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- Tasks: Lead spiritual life and pastoral care in vibrant communities.
- Company: Join the Diocese of Chester, part of the global Anglican Communion.
- Benefits: Full-time role with accommodation provided and potential for renewal.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of families and young people.
- Qualifications: Must be an ordained presbyter in the Church of England or another Anglican jurisdiction.
- Other info: Engage with diverse communities across urban and rural settings.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
The United Benefice of St John the Baptist, Knutsford and St John the Evangelist, Toft comprises two neighbouring parishes serving contrasting but complementary communities within Cheshire. St John the Baptist, Knutsford is the larger parish, situated at the heart of a historic market town with a growing population. The congregation wishes to focus on families and on discipling people of all ages. Toft is a smaller, rural parish, with a close‑knit and welcoming congregation.
The shared vision of the benefice is to see people come to a living faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and to grow in Christian maturity through the faithful, systematic exposition of Scripture and intentional discipleship. Both parishes have petitioned the Bishop of Chester under the House of Bishops’ Declaration on the Ministry of Bishops and Presbyters and have passed the 2008 GAFCON Jerusalem Declaration. St John’s, Knutsford is affiliated with the Church Society.
The Associate Vicar will be canonically licensed by the Bishop of Chester. The post-holder must be a presbyter ordained in the Church of England or another Anglican jurisdiction. Under the terms of the House of Bishops’ Declaration, only male candidates will be considered for this role.
The Associate Vicar will be a full member of the staff team and will share responsibility with the Vicar for the spiritual life, pastoral care, and mission of the benefice. While the role spans the whole benefice, the Associate Vicar will have particular accountability for pastoral care, discipleship and the nurture of families, children, and young people in both parishes.
This is a full‑time stipendiary post for a fixed term of five years, with the possibility of renewal by mutual consent. Accommodation in Knutsford is offered in a well‑maintained and spacious property.
For a conversation about the post, please feel free to be in touch with the Vicar, The Reverend Nigel Atkinson: Nigel.Atkinson@stjohnsknutsford.org.uk, by email in the first instance. The Bishop of Stockport, The Right Reverend Sam Corley would also be pleased to have a conversation about the role, the parish and the wider diocese: bpstockport@chester.anglican.org.
Completed application forms are required by the closing date: Sunday, 8th February 2026. Interviews will be held on Friday, 20th February 2026.
The Diocese of Chester will not shortlist candidates unless they can provide an assurance of up-to-date safeguarding training and a valid DBS check for their current post. Candidates are required to submit relevant training certificates with their applications. A fresh Enhanced DBS Disclosure will be required for the successful candidate.
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.
Associate Vicar in Knutsford employer: Church of England
Contact Detail:
Church of England Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Vicar in Knutsford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the church community and let them know you're on the lookout for an Associate Vicar role. Personal connections can often lead to opportunities that aren’t advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the parishes you’re applying to, understand their mission, and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. Being able to articulate this will set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from asking questions during your interview. It shows your interest and helps you gauge if the role is right for you. Ask about their vision for the future and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Diocese of Chester community.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Vicar in Knutsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and what makes you passionate about this role.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the Associate Vicar position. Highlight your relevant experience in pastoral care and discipleship, and show how you align with our vision for both parishes.
Check Your Details: Before hitting send, double-check all your details. Ensure that your safeguarding training certificates are included and that your DBS check is up to date. We want everything to be in order for a smooth process!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you can find more info about the Diocese of Chester and our community there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Church of England
✨Know Your Parishes
Familiarise yourself with the unique characteristics of St John's, Knutsford and Toft. Understand their community needs, values, and how you can contribute to their spiritual life and mission. This will show your genuine interest and commitment during the interview.
✨Prepare for Pastoral Scenarios
Think about potential pastoral care situations you might encounter in both parishes. Be ready to discuss how you would approach these scenarios, demonstrating your understanding of discipleship and family ministry. This will highlight your practical experience and readiness for the role.
✨Engage with Scripture
Since the role involves systematic exposition of Scripture, be prepared to discuss your theological perspectives and how you would apply them in your ministry. Bring examples of how you've used Scripture in past roles to nurture faith and encourage growth within a congregation.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions for the interviewers about the vision for the benefice and how you can align with it. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you. It’s a two-way street!