We are excited to share the final job descriptions and person specifications for the two district-funded posts within the God for All 2025-2032 agreed at the Methodist Conference in 2024.
- New Places for New People district lead
- Fath-Rooted Community Organiser district lead.
Both job description and person specifications are available in pdf and in Word form, below.
New Places for New People district lead
Since the adoption of the God for All report at the Methodist Conference in 2019 we have celebrated the launch of NPNP communities in nineteen districts, alongside the diligent planning and preparation underway in the remaining districts. In June 2024, as part of our ongoing commitment to NPNP, the Methodist Conference pledged to invest in funding for every district to employ an NPNP district lead. The NPNP district lead funding for all districts is scheduled to begin in September 2025.
- NPNP district lead Job description and FAQs in pdf form here
- NPNP district lead Job description in Word form to add your district name here
Funding for this post is dependent on compliance with the attached job description. We encourage all districts to begin this appointment by September 2026 to ensure they receive the full seven years of funding. The 7-year funding cycle for this post ends in 2033. For further information contact Eunice Attwood attwoode@methodistchurch.org.uk
Pre-appointment
If you would like further support in the pre-appointment process for your district NPNP lead please contact Julian Bond to book a time with Matt or Eunice.
Interview and presentation questions
The following are offered as suggestions for each district to adapt to their local context.
Vision and Leadership
- Share your knowledge and understanding of the vision for New Places for New People (NPNPs) and its importance in supporting low-income communities? Why is it important?
- Describe a time when you led a team in creating and implementing a vision. How did you ensure the team's commitment to the vision?
- How would you approach the process of supporting others in discerning a vision for NPNPs in different circuits?
Communication and Collaboration
- How would you communicate the vision and process for NPNPs to diverse groups within the district, especially those experiencing poverty?
- Describe your experience working with multiple stakeholders (e.g., District Leadership Team, NPNP Team, community organisers). How do you build and maintain these relationships?
Pioneering and Community Support
- What strategies would you use to identify where a new Christian community could begin?
- How have you previously accompanied and supported new communities or community based activities during their early stages of development?
Faith Formation and Discipleship
- How would you support the faith formation and discipleship of children, young people, and adults within NPNPs?
- What methods would you use to create a pioneer community of practice and support ongoing learning and development?
Governance and Training
- How do you ensure good governance practices (such as safeguarding and volunteer support)?
- Describe a time when you provided induction and training for new leaders or stakeholders. What was the outcome?
Strategic Development
- How would you liaise with the Connexional NPNP team and other partners to develop a local expression of the Methodist Pioneer Pathways.
- Describe your experience in participating in networks or training opportunities. How did these experiences enhance your ability to lead?
Personal Qualities
- Why are you passionate about the New Places for New People initiative? What personal experiences or values drive your commitment to this work?
- In what ways do you think your unique skills and experiences will contribute to the success of NPNPs and the Church at the Margins (CAM) programme?
Safeguarding and Governance
Give an example of a time when you identified and implemented measures to improve safeguarding practices within a community setting?
How did you engage others to ensure safeguarding was understood and implemented effectively?
How would you promote and sustain best practices for governance within a New Christian community?
Conflict
Can you share an example of a time when you faced challenges, such as conflict or disengagement, within a community setting?
What do you see as the key factors in achieving conflict transformation within a Christian community?
Presentation ideas
- Imagine you are presenting the vision for NPNP/CAM to the district synod alongside three pioneers from the district. Present an outline of a 75 min session which includes a high level of participation from synod members (10mins).
- You have been asked by a Superintendent to lead a circuit mission day to inspire people with a vision for NPNP/CAM. The Superintendent has told you both lay and ordained colleagues are feeling very tired by all the demands upon their time. The circuit is in a rural and financially struggling community. Present an outline of the day, include how and why you would use the time given.
Written Task
- You have been asked to write a one -page introduction about yourself and the work of NPNP in preparation for the Superintendents meeting. Write a concise introduction, within 200-300 words.
- You have received an email from a circuit steward in a rural area who is concerned about the resources allocated to NPNP and is questioning where the money is for the existing church. Write an email responding to their concerns, within 200-300 words.
Finance
Basic budget template
Basic budget template
Claiming funding
For funding to be released for the district NPNP lead the following form must be completed annually: Notification and release of funding
Induction
Post-appointment – dependent on previous knowledge/experience
Initial on-boarding with Connexional colleagues
- Introduction to the Connexional NPNP team, Funding Officer, Pioneering and Church Planting Officer, and Church at the Margins Officer.
- Overview of the Methodist Conference God for All report
- Introduction to the NPNP Guide, especially fruitfulness markers.
- Training on pioneering and mission strategy, including Beginning a New Place for New People and Beginning a Church at the Margins taster sessions and courses.
- Evangelism training, including experiencing a festival at some point in the future.
- NPNP/CAM Funding
- Overview of the Connexional network of NPNP leads and monthly (2nd Monday of each month 9.15-10.15am) online network meetings.
- Methodist Pioneer Pathways
- The importance of safeguarding, governance, and volunteer support.
- Introduction to the Connexional NPNP training and support resources, including access to book Connexional NPNP team for online and in-person meetings.
- Introduction to the Connexional FRCO Officer and plan FRCO training.
- Connect with a coach
Longer term induction plans with Connexional colleagues
- Supporting individuals/contexts to discern God’s vision for a new community.
- Moving from vision to action
- Prioritising 1-2-1’s and developing relationships as a priority in activities/programmes and especially people experiencing poverty.
- Developing a pioneer community of practice
- Development of pioneers learning & practice
- Discovering new pioneers
- Faith formation and discipleship of adults, children and young people
- Evaluation tools and practices
Monthly Online NPNP district lead Network meeting (2nd Mondays, 9.15-10.15am)
Faith-Rooted Community Organising district lead
At the Methodist Conference in June 2024, as part of the God for All strategy, a commitment was made to extend the work of Faith-Rooted Community Organising over the next seven years. This includes employing a Connexional Faith-Rooted Community Organiser and providing funding for part-time Faith-Rooted Community Organiser leads in each Methodist district.
The Methodist Church has appointed a Connexional FRCO Officer, Deacon Kerry Scarlett. Kerry will be available to support and accompany each district through the appointment process, through shared conversations, including inviting two or three individuals from each district to attend a training event to introduce FRCO. Each district can then determine when they are ready to appoint the FRCO district lead, which can either be September 2025 or September 2026.
- Download the FRCO district lead Job description and FAQs in pdf form here
- Download the FRCO district lead Job description in Word form to add your district name here
Funding for this post is dependent on compliance with the attached job description. We encourage all districts to begin this appointment by September 2026 to ensure they receive the full seven years of funding. The 7-year funding cycle for this post ends in 2033. For further information contact Connexional Faith-Rooted Community Organising Officer, Kerry Scarlett ScarlettK@methodistchurch.org.uk