Lay Vacancies

Bury St Edmunds Unitarian Meeting House

Development Minister / Lay Leader

Part-time (2/5ths FTE) for 2 years in the first instance, from June 2027

Read the full job description.

Person Specification

Essentially, we are looking for someone who can imagine what a thriving Unitarian community could look like for a new generation, build relationships that make that vision possible, and turn ideas into engaging experiences that bring people together.

We have no fixed ideas about the status of the right candidate, except that you must be on, or eligible for, or willing to become eligible to join either the Ministerial Roll or the Register of Lay Leaders. You could be experienced, in training, newly qualified, or a committed lay leader. You might be building a portfolio of roles.

You are likely to have some of the following qualities:

  • A strong understanding of Unitarian values and an ability to express them in innovative ways that are relevant to contemporary life
  • Demonstrable ability to create inclusive and meaningful spiritual experiences for people with diverse beliefs and backgrounds and those who are new to organised religion or traditional congregational life
  • Ability to inspire, encourage and develop others to contribute to worship and congregational life
  • Commitment to creating pathways through which participants can become more deeply involved as Members, volunteers and future Trustees
  • Collaborative and diplomatic, comfortable with distributed leadership and able to work across congregations and/or faith communities

How to apply

Please send an up-to-date CV and a personal statement (max 500 words) explaining why you are interested in the role and the qualities you bring to it.

Please email your application to Rev’d John Carter, Chair of Trustees (revjohn.ukuni@gmail.com) with a copy to Dr Wendy Sudbury, Treasurer, (wendy.sudbury@btconnect.com).

If you would prefer an informal chat before applying, please contact Wendy Sudbury.

Closing date 30 January 2027. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to present ideas for new kinds of spiritual activity and to deliver a short worship event on site.