Area Deans, Lay Deans and their Assistants play key roles in the work of the diocese and in the mission of God. That work combines legal responsibilities, pastoral responsibility for those in their particular deanery and a strategic role in ministry and mission.
A deanery offers different opportunities for clergy and laity to support one another and to learn together. Working together effectively in roles across the deanery is part of shared local ministry and a demonstration that together we are the body of Christ.
The Deanery Handbook explains the different elements of a deanery and includes sample role descriptions for key deanery posts, as well as giving information on the variety of ministries across deaneries and practical information such as the Terms of Reference of Deanery Mission and Pastoral Groups (DMPGs) and the process for Pastoral Reorganisation.
You can download the Deanery Handbook at the bottom of the page. You can also download the Constitution and Standing Orders of Deanery Synods, which is another useful document.
Who to contact
Julia Hill, Head of Deanery and Parish Support
Downloads
Deanery Handbook - updated September 2024
Deaneries: Working together A5 leaflet
Consititution and Standing Orders of Deanery Synods
Inspection of Churches, Registers etc Word checklist
Inspection of Churches, Registers etc PDF checklist