At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a welcoming parish with vibrant services and community engagement.
- Company: Join St Margaret's, a friendly church in Olton, part of the Church of England Birmingham.
- Benefits: Enjoy a spacious modern vicarage and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Be a visionary leader in a growing community, fostering inclusive worship and collaboration.
- Qualifications: Seeking an inspiring leader with strong communication skills and a passion for community service.
- Other info: Applications encouraged from diverse backgrounds; safeguarding commitment required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
The Bishop of Birmingham and The Vicar of Bickenhill as Patrons wish to appoint a Vicar to the Benefice of Olton. St Margaret's is a welcoming parish Church in the largely residential suburb of Olton within the Metropolitan Borough of Solihull. We are seeking a visionary, compassionate and enthusiastic priest to be our next incumbent. We are a ‘middle of the road’ inclusive parish with two strong worshipping congregations who gather each Sunday morning: a very popular Family Service and a vibrant Choral Eucharist. There is an Evening Service each week which varies from Choral Evensong to Evening Prayer. The parish has a strong team of willing lay ministers and volunteers and seeks to be a growing church at the heart of its local community. A spacious and pleasant modern vicarage is provided.
The ideal candidate will be:
- An inspiring collaborative leader who has good communication and people skills and can build good and effective teams.
- Organised, focused, and hospitable to those within and beyond existing congregations and networks.
- Able to see the missional potential of music ministries whilst supporting liturgical and informal worship styles.
- An encourager of the gifts and ministries of others, strengthening the ability of different groups and teams in the parish to grow in depth, strength and impact.
A Diocesan Profile for this post should be read prior to submitting an application, this is available from the Office & Site Manager to The Bishop of Birmingham, Chris Booth who can be emailed on ChrisB@cofebirmingham.com. Those interested are encouraged to contact the Archdeacon of Aston, the Venerable Phelim O’Hare, phelim.ohare@cofebirmingham.com or by telephone on 07548 316248.
Closing date: Sunday (midnight) 8 June 2025.
We welcome applications from all suitably qualified people, particularly those under-represented including persons of Global Majority Heritage. The Church of England Birmingham is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders are expected to share this commitment. All appointments to roles undertaking regulated activity are subject to pre-appointment checks, including references and a satisfactory Enhanced DBS Check.
Vicar - Olton, St Margaret employer: The Church Of England Birmingham
Contact Detail:
The Church Of England Birmingham Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Vicar - Olton, St Margaret
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the community of Olton and St Margaret's Church. Attend services or events if possible, to get a feel for the congregation and their needs. This will help you demonstrate your understanding of the parish during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Reach out to the current Vicar or church leaders to discuss their experiences and insights about the role. This can provide you with valuable information that you can use to tailor your approach and show your genuine interest in the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your experience in building and leading teams within a church context. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've encouraged collaboration and supported the growth of others in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider how you can engage with the music ministries at St Margaret's. Prepare to discuss your vision for integrating music into worship and how it can enhance the community's spiritual life, as this is a key aspect of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Vicar - Olton, St Margaret
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Diocesan Profile: Before you start your application, make sure to read the Diocesan Profile for the Vicar position. This document will provide you with essential insights into the expectations and responsibilities of the role.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight your experience in church leadership, community engagement, and any relevant skills that align with the qualities sought by the parish. Emphasise your collaborative leadership style and communication skills.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your vision for the role and how you plan to engage with the congregation and the wider community. Share specific examples of your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to inspire and lead.
Contact Key Individuals: Consider reaching out to the Archdeacon of Aston or the Office & Site Manager for any clarifications or additional information about the role. This shows your genuine interest and can help you tailor your application further.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Church Of England Birmingham
✨Understand the Parish's Vision
Before the interview, take time to understand the vision and mission of St Margaret's. Familiarise yourself with their community activities and worship styles, as this will help you articulate how your leadership can align with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in building effective teams and fostering collaboration. Share specific examples of how you've encouraged others' gifts and ministries, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and listen actively during the interview. Be ready to discuss how you would engage with both congregations and the wider community.
✨Highlight Your Experience with Music Ministries
Since the parish values music ministries, be sure to discuss your experience and vision for integrating music into worship. Share how you can support both liturgical and informal worship styles to enhance the church's offerings.