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Pastorate Profile Summary Ref number 6B03
Pastorate Details:
Name of pastorate: Church Stretton United Reformed Church
Churches in pastorate: 1
Date of declaration of vacancy: September 2015 Scoping (%) & Term: unscoped
Mission Context:
(e.g. inner city/urban/suburban/market town/rural; population size and composition; ecumenical scene, etc.)
Church Stretton is a small market town in Shropshire, twelve miles from Shrewsbury. The population is approximately 4600 of whom nearly 40% are retired. However, many are very active and are involved in the community, participating in voluntary service in the Mayfair Community Centre, which is the hub of the town. There are approximately 60 activity groups listed in the town magazine. Church Stretton is a tourist town having a variety of shops, one secondary and one primary school, a train station, leisure facilities, but little local employment.
In the town itself, there is an Anglican Church, a Catholic Church, a Methodist Church and a Quaker group, with an active Churches Together in the town.
Mission Opportunities and Priorities:
The church is set in a community of people which is largely well educated and widely experienced. Although the congregation is aging, members are enthusiastic to develop the church’s outreach in the community and attract younger members.
Theology and Worship Style:
Our theology is rooted in Christ’s teaching and our mission statement, which is ‘Open, Inclusive and Questioning’, underpins our thinking and actions. The congregation appreciates liberal, forward thinking, where faith is set in the context of reason and knowledge, and can be discussed openly and without prejudice. A service is held each Sunday morning with communion held on the first Sunday of each month. The service is followed by coffee which is an important time for fellowship and pastoral care. This is continued during church lunches held three times per year. We use ‘Rejoice and Sing’ as our hymn book and usually sing to a Hymn Technology Machine.
Minister’s Role Priorities and Ministry Arrangements:
The priority for the new minister would be to lead the congregation in worship, motivating and working flexibly in a team with the elders and congregation. He/she will be expected to provide leadership in the future growth and development of the church and in helping the congregation to develop ‘their gifts of ministry’. Pastoral work in conjunction with the elders is an important aspect of ministry. They would also be expected to participate in and promote the outreach of the church.
Personal Specification for Prospective Minister:
A good communicator. Excellent preaching and teaching skills which stimulate the congregation both spiritually and enabling debate for the enrichment of faith.
Pastoral skills, and the ability to enthuse and motivate the congregation to accept and respond to future challenges and change.
Have a sense of humour.
Any other relevant information:
A manse is available under ‘House for Duty’ arrangement. It is expected that the minister will offer a minimum of two days’ work per week and some Sunday services.