The Urban Residents Program of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts deploys newly ordained clergy in congregations committed to vital ministry and mission in the city.

The application process for 2008 is now closed.

The program seeks to address two urgent needs:

• The need to infuse creative energy and leadership into our city parishes
  • Urban Residents will help to stimulate growth and missional vitality in urban congregations, working closely with the clergy and lay leadership in order to maximize opportunities for invitation, formation, outreach and service.
• The need to equip clergy to face the challenges and complexities of urban ministry.
  • The Urban Residents Program will develop more resourceful, inventive and faithful leaders for the church. We believe clergy formed in the crucible of our multicultural, socio-economically diverse, continuously evolving cities will be well prepared to lead a changing church.

Through the Urban Residents Program, the Diocese of Massachusetts funds ten full-time, three-year assistant positions, deploying one new assistant every year for 10 years. Congregations receiving an assistant should demonstrate a clear and compelling vision for ministry in their context, the capacity and commitment to train and mentor new clergy, and concrete engagement with the Diocesan Mission Strategy. Successful candidates will possess a passion for urban ministry and the ability to empower lay leadership, along with the readiness to take on a full-time, three-year post. The program will be administered under the supervision of the Office of the Suffragan Bishop for Urban Congregations.

Although priority will be given to people ordained in the Diocese of Massachusetts, the ethnic, racial, cultural and linguistic diversity of our urban communities requires the consideration of candidates throughout the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion. Following completion of the program, an Urban Resident must first consider positions in this diocese.

For more information, contact the Rev. Gregory A. Jacobs, staff officer for urban ministry development (shp [at] diomass [dot] org, 617-482-4826, ext. 404) or Suzette Phillips, assistant to the Rt. Rev. Gayle Harris (shp [at] diomass [dot] org, 617-482-4826, ext. 222).