By Hayley Beckett on 3rd November 2025
DIRECTOR OF VOCATIONS & MINISTERIAL FORMATION
ROLE OUTLINE
Introduction: The Eastern Baptist Association (EBA) is a group of 172 churches and communities drawn together from the counties of Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, and Cambridgeshire. Our vision is ‘Growing healthy churches in relationship for God’s mission in the East of England’. By working together, we hope to resource and encourage one another in our mission and ministry.
Job Title: Director of Vocations & Ministerial Formation
Line Manager: Regional Minister Team Leader
Main purpose of the role
To support all those in EBA churches exploring a call to ministry and those who are undergoing ministerial formation, working to make the EBA an encouraging and creative environment for ministry of all different kinds to flourish.
This is a new role in the life of the Association, and as such there may be some flexibility in the working arrangements and number of days worked. We would also be willing to work with those who might seek to combine this role with a part-time pastorate or other ministerial role.
Key criteria
Candidates should be in good relationship with a church in membership of the Baptist Union of Great Britain, and have a good level of relevant experience. It is essential that candidates are good with people and are able to work collaboratively and creatively with ministers and churches of differing theologies and from different contexts. We are keen to speak with candidates that are committed to journeying alongside those exploring a calling, and to their own ongoing development / CMD. The role also requires good administrative skills and the capacity to work with the relevant EBA and BUGB systems. We would hope and expect that all members of our team would have a generous and hospitable heart, and would be willing to take risks and try new things.
Key objectives and tasks
– Provide accompaniment for people exploring a calling to ministry, supporting them in considering their options, and having a good knowledge of the relevant BUGB and EBA systems.
– Facilitate ‘Explore Your Call’ events, ensuring that access is available to as wide a cohort as possible, and working in partnership with Baptist Colleges where appropriate.
– Work in partnership with both the Chair and Administrator of EBA Ministerial Recognition Committee, attending the quarterly MRC meetings, and taking responsibility for elements of this work as and when required.
– Provide support and encouragement to EBA Ministers-in-Training.
– Facilitate the EBA Hub of The Learning Collective, being the link with the TLC team at Regent’s Park College and supporting EBA students studying on the course.
– Work with the Regional Ministers in the provision of a Spiritual Formation Hub for those training for Recognised Local Ministry.
– Work with the Regional Ministers in facilitating the Newly Accredited Ministers Learning Community.
– Work with the rest of the EBA team to ensure the implementation of the relevant Project Violet recommendations.
– Engage with the work of the BUGB Young Adults Round Table to help ensure the EBA is providing suitable pathways for those 18-30s considering a call to ministry.
– Be a pro-active contributor to the ongoing BUGB conversations about the future of ministerial formation and training provision.
Depending on the experience and availability of the successful candidate, the role could possibly involve some ministry on Sundays with our churches, and involvement in the provision of broader CMD opportunities across the Association.
General EBA team duties
– Ongoing connection with a church in membership of BUGB.
– Attendance at staff meetings (frequency tba), team retreats, and training.
– Attendance at EBA events (e.g. Ministers’ Conference, AGM Gatherings) as required.
– Positively represent the EBA in interactions within the Association, and with external partners.
– Being part of the EBA Team’s proactive efforts to build good relationships with all our churches and ministers, and with colleagues across Baptists Together.
Working Hours
– The role is for 3 days per week. We would consider a 2 or 2.5 day appointment if requested and would also consider flexible arrangements with hours varying across weeks (e.g. more in term time, less during school holidays).
– We anticipate offering a good amount of flexibility for when these hours are worked and would be open to discussing a variety of possibilities at the interview stage.
Remuneration & Contract
– The role is for three days / 22.5 hours per week, with a pro-rata salary of £21,000 (£35,000 FTE for 37.5 hours) plus pension contributions.
– There is 5.6 weeks annual leave (including bank holidays) for all EBA staff, and this is calculated on a pro-rata basis.
– The EBA is a certified Living Wage Employer.
Applications
Please send a CV and a covering letter explaining how your skills and experience make you suitable for this role to Hayley Beckett via secretary@easternbaptist.org.uk.
Deadline for applications Wednesday 26 November
Shortlisting Monday 1 December
Interviews Tuesday 9 December
The role as outlined above will take effect as soon as possible and will have a 3-month probationary period.
Information & Questions
More information about the EBA can be found on our website (easternbaptist.org.uk) or on our Facebook page (facebook.com/EasternBaptistAssociation). If you have any questions or would like to talk through anything relating to the application, please contact David Mayne (Regional Minister Team Leader) via becky.crew@easternbaptist.org.uk
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