Learning and Development Officer

Learning and Development Officer (aligned to Chester & Stoke-on-Trent and Isle of Man Districts)

This role is part of the Connexional Team Learning Network, supporting, encouraging, and equipping the Church to live out ‘Our Calling’ through worship, mission, evangelism and discipleship. The Learning Network primarily works with lay and ordained leaders, helping them equip others.

This post contributes to Connexional-wide learning and development initiatives, and is specifically aligned with the Chester & Stoke-on-Trent District and the Isle of Man District. Chester & Stoke-on-Trent District has a strong Primitive Methodist heritage, which is felt in the life and culture of the District. The Isle of Man is a self-governing Crown-Dependency where Methodism and Celtic Spirituality are strong components of the Manx identity.

The Ideal Candidate for This Role

The person best suited for this Learning & Development Officer role will be:

A Passionate and Committed Christian

• Deeply engaged in their faith and motivated to help churches grow in discipleship, worship, mission and evangelism.
• A member of a church in good standing with Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (or an equivalent organization).
• Committed to the values of inclusivity, justice, evangelism, and church growth.

A Skilled Educator and Facilitator

• Experienced in learning and development, with transferable skills to a church setting.
• Confident in designing, delivering and evaluating training, both and online and onsite.
• Able to engage adult learners effectively, making theological concepts accessible, and equipping people for vocations within the life of the church.
• A strong theological thinker, able to guide and develop conversations to enable A Methodist Way of Life.

A Strong Communicator and Relationship-Builder

• Able to connect with and inspire people across the church to enable them to serve in their varied communities.
• Skilled in facilitating discussions on vision, mission and growth planning.
• Comfortable using digital tools and online platforms for training and communication.
• Adept at working across cultural and theological contexts, bringing sensitivity and adaptability.
• Proactive in identifying learning and development needs and responding with creative, tailored solutions.

A Collaborative Leader

• Capable of working with diverse teams, including ordained and lay church leaders.
• Skilled in planning, organizing, and evaluating learning and development initiatives.
• Proactive in identifying training needs and responding with creative, tailored solutions.
• Open to collaborating across Methodist districts and the wider church network.

A Flexible and Self-Motivated Professional

• Comfortable with travel and occasional evening/weekend work.
• Based in the Chester & Stoke District, with the ability to travel to the Isle of Man as required.
• Organized and self-driven, able to manage multiple projects and responsibilities.
• Creative and adaptable in responding to the changing needs of churches and communities

Our Culture, Values and Benefits

Thank you for considering joining our inclusive and welcoming team that strives for excellence and values employee wellbeing.

We value and support all those who join our team through a positive work-life balance augmented by generous annual leave (plus an extra 3 days over Christmas/New Year), annualised hours and a Wellbeing Adviser service. We offer a generous occupational pension scheme, where the Methodist Church will pay double the employee contribution up to a maximum of 16% employer contribution.

The Methodist Church is an inclusive and supportive employer. We are actively committed to encouraging applications from people of all backgrounds. We welcome applications from people of Black, Asian and other Minority Ethnic groups. We also welcome applications from people living with disabilities. 

The successful applicant will be required to live either within or close to & Stoke Methodist District and will be expected to travel to the Isle of Man for work purposes.

Closing date: Sunday 6 April 2025

Interviews to take place on: Friday 2nd May 2025 in Crewe  

N.B. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.