Interim full-time Incumbent of
St Peter’s Hale and St Elizabeth’s, Ashley
We are looking for a priest who will join us for five years to help us recover from the impact of Covid and regain our confidence and vision, enrich our worship and spirituality, and develop our mission and outreach.
As a benefice, we are aware that we are at a critical moment in our history and cannot continue as we are. St Peter’s is not able currently to meet parish share commitments and is increasingly short of willing volunteers. St Elizabeth’s has had little clergy involvement in recent years. Things are in good shape, and the church is very well supported, but the church needs help to develop its worship and to become more missional.
But we are all open to challenge and change and keen to regain our confidence and vitality and engage with a broader demographic of people at all stages of life. And there is huge potential for mission and ministry in both our contexts. People enjoy living and working here and we are excited by this opportunity to broaden our connections with our local communities and to regain momentum.
At the end of five years, we want to be churches that are growing in spiritual depth, in numbers, in resources and in reaching out effectively to our local communities.
Though we are in very different settings, both St Elizabeth’s and St Peter’s are churches that are:
- Welcoming, caring, friendly and inclusive.
- Central in churchmanship, with worship we hope is dignified and inclusive.
- Well regarded within the wider community.
We are praying for a secure, experienced leader with a vibrant Christian faith who will…
- Help us move forward with a clear sense of identity and a sense of direction, that includes us working together better.
- Increase our congregation numbers.
- Lead us in recovering financial stability at St Peter’s and in generating the funds required to sustain mission and ministry as we grow.
- Review and develop the patterns and variety of our worship, while supporting our inclusive stance and enriching our central tradition.
- Provide opportunities for reaching new people and nurturing discipleship.
- Empower us in identifying, releasing and developing our gifts in mission and ministry.
- Grow our engagement with children and young families, while not ignoring the needs and gifts of people of all ages and stages of life.
- Strengthen our relationships with local schools and nurseries.
- Develop our connections with other groups and churches in the area.
- Be an engaged, visible presence in our local communities.
Might you be the person we need to come and lead us as we work together to respond to the challenges we face?
The post is offered for five years initially, If financial stability has been achieved by that point, such that parish share is being paid in full, it is expected that a full-time incumbent post will be advertised. The holder of the interim post would be able to apply for the permanent post. If financial stability is not achieved, then the interim post will come to an end and alternative arrangements for the provision of ordained ministry in the benefice will be explored.
Accommodation for the interim role is offered in the substantial vicarage next door to St Peter’s. There are excellent local amenities and transport links.
Closing date for applications: Noon on Wednesday 3rd July 2024
Interviews: Tuesday 9th July 2024
Please be aware that The Diocese of Chester will not interview any candidates for posts if they cannot provide assurance of a valid DBS and up to date safeguarding training.
Prospective applicants are welcome to discuss the post with the Bishop of Stockport: The Right Reverend Sam Corley
Please be in touch via email in the first instance: bpstockport@chester.anglican.org
Applications should be submitted via email to this email address.
Parish Profile St Peter's, Hale
Parish Fact sheet, St Peter's Hale
Parish Profile St Elizabeth's, Ashley
Parish Fact sheet St Elizabeth's, Ashley
Accounts, St Elizabeth's, Ashley