CV Cluster Leader Role Description

Overview:

The Cluster Leader is a pastoral role focused on monitoring and nurturing the Connect Group Leaders and Deputies in their Cluster - approx 3-4 groups. Cluster Leaders are overseen by Lesley Thompson. Cluster Leaders should expect some monitor and nurture from Lesley Thompson but also be open and transparent with their Cluster members (leading with a limp) so that they receive some peer monitor and nurture.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Monitor & Nurture: ○ Monitor the health and wellbeing of each small group and its leader.

  • Foster honest and open conversations about the state of the small groups and the personal wellbeing of the leaders by using these questions as a basis:
    ■ How is your group growing in connection with each other?
    ■ How is your group growing in connection with God?
    ■ How are you doing personally?

  • Encourage peer pastoral care and wisdom by facilitating discussions where leaders can share experiences and support one another. This is all done during the meal at the CG Leaders Meeting.

Escalating Serious Situations:

  • Recognize when a pastoral situation with a CG Leader or member of the group requires additional support or intervention.

  • Pastoral Care happens within the CGs and is facilitated by the CG Leader, it is the responsibility of all the members of the group to care for each other. Serious issues should be escalated to Lesley Thompson or Hannah Poole.

  • Examples of serious situations to escalate include:
    ■ A leader or group member experiencing marriage breakdown (the earlier the intervention the more helpful we can be), serious illness, mental health challenges or risk of harm to self or others.
    ■ Relational conflicts within a group that cannot be resolved at the small group level.
    ■ Situations involving abuse, neglect or other safeguarding concerns (either with children or adults) should be reported to Hannah Poole as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) using the CV Safeguarding Concerns Form at the bottom of the CV website.

  • Share updates, challenges, and successes with Lesley Thompson so that she can have a good overview of the health and state of Connect groups.

  • Alert Lesley if a Connect Group Leader is regularly not attending the CG Leader Meetings.

Requirements:

  • A strong personal relationship with Jesus Christ and alignment with Croydon Vineyard values.

  • Demonstrated ability to lead and care for others with care and wisdom.

  • Ability to foster trust and honesty.

  • A heart for discipleship and a desire to see individuals and groups thrive spiritually.

  • Discernment to identify and appropriately escalate serious pastoral concerns.

  • Regular attendance at Croydon Vineyard and the Connect Group Leaders Gatherings.

Time Commitment:

  • Connect Group Leaders Meeting on the 2nd Monday of each month (2 hours). If unable to attend, delegate to someone suitable within the cluster.

  • Occasional extra time commitments during crisis or need for intervention e.g. visiting a Connect Group Leader in hospital, making contact after a bereavement etc…

  • Attending an equipping and nurture meal for Cluster Leaders - approx twice a year - to enable you to lead your cluster from an overflow of health and growth.

Croydon Vineyard