Associate Rector, Ellesmere Port Parish
Ellesmere Port Parish is stepping into a new chapter of vision, growth, and renewed purpose. We are a lively, outward‑facing evangelical parish with two worship centres — St Thomas & All Saints, and St Lawrence — and a warm, committed congregation ready to embrace what God is calling us to next.
Over recent months we have begun a parish‑wide process of discernment, listening to God and to our community. Three priorities now shape our life together: Disciple Making, Ongoing Discernment, and Embracing Development, especially in ministry with children, young people, and families. These priorities are guiding our worship, pastoral care, outreach, partnerships, and future use of our buildings.
We are seeking a full‑time Associate Rector who will join the Rector in senior leadership — someone with a deep devotion to Christ, a strong sense of call, and the ability to lead collaboratively and strategically. You will preach and teach regularly, offer pastoral care, help develop leaders, and take responsibility for specific ministry areas shaped around your gifts. You will also play a key role in strengthening our partnerships with local schools and shaping our missional presence in the wider community.
You will be supported by a gifted clergy and staff team, a praying congregation, and a PCC eager to move forward with faith and confidence. If you sense God may be calling you to help shape this next chapter in Ellesmere Port Parish, we would be delighted to hear from you.
This post is held under Common Tenure as a Locally Supported Minister for an initial period of five years, but is renewable beyond that.
Closing date for applications: 20 September
Interviews: 16 October
Safeguarding
- The Diocese of Chester is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
- An Enhanced DBS Disclosure will be required for the successful candidate.
- Applicants are required to submit relevant training certificates with their applications. They will not be shortlisted unless they can provide an assurance of up-to-date safeguarding training and a valid DBS check for their current post.
Diversity
- We will welcome applications from underrepresented groups.
About us:
The Diocese of Chester is in the province of York in the Church of England, part of the global Anglican Communion. For more information about our life, ministry and work please visit our website www.chester.anglican.org We are linked with the Anglican Church of Melanesia in the Solomon Islands and the Dioceses of Aru and Boga in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Diocese covers an area of 1025 square miles, approximately the old Victorian County of Chester, including parts which subsequently became absorbed into Merseyside and Greater Manchester. The Rivers Mersey and Tame approximately delineate the boundary with Liverpool and Manchester. There are areas of dense urban population, mainly in the north, stretching from Birkenhead to East Manchester. There are prosperous suburban regions of West and South Wirral, Chester and south of Manchester, with a mainly rural heartland, bounded by the Derbyshire Pennines and the Welsh Border. The overall population is around 1.6 million.
The Diocesan Bishop is Mark Tanner, Bishop of Birkenhead Julie Conalty and the Bishop of Stockport is Samuel Corley.
The Cathedral for the Diocese is in Chester.
The Diocese is divided into two archdeaconries:
Chester covering the western half and Macclesfield the eastern, each with nine deaneries. There are 273 parishes, about 100 of which can be described as rural. Compared with many dioceses, there are few teams, and few multi-parish benefices. There are approximately 231 stipendiary clergy. The ministry of Readers and Pastoral Workers is important, with over 400 licensed. The role of self-supporting ministers is increasing, with over 80 in post at present.
Roughly speaking, the Archdeaconry of Macclesfield covers that part of the diocese to the east of the M6, plus the area around Crewe and Nantwich. The Archdeaconry of Chester covers the rest of the diocese to the west of the M6. Each archdeaconry has a broad mix of urban and rural parishes. The Archdeacon of Chester lives in Chester, and the Archdeacon of Macclesfield lives in Congleton. Both now work from Church House, Daresbury.
Associate Rector - Ellesmere Port employer: Church of England
Walker Christ Church offers a unique opportunity for a full-time Vicar to engage deeply with a compassionate congregation dedicated to community service and spiritual growth. Located in the vibrant area of Walker, this role provides a supportive environment with experienced colleagues across multiple parishes, fostering collaboration and innovation in mission work. The church prioritises personal development and encourages initiatives that connect with diverse local communities, making it an excellent place for those seeking meaningful and impactful employment.
