At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a diverse church community while engaging with local families and individuals.
- Company: Join St Chad's, a welcoming Anglican parish in Handforth, dedicated to making Christ known.
- Benefits: Enjoy supportive accommodation, community involvement, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a loving congregation focused on outreach, inclusivity, and spiritual growth.
- Qualifications: Must be prayerful, energetic, and committed to fostering a strong safeguarding culture.
- Other info: Accommodation available during site development; excellent local amenities and transport links.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
St Chad’s is the local Anglican parish church of Handforth, Cheshire. We are a Christian fellowship whose vision is to “Know Christ and make Him known” in our community. We are a diverse group of people from all ages, cultures and backgrounds. We hope as a church family that you will read our parish profile and feel excited at the prospect of becoming part of our caring congregation. We are praying that the Lord will bring the right person to minister to us and that they can feel happy and fulfilled in God’s work. We will be welcoming and supportive as you begin this new chapter in your ministry, as well as a new chapter in ours. We are a happy, enthusiastic and loving church seeking a minister who will come and walk alongside us.
As a Church, we have a vision:
- To grow our work with children and young families.
- To develop our community work.
- To grow our church family, ensuring new people joining the church, including international members, are made to feel welcome and integrated into the church family and find a place to serve and grow.
- To lead people to Our Lord by proclaiming His Word.
We are praying for a vicar who:
- Is prayerful and Spirit led, continuing our traditions of the teaching of God’s word, aiming the teaching towards a multi-generational and multi-cultural congregation.
- Has plenty of energy and enthusiasm to encourage old and young alike within our church to take an active and full part in church life.
- Will help us to grow our church by engaging in the community, seeking to encourage people of all ages to become part of our church family.
- Is keen to participate in village life and our community as it expands to build support for within and outside St Chad’s.
- Will be an active supporter of Hope Central and ensure it remains part of our church and community.
- Will consider how we can move forward as a church and develop our worship and mission.
- Is approachable and compassionate and has the patience to help and support everyone who comes to them.
- Will help us strengthen our finances so that we can continue to maintain our buildings and secure our future.
- Can inspire our congregation to live out their faith in everyday life.
- Has a demonstrable commitment to fostering a strong and effective safeguarding culture in the parish.
Might this be you? Accommodation is currently offered in the vicarage: 36 Sagars Road, Handforth, Wilmslow, SK9 2TA. There are however plans to develop the site on which the house sits and to provide a new vicarage. Depending on the needs of the family, it is possible that other accommodation can be made available in the parish while those works are undertaken. There are good local amenities, and excellent schools and transport links.
The Patronage of the parish is held by the Rector of Cheadle, currently, The Reverend George Crowder. George is leading the appointment process, in collaboration with the Bishop of Stockport, the parish representatives and the Rural Dean of Cheadle.
Closing date: Sunday 20th July 2025
Shortlisting: Wednesday 13th August 2025
Interviews: Friday 29th August 2025
The Patron and the Diocese of Chester will not shortlist any candidate for posts if they cannot provide an assurance of a valid DBS and up to date safeguarding training.
Full-time Incumbent St Chad\'s, Handforth employer: The Church of England
Contact Detail:
The Church of England Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Full-time Incumbent St Chad\'s, Handforth
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the values and mission of St Chad's. Understanding their vision to grow their community work and engage with families will help you connect your experiences and ideas during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with the local community before your interview. Attend events or services at St Chad's if possible, as this will not only show your commitment but also give you insights into the congregation's dynamics and needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss how you can contribute to the church's goals, especially in fostering a welcoming environment for new members. Think about specific strategies you could implement to integrate international members into the church family.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your experience in safeguarding and community engagement during conversations. Given the emphasis on these areas in the job description, demonstrating your commitment and knowledge will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Full-time Incumbent St Chad\'s, Handforth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the expectations and responsibilities of the Full-Time Incumbent position. Reflect on how your experiences align with their vision of growing the church community and engaging with diverse groups.
Craft a Personal Statement: Write a personal statement that highlights your faith journey, ministry experience, and commitment to community engagement. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working with children and families, as well as your approach to fostering inclusivity within the church.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise any previous roles in ministry or community work, particularly those that demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire a multi-generational congregation. Include specific examples of how you've engaged with diverse communities.
Prepare for Interviews: Anticipate questions related to your vision for the church and how you plan to support its growth. Be ready to discuss your approach to safeguarding and community involvement, as these are key aspects of the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Church of England
✨Understand the Church's Vision
Familiarise yourself with St Chad’s vision of 'Knowing Christ and making Him known'. Be prepared to discuss how your ministry aligns with this vision and how you can contribute to growing the church community.
✨Show Your Community Engagement
Highlight any previous experience you have in community work or engaging with diverse groups. The church is looking for someone who can actively participate in village life, so share specific examples of how you've done this in the past.
✨Demonstrate Compassion and Approachability
Be ready to discuss how you support and guide individuals within a congregation. Share stories that showcase your compassion and patience, as these qualities are essential for the role.
✨Prepare for Questions on Safeguarding
Since safeguarding is a priority for the church, be prepared to discuss your commitment to fostering a strong safeguarding culture. Familiarise yourself with relevant policies and be ready to explain how you would implement them in your ministry.