The Diocese of Worcester has appointed the Reverend Doug Chaplin as its new mission development officer.
The role will involve helping parishes across Worcestershire and Dudley engage with their local communities and make the best use of their resources.
Mr Chaplin is currently Rector in the Droitwich Spa Team Ministry but will leave the post in autumn to take up his new position with the Diocese of Worcester.
His base will be the Diocesan Office in Worcester but significant amounts of time will be spent visiting parishes and deaneries.
Part of the role will involve working with volunteers on the diocesan Commission for Social Responsibility, who are currently undertaking a research project with the University of Worcester into deprived communities in the diocese.
As mission development officer, Mr Chaplin will also work to build relationships with community groups and help parishes identify needs in their local areas as well as resource their ministry.
"Throughout the Diocese of Worcester, the four values of love, compassion, justice and freedom are being promoted by Bishop John as essential for a Church which represents God's love in the world," he said.
"The mission development officer post is about encouraging the churches of Worcestershire and Dudley to look outside of the doors of their church and put these values into practice in the communities where they live.
"I'm looking forward to building partnerships between the church and other groups who have the good of the community at their hearts."
The Bishop of Dudley, the Right Reverend David Walker, said the role of mission development officer was a "key appointment" for the diocese.
"As a parish priest, Doug has led the way in enabling the church and wider community of Droitwich to work together," he said.
"He brings us all that experience, along with his considerable passion and skills. I am delighted to welcome him into his new role."
