Church Commissioners Mission, Pastoral & Church Property Committee

The Church Commissioners wish to appoint a lay person as a non-Commissioner member of their Mission, Pastoral & Church Property Committee (MPCPC)

The Church Commissioners play an important role in helping the Church to organise its worship, mission and ministry in dioceses and parishes and to adapt that provision as circumstances change. A legal process is needed when changes are considered because people and organisations have legal and property rights, and those rights can only be changed if there has been a process of statutory consultation. The legal framework for the consultation and other processes is set out in the Mission and Pastoral Measure 2011. Draft proposals are developed and published for consultation. If there are no objections, the change can go ahead, but if there are written objections, it is the Mission, Pastoral & Church Property Committee which adjudicates the case.

This is a fascinating and interesting part of Church life. Members of the Committee get the opportunity to see and hear about a wide range of church communities and the challenges they are facing on the ground. Members have the opportunity to contribute to important decisions which will affect the sustainability of worship, mission and ministry in the future. Importantly, the MPM provides an inclusive process, to ensure all voices are heard in the decision making. Whilst casework is stimulating, it can also be challenging, and Members have to be able to consider sensitive issues like the closure of a church building for which there is no longer a pastoral need. Members of this committee need to be experienced in committee work, have mature and sound judgement, and be able to inform impartial, unbiased, decision making based on the facts of the case presented. Occasionally the work will include visits and public hearings.

The Church of England is for everyone and we want the MPCPC to reflect the diversity of the community the Church serves across the whole country. Therefore, while of course all applications from interested and suitably experienced people are welcomed, we would particularly welcome applications from GMH/UKME people, people with disabilities, neurodiverse people, members of the LGBT+ community, people with a range of social backgrounds and younger people. We are keen to maintain the balance of contributions from all Church traditions. We welcome applications from all those who may wish to serve, and particularly those from backgrounds and traditions which are currently under-represented on the Committee, which is important in maintaining balance and ensuring the Committee acts impartially.

The Committee typically schedules eight meetings a year including an annual visit.

This appointment is made by the Commissioners’ Board of Governors. The role is non-executive and unpaid but reasonable travel and accommodation expenses will be reimbursed. The term of the appointment will be up to 3 years although there will be some flexibility around the length of the term for the reason explained in the full role description.

For more information and the full role profile please contact: natasha.micallef@churchofengland.org

Closing date: 12th December 2025
Interviews will be held on: 15th January 2026