Generic Job Description Archdeacon

To be read in conjunction with the generic job descriptions for the Bishop, Area Dean, and Incumbent.

Post: Archdeacon

Purpose: To support the Bishop as Chief Shepherd, Pastor and Minister of the Diocese, a visible sign serving the Church’s unity and continuity in apostolic life mission and ministry.

Responsible: In collaboration and full co-operation with the Bishop, Area Deans, Clergy and Laity for leading, co-ordinating and administering the Archdeaconry.

Principal Tasks and Duties

Province

1. To play a part in the affairs of the Province as required.
2. To attend Archdeacons’ meetings.

Diocese

1. To work closely with the Bishop as a ’critical friend’ sharing a common vision for the diocese and complementing the bishops’ gifts in areas of: – Pastoral care and support of clergy and their families – Training and resourcing of the Church with regard to future terms of service for Clergy – Bishop’ review – Profiling of parishes – Developing and implementing stategy for mission and ministry in the diocese.
2. To be a member of the Bishop’s Staff in the Diocese and contribute to the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of Diocesan Policies and procedures.
3. To represent the Bishop and Diocese at provincial led meetings and events as requested
4. To participate in diocesan appointment procedures for vacancies
5. To contribute to the financial and organisational management of the diocese through involvement with appropriate committees, helping to set priorities, aiding the process of inspiring and communicating vision.

Archdeaconry

1. To organise regular meetings of the Area Deans
2. To support and encourage the work of the Area Deans
3. To ensure Area Deans are aware of new or changing developments within the Diocese and archdeaconry and to support the Area Dean in implementation
4. To work closely with Area Deans in training, supporting and maintaining pastoral care of clergy
5. To assist the Bishop in the appointment of Area Deans

Parishes

1. To ensure that parishes comply with the law governing the administration of the electoral roll
2. To act as President of the Archdeacon’s Court in deciding disputes concerning the electoral roll
3. To undertake the functions and administration associated with visitations – Admitting churchwardens – Ensuring maintenance of inventory and parsonage
4. To chair parish vestry meetings when the office of Area Dean is vacant where necessary.
5. To advise clergy, PCC’s and laity on matters concerning the maintenance of the church, churchyard and church hall
6. To facilitate pastoral reorganisation
7. To support and guide parishes during vacancies and during periods of clergy incapacity.
8. To ensure clergy are aware of terms of office and ensure compliance with the prescribed procedures, including clergy discipline
9. To encourage and support clergy in ongoing ministerial development through training and mentoring.

Ministry

1. To participate in parish ministry
2. To be a member of the Cathedral Chapter