Start of Lay Ministry Adviser

The Diocese of York is the Church of England between the Rivers Humber and Tees, and from the Yorkshire coast westwards to around the A1. We are seeking to Live Christ’s Story (LCS) by becoming more like Christ, reaching people we currently don’t, growing churches of missionary disciples, and transforming our finances and structures.

We have an exciting opportunity to lead, support and grow Lay Ministry as part of Living Christ’s Story.  We are seeking a dedicated and visionary Start of Lay Ministry Adviser to help us grow and renew lay ministry across the Diocese. This key role, part of the Lifelong Learning team, will focus on the initial formation, development, and support of lay ministers, developing connections with our Vocations Advisers and wider diocesan team.

This is a unique chance to make a significant and lasting contribution to the life of the Church — nurturing gifts, deepening vocations, and accompanying lay ministers on their journey from discernment through training and into deployment.

About the Role

This role will involve you in collaborative working within the Mission and Ministry team who, together, will oversee the journey from vocation, through discernment and initial formation, to deployment and support for lay ministers. Responsibilities will include:

• Oversight, recruitment, delivery and development of the Foundations in Ministry discernment and formation programme
• Oversight and delivery of the year-long Licensed Lay Ministry initial formation programme, ensuring that it continues to develop within the new national Lay Ministries formation framework and the national quality assurance framework
• Working with the Head of Lifelong Learning to develop and offer post-licensing curriculum and continuing ministerial development opportunities for lay ministers
• Working in creative and collaborative partnership with wider members of the Mission and Ministry team to develop formation processes for lay and ordained ministries which embed partnership working between the different ministries

About You

We’re seeking a lay person with:

• Proven ministerial experience in the Church of England or a church in communion with the Church of England, grounded in worship, prayer, reading the scriptures and serving others
• A passion for the ministry of the whole people of God and a commitment to the priorities of the Diocesan Vision: Living Christ’s Story
• Experience of working with the ministerial formation of others and knowledge of ministerial formation programmes
• Experience in adult education working across a range of learners, and holding a degree in Theology or similar professional experience
• Very good communication skills, interpersonal skills and pastoral sensitivity
• Ability to supervise and guide others, and to work well both within teams and independently as required

We are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and welcome applications from disabled candidates and those from UKME heritage as these groups are under-represented in our staff.  We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All employees are expected to share this commitment.  You will be required to undertake safeguarding training, and this role may be subject to a DBS check.

To find out more about this exciting opportunity and to apply please visit:

Church Of England Vacancies – Start of Lay Ministry Adviser

Only fully completed applications through Pathways will be accepted; applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

Closing date: Tuesday 17th June 2025

Interviews:     Tuesday 1st July 2025 in York