Church Planting Resident

Purpose

The purpose of this role is to help the resident (and family if there is one) discern a call towards planting a church in Manchester, through advancing God's mission through Redeemer Church. The creation of this role recognises the potential outcome of a new church but does not make a commitment at the outset to plant, nor to plant within a certain timeframe. We are offering an opportunity for ministry and coaching that functions in four ways:
-a safety net that allows one to risk
-a lab in which to experiment and learn
-a submarine to explore the depths of one's heart
-an arrow to be shot out

Role
This role is created to:
-equip the members of Redeemer to live a life worthy of the gospel
-provide structure and resources for the church
-to grow the church through evangelism: personally and through others

Through this, the church and the resident will be able to assess likelihood of moving towards planting as well as being equipped to do so. A church planter is a pastor who must demonstrate specific gifts in entrepreneurship, innovation, and pioneering work.

Responsibilities
Learn (primarily first year):
-Join the staff team of Redeemer while participating fully as a church member in good standing
-Preach on Sundays (frequency to be determined)
-Develop an understanding of contextual ministry in this predominantly secular environment
-Actively participate in a Missional Community and Core Group
-Serve on Sunday teams and develop leadership skills in various ministry contexts
-Build relationships with neighbours and community members
-Immerse yourself in Manchester's culture and Redeemer's community
-Focus on understanding contextual differences and responding effectively
-Develop a clear sense of calling and how it aligns with Redeemer's mission

Lead (primary second year):
-Create and lead new ways to connect with the community at large
-Develop and implement evangelistic strategies for connecting with the 99% non-Christian population (on a personal level, Missional Community level, and church-wide level)
-Support existing church ministries whilst developing new approaches
-Build friendships with non-Christians in the community
-Lead a Sunday team and start a new Missional Community
-Participate in regular staff meetings and development opportunities
-Begin testing and implementing new ministry ideas with guidance from leadership
-Actively disciple individuals within the church


Ideal Candidate
We're seeking someone with a strong personal relationship with Jesus, with healthy spiritual disciplines, and a track record of loving others well through evangelism, discipleship, and leadership development. This person enjoys creating new things, thrives in innovating and pioneering, and isn't afraid of change. They have a strong understanding of reformed theology, and can communicate the faith in ways secular contemporary society can understand. They put God's kingdom and the needs of others above their own dreams, hopes, fears, and worries. The ideal candidate possesses a passion for and clear calling of church planting, with a heart for people in Manchester who don't know Jesus yet. (Experience in a church plant not necessary but highly recommended.) This person seeks out good, honest feedback and acts accordingly, can raise external funds, be clever with resources, and generally be scrappy to get ministries off the ground.

Working Relationships
The resident will report directly to the lead pastor or staff elder, with this role under the oversight of the elder team and the board of trustees.

This is a highly relational role and will require the ability to connect with small group leaders, serving team leaders, managers of venues, and works well through teams.

It will be necessary to have good relationships with churches in America to develop partnerships, as well as with local churches in Manchester to work together in ministry.

Qualifications & Competencies
-Required that the post holder is a committed evangelical Christian, as per Part 1 of Schedule 9 to the Equality Acts 2010
-In full agreement with FIEC doctrinal basis, Acts 29 doctrinal positions, and FIEC Ethos Statements on Gospel Unity, Women in Ministry, and Same Sex Marriage, as well as Redeemer's doctrinal distinctives
-Character consistent with the requirements of an elder in 1 Timothy 3.1-6 and Titus 1.5-9
-Evidence of leading well within your family (if married)
-Gifted in gospel-driven expository preaching
-Demonstrable gifts for evangelism, disciple-making, leading others
-Ability to lead yourself effectively in a new context
-Demonstrates innovation and pioneering work
-Exhibits ability to resource financial needs
-Experience in equipping and releasing others for ministry work
-Displays humility to learn and adapt to a new cultural environment
-Shows curiosity and desire to learn about the surrounding culture

Financial Context
The resident will externally fund 100% of their salary. Funding one's own salary is a small part of learning how to fund a new church plant. The average range for a family of four in the area is about £40,000-£50,000. The resident will have conversations with the leadership about the appropriate amounts, and fund raising coaching is offered.

Next Steps
This is not a long term position, ideally the resident becomes part of a planting team. If the resident is meeting the competencies and with mutual agreement between the resident and church leadership, Redeemer will create a new role advancing to the next phase of church planting. It might also be clear that a different ministry role would be a better fit.

Reading List
These are some of the books the resident will cover:
Church Planting/Missiology:
Center Church, Tim Keller
The Gospel in a Pluralist Society, Leslie Newbigin
Church Planter: The Man, The Message, The Mission, Darrin Patrick

Leadership:
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, Pete Scazzero
A Failure of Nerve, Edwin Friedman
Reflections on Christian Leadership, Henri Nouwen
Leading with a Limp, Dan Allender
Zeal without Burnout, Christopher Ash

Ecclesiology:
The Trellis and the Vine, Colin Marshall and Tony Payne
The Church and the Surprising Offense of God's Love, Jonathan Leeman
Biblical Eldership, Alexander Strauch

Preaching:
Preaching to a Post-Everything World, Zack Eswine
Christ-Centered Preaching in A Postmodern World, Keller & Clowney
Christ Centered Preaching, Bryan Chapell

Small group ministry and pastoral work:
Total Church, Steve Timmis and Tim Chester
Redemption, Mike Wilkerson
Saturate, Jeff Vandersteldt
How People Change, Timothy Lane and Paul Tripp

Required Skills

Qualifications & Competencies
Required that the post holder is a committed evangelical Christian, as per Part 1 of Schedule 9 to the Equality Acts 2010
In full agreement with FIEC doctrinal basis, Acts 29 doctrinal positions, and FIEC Ethos Statements on Gospel Unity, Women in Ministry, and Same Sex Marriage, as well as Redeemer's doctrinal distinctives
Character consistent with the requirements of an elder in 1 Timothy 3.1-6 and Titus 1.5-9
Evidence of leading well within your family (if married)
Gifted in gospel-driven expository preaching
Demonstrable gifts for evangelism, disciple-making, leading others
Ability to lead yourself effectively in a new context
Demonstrates innovation and pioneering work
Exhibits ability to resource financial needs
Experience in equipping and releasing others for ministry work
Displays humility to learn and adapt to a new cultural environment
Shows curiosity and desire to learn about the surrounding culture

To Apply - Please fill in the online application form: https://forms.gle/PmtuuNfbEPo5zdzBA