Lay Posts

Exminster Parish Church Growing Faith Worker

Salary £30,000-35,000 (FTE)

Closing date for applications: 20th November 2026

Role Purpose:

The Growing Faith Worker will help develop a sustainable vision for children, young people and families within Exminster Parish including the new Matford Housing Estate, enabling them to encounter and explore Christian faith in the places where they live, learn and spend time. This is a relational and outward-facing role. The successful candidate will build on the strong foundations already present in the parish, particularly our existing relationship with the local school and community organisations, while developing new opportunities to connect with children, young people and families beyond our existing church congregations. A particular focus will be on developing sustainable teams of volunteers, supporting and equipping others rather than working alone, and helping the church to develop a shared, long-term vision for ministry among children, young people and families. The role will include developing opportunities for after-school engagement, strengthening our work with local schools, supporting Faith at Home and encouraging children and young people themselves to participate in shaping and leading activities. The Growing Faith Worker will work closely with the local clergy and volunteers as well as diocesan colleagues and our existing school partners.

Please note this role is subject to an enhanced child workforce with barring DBS check.

Funded through the SMMIB programme, the role contributes directly to the Diocese of Exeter’s strategic priorities, supporting long-term cultural change in how faith is nurtured, shared and sustained across Devon.

Flexible Hours:
The role is intentionally designed to be flexible. We are open to appointing the right person on a part-time basis that works best for them. The exact hours and pattern of work will be agreed with the successful candidate, taking account of the needs of the role and the opportunities within the local community.

Key Aspects of Role:

The Growing Faith Worker will:
• Be embedded in the local Diocese of Exeter initially within Exminster to be expanded to support the Five Red Churches as capacity builds. They work with permission, accountability and support from local leadership.
• Prioritise children, young people and families exploring and outside the church, going to where they already are rather than expecting them to fit with our models of church.
• Build on the existing relationships with our primary school and new all through school in line with the principles of the Growing Faith Foundation.
• Launch a new after-school provision and other activities that enable relationships to develop beyond the school day.
• Develop and resource Faith at Home, supporting households to explore faith in accessible, everyday ways.
• Build teams, by training and supporting volunteers, in all areas of the work. Never operate in isolation where others could be involved.
• Work closely with the younger families worker, creating opportunities for collaborative ministry and ensuring that the two roles complement one another.
• Enable and encourage young people to lead, shaping provision and participating in recognised leadership pathways.
• Contribute to the wider Growing Faith vision of the Diocese of Exeter while developing a distinctive approach appropriate to the communities across Exminster Parish.
• Participate fully in a Growing Faith Community of Practice, offering and receiving support, shared learning and reflective practice.
• Engage with required learning and formation, including Growing Faith Gatherings and relevant national or diocesan programmes.
• Contribute to monitoring, reporting and evaluation required by SMMIB funding.
• Play an active role in building financial sustainability for the work overtime.
• Ensure a culture of safeguarding excellence, working closely with the Parish Safeguarding Officer and adherence to safeguarding policy and procedures.

Key Relationships:
The role holder will work closely with:
• Local clergy and church leadership
• Younger families worker, currently working with Sunday kids and Little Treasures
• Children, families and young people within the community
• Local schools and education partners
• Volunteers and lay leaders
• Growing Faith Coordinator
• Other Growing Faith Workers in their area
• Children and Families Mission Enabler and/or Diocesan Youth Advocate
• Diocesan teams responsible for mission, ministry, safeguarding and reporting

The successful candidate will be someone who enjoys bringing people together, spotting potential in others and enabling volunteers to flourish. They will be able to hold a long-term vision while also taking practical steps to turn that vision into sustainable local ministry.

For more details, please contact Rev Vanessa Pestridge at [email protected]