The Archdeaconry has 6 deaneries, 68 benefices, encompassing 90 parishes and some 115 churches/congregations. 24 benefices have more than one church/parish; 15 have a parish priest who is less than fulltime. There are some 70fte stipendiary clergy posts (excluding training curacies), around 15fte employed youth/children s workers, and around 10 self-supporting clergy offering varying amounts and kinds of ministry. There are a number of larger congregations, particularly in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks, some of which have a profile which is wider than local. There are also congregations serving some relatively small rural communities. Among the clergy and parishes in the Archdeaconry are those representing almost every ecclesial tradition within the Church of England. In two parishes, the Bishop shares oversight with the Bishop of Richborough; in 4 or 5 others, the Bishop is putting in place arrangements to share ministry with the Bishop of Maidstone. In all such cases, relationship with the Diocese is positive, with clergy and lay people from those parishes making important contributions to the wider life and mission of the church. 5

6 There are 44 Church of England schools in the Archdeaconry (including the Bennett Memorial Diocesan Secondary School), and one ecumenical secondary free school. Two further Church of England free schools will open in September A number of significant independent schools also lie within the Archdeaconry, some with Church of England chaplaincy. In many places there are also excellent links between the churches and community schools/academies. As elsewhere, the pattern of schools is changing significantly through academisation and other developments. The parishes of the Archdeaconry serve a population of some 300,000 (out of 1.3 million in the whole Diocese. Projections suggest that this will increase steadily with a 25% increase across the Diocese projected for the next 30 years. Within the Archdeaconry of Tonbridge, this will be focussed within the Borough of Tonbridge and Malling, and especially the Malling Deanery. A completely new community has been built at Kings Hill over the last 15 years, and further large developments will follow, especially in the A20 corridor. Pilsdon-at Malling Within the Archdeaconry are to be found some of the most affluent communities in the country. Alongside that, there are places of real social and community challenge. For the last few years, the churches of Tunbridge Wells have offered winter shelter for homeless people. There are other Christian projects working with the homeless and with vulnerable young people; others offer debt advice, and rehabilitation of those with addictions. Among these initiatives, particular mention might be made of two residential centres: the Kenward Trust which offers residential rehabilitation for those with drug or alcohol dependency; and the Pilsdon-at Malling Community which offers a welcome and accommodation for homeless and other vulnerable people. The Diocese has deployed a part-time Community Chaplain working alongside a number of these initiatives. Burrswood Health and Wellbeing is also located within the Archdeaconry, as is Carroty Wood, an outdoor activity centre run by the Christian charity, Rock UK. The parishes of the Archdeaconry make a significant financial contribution to the resources of the Diocese, contributing some 3.8million through the Parish Offer, while also funding a range of local ministries and mission activities as well as sustaining, and indeed developing for fuller use, a good number of historic church buildings. That said, the direct cost of deploying ministry within the Archdeaconry amounts to some 3.5million, excluding curacies. While congregations are vibrant, strong and outward looking in many parts of the Archdeaconry, there are places where the church struggles to sustain its life. Creative reorganisation will be needed in some places, not least so as to re-direct resources for mission and ministry into areas of new opportunity and challenge. 6

7 Within the area of the Archdeaconry, there are four developing pieces of work of particular strategic importance for the Diocese. At King s Hill, a new community of some 10,000 people, we now have a full-time mission priest resident on the estate; having developed with the support of clergy from surrounding parishes, the St Gabriel s congregation is growing and becoming more self-sustaining. Local conversations and negotiations with the main developer and the Borough Council are leading us towards fulfilling a vision to have a church building for worship and as a base for wider community mission. This is now vital for the future growth of the church and its presence in the community. At Malling Abbey, the Diocese has been working with the resident Community of Anglican Benedictine Sisters to develop a new centre for spiritual formation and development. With financial investment from the Sisters and the Diocese, the St Benedict s Centre has just opened as a non-residential place of gathering for learning, training and spiritual development. The Centre is also now home for the regional training scheme, re-named from SEITE to the St Augustine s College of Theology. This is an exciting development for the Diocese and the wider church. Two new Church of England schools are due to open later this year. This follows the founding of the Trinity ecumenical school. The opening of these three new schools illustrates the opportunities for us to increase our contribution to education, and further such opportunities may well emerge in the future. Burrswood Health and Wellbeing, also mentioned earlier, is going through a process of re-shaping and renewing its vision and purpose. As it does so, there is a desire to work in partnership with the Diocese in the areas of wholeness, healing and spiritual well-being. Within the rest of the Diocese, we have two further key areas of work. A new garden city is planned for the Ebbsfleet area, with a likely new population in excess of 40,000 over the next years. As a Diocese, we are already well engaged in planning for missionary and pastoral presence in the area. In the town centre of Chatham, an area of particular social and economic challenge, we have an exciting initiative to renew Christian presence, including the re-opening of a long-redundant church building. With support from the Church Commissioners as well as diocesan funding, this initiative will move forward significantly in the next year. Burrswood Health and Wellbeing 7

8 The next Archdeacon of Tonbridge: the role Within the overall framework described above, and primarily in relation to the Archdeaconry of Tonbridge, the Archdeacon of Tonbridge has the following key tasks and responsibilities: To take a leading role in shaping and animating the mission and ministry of the church within the deaneries and parishes, with particular attention to ministerial deployment; to chair the Archdeaconry Mission and Pastoral Working Group, and to work with the Area Deans and other leaders and advisers to support and advise deaneries and parishes in their mission planning; to have particular responsibility for developing and framing Pastoral Schemes, Bishop s Mission Orders and other means of applying resources for mission; to undertake all of this within the framework of diocesan strategy and priorities, and with awareness of ecumenical partners. To undertake the statutory duties of an Archdeacon as laid out in Canon C22, and other ecclesiastical legislation; to exercise jurisdiction within these duties. To work with the relevant Area Dean to support and advise parishes and benefices in the approach to and during a vacancy; to use the parish profile process to work with parishes to refresh their vision for mission and ministry. On behalf of the Bishop, to work with patrons and PCCs in making new clergy appointments; to liaise with incoming clergy over their housing needs and other aspects of their move; to induct and install newly appointed ministers. In partnership with the Bishops, to share in the pastoral care of the clergy and their families; to have a particular role in relation to Clergy housing, liaising with the clergy themselves, the Clergy Houses Committee and the Diocesan Surveyors. Support and advice for clergy found to be in financial need or difficulty. To conduct an informal interim review with all clergy on a 4-year cycle; to be available at other times to discuss ministerial and vocational issues with any of the clergy. Working with the Diocesan Formation and Ministry Team, to arrange events for training or development which may be particularly relevant to the needs and opportunities within the Archdeaconry. To meet ministers resident in the Archdeaconry who seek the Bishop s Permission to Officiate; to meet periodically with those who already hold that Permission to review the ministry offered. To conduct annual Visitations at which Churchwardens are admitted to their office; prepare (with fellow Archdeacons and others as appropriate) Articles of Enquiry prior to such Visitations. To meet regularly with the Area Deans of the Archdeaconry; to offer guidance and support to Area Deans, Deanery Lay Chairs, Churchwardens and other deanery and parish officers. 8

9 To offer particular advice and guidance for Churchwardens and clergy in relation to the care or development of church buildings and other property, especially in encouraging a vision for their effective use within the church s mission; to work with the Diocesan Registrar and the Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches (DAC) to facilitate the processes of the Faculty Jurisdiction Measure. To give advice also on financial matters, working with Area Deans and the relevant diocesan staff to encourage a positive approach to stewardship in general and the making of parish offers in particular. To engage wisely, and in consultation with the Bishop, where difficulties or disputes arise within parishes; to seek resolutions through informal advice and negotiation, but where necessary to take formal action under the Clergy Discipline Measure and other legislation concerning the conduct of clergy, Churchwardens and PCCs. To develop good relationships with members and officers of local authorities within the Archdeaconry, especially the Boroughs of Tonbridge and Malling, Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks. To develop an awareness of and appropriate connection with the wider life of the communities within the Archdeaconry, including the public, voluntary and business sectors. Within the wider life of the Diocese, the Archdeacon of Tonbridge has or will have the following roles and responsibilities: To be a member of the Bishop s Leadership Team, advising and working with the Bishop in the oversight of the Diocese. To meet regularly with fellow Archdeacons, within the Diocese, regionally and nationally. To be an ex officio member of the Diocesan Synod, the Bishop s Council (which is coterminous with the Board of Directors of the Diocesan Board of Finance, and the Diocesan Mission and Pastoral Committee), the College of Canons, and the DAC. To share with the other Archdeacons membership of the Diocesan Finance Committee and the Clergy Houses Committee. By agreement with the Bishop, and according to particular skills, experience or interest, to take on one or more diocesan-wide portfolios or responsibilities (which could change over time). In particular, this might include: o oversight and care of one or more groups of Chaplains (healthcare, workplace, prisons, education); o leading a particular diocesan or cross-diocesan initiative or project, such as development and implementation of a new initiative or strategy, or the organisation of a major event; o Chairing a diocesan committee or working group; o taking on, by agreement, a major contribution to the national church. 9

10 The next Archdeacon of Tonbridge: the person The person appointed to be Archdeacon of Tonbridge will be a priest who has been in orders for at least six years, and who will: Live a life rooted in a discipline of prayer and seeking after personal holiness, so as to sustain him/herself in a role and setting that can be quite solitary; Be a loyal friend and colleague able to work collaboratively, with energy, good humour, theological insight, and pastoral wisdom; Keep senior leadership close to parishes and communities by building strong working relationships, holding vision, challenging where necessary, and nurturing an understanding of the needs of the future church; Foster with enthusiasm the mission of the Church of England through its parochial, chaplaincy and other ministries, be at ease with the breadth of traditions within it and be committed to the dual-economy model of mission and ministry; Have a broad understanding and experience of parochial and pastoral ministry in a leadership role such as to give clergy confidence in his/her judgement and advice; Be able to encourage and lead worship which is rich in content, intelligent, well-produced and sensitive to a variety of settings, traditions and needs; be a proven preacher and communicator; Work comfortably within formal and legal structures and processes, and have the skills to apply them in pastoral and creative ways; be willing to acquire detailed knowledge and understanding of ecclesiastical and other law as it relates to the ministry and jurisdiction of an Archdeacon; Encourage, care for and motivate clergy and lay leaders living and ministering in widely varying settings - suburban, market town and relatively rural; Handle administration effectively and efficiently; have sufficient financial literacy to make a good contribution to diocesan decision-making and administration on financial matters; Have confidence to stand firm and, if necessary, to admonish with fairness and humanity; have the personal and spiritual resilience to be sustained in dealing with circumstances of (sometimes protracted) conflict; Be a credible public representative of the Church of England in wider society and with ecumenical and other partners; Seek to model a healthy and balanced life, taking appropriate time off and giving proper attention to rest, recreation, family and friends. 10

11 The Archdeacon of Tonbridge: practical matters Appointment and Tenure. The Archdeacon of Tonbridge is appointed by the Bishop of Rochester, after consultation with an Advisory Group. The Archdeacon serves under Common Tenure (a sample Statement of Particulars is available on request). Oversight, Accountability and Ministry Development Review. The Archdeacon is responsible to the Bishop. In addition to meetings of the Bishop s Leadership Team, Archdeacons meet individually with the Bishop quarterly, and annually for Ministry Development Review. Stipend and Pension. The Archdeacon receives a stipend at the level recommended by the Central Stipends Authority (subject to annual decision by the Bishop s Council). Pension contributions are paid by the Diocesan Board of Finance into the Church of England Pensions Scheme. Housing. A new house is being sought within the area of the Archdeaconry; it is intended that this will be located to provide good access within the Archdeaconry, to the rest of the Diocese (especially Rochester), and more widely. Travel. The Archdeacon will need to be able and willing to travel 10,000 miles/year for archdeaconry and diocesan work; candidates will need to demonstrate ability to travel independently around the archdeaconry, some of which is not well served by public transport. Office and expenses. Office space will be provided within the Archdeacon s house. Administrative support is at present 16 hours/week. All reasonable expenses of office are reimbursed by the Diocesan Board of Finance. 11