At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant church community and develop new ministries for all ages.
- Company: Christ’s Church Harwood, a welcoming parish in Bolton.
- Benefits: Opportunity to make a real impact and grow in faith.
- Why this job: Join us in sharing the gospel and serving our local communities.
- Qualifications: Passionate about faith, communication, and community engagement.
- Other info: Initial three-year post with potential for extension and collaboration with neighbouring parishes.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Bishop of Manchester is looking to appoint an Interim Minister for Christ’s Church Harwood. Christ’s Church Harwood is a vibrant, well-attended parish church to the east of Bolton, with a mixture of owner-occupied and social housing with huge potential for mission and ministry.
We are looking for a pastoral, missional priest in an evangelical tradition, who will lead us into a new season of growth and development after a long vacancy, and help us to discern the next stage for our parish with possible reorganisation in the future. We seek an enthusiastic and collaborative leader, who will walk with us to share the gospel, to serve our communities in the name of Jesus, and to encourage and build us up in the faith.
We are looking for a priest who will:
- Be a committed person of private and public faith and prayer.
- Be an enthusiastic communicator of the good news of Jesus for all ages.
- Work with us to nurture and develop new ministries both lay and ordained.
- Be active in engaging young families and lead our work in the local schools – with a particular focus on Bolton St Catherine’s Academy (Primary and Secondary).
- Support and encourage new disciples and help us grow deeper in our faith.
- Work with neighbouring parishes in the mission community to share new initiatives and support each other creatively and prayerfully.
The post will initially be for three years with the possibility of another three, pending potential pastoral reorganisation.
Closing date: Monday, 15th June 2026
Interviews: Tuesday, 14th July 2026
Full details from the Archdeacon of Salford and Bolton’s office.
Interim Minister Christ’s Church, Harwood in Bolton employer: Church of England
Contact Detail:
Church of England Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Minister Christ’s Church, Harwood in Bolton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the community! Spend some time visiting Christ’s Church Harwood and engaging with the congregation. This will not only help you understand their needs but also show your genuine interest in their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with local leaders and other parishes in the area. Building relationships can open doors and provide insights into the community's expectations and how you can best serve them.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by reflecting on your vision for the parish. Think about how you can lead them into a new season of growth and development, and be ready to share specific ideas that align with their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Minister Christ’s Church, Harwood in Bolton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic: When writing your application, let your true self shine through. We want to see your passion for ministry and how your faith shapes your life. Don’t be afraid to share personal stories that highlight your journey and commitment.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to align your experience and skills with what we’re looking for in the job description. Highlight your pastoral experience and any work you've done with communities or schools, especially if it relates to engaging young families.
Show Your Vision: We’re keen to hear your ideas for growth and development in our parish. Share your vision for how you would lead us into this new season and how you plan to nurture new ministries. Be specific about your approach!
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets to us smoothly, please apply through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can review your application without any hiccups.
How to prepare for a job interview at Church of England
✨Know Your Community
Familiarise yourself with the local community around Christ’s Church Harwood. Understand the demographics, needs, and challenges they face. This will help you demonstrate your commitment to engaging with young families and schools, particularly Bolton St Catherine’s Academy.
✨Showcase Your Vision
Be prepared to articulate your vision for the parish's growth and development. Think about how you can lead the church into a new season after a long vacancy. Share specific ideas on nurturing new ministries and collaborating with neighbouring parishes.
✨Emphasise Your Communication Skills
As an enthusiastic communicator of the good news, be ready to share examples of how you've effectively communicated faith in various settings. Highlight your experience in engaging different age groups and how you plan to connect with the congregation and the wider community.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Questions
Expect questions about teamwork and collaboration. Reflect on past experiences where you've worked with others to achieve a common goal, especially in a church or community setting. Be ready to discuss how you would support and encourage new disciples while fostering a spirit of cooperation.