Associate Rector Of St Mary'S Chipping Norton - Interim

The Church Of England; Chipping Norton; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vicarage provided

Job summary

The Church Of England seeks a gifted leader to take primary operational and pastoral leadership of St Mary's, Chipping Norton. Working with the Team Rector, you will care for the congregation, grow Small Groups and lay leadership, and help lay strong foundations for future growth.

We offer a warm staff team, a well-appointed four-bedroom vicarage, and an outward-facing mission focus through The Branch. This 3-year appointment is DBS-required and ends with a new phase of service.

Qualifications

• Pastoral leadership and care for a church congregation.
• Experience building teams and pastoral structures.
• Ability to preach faithfully and lead worship.
• Proven ability to develop outreach and mission initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Provide warm, visible pastoral oversight and care for the St Mary's congregation.
• Help lead and develop Small Groups, lay teams, and newcomer welcome and integration as we Live in God's Love.
• Preach faithfully and share in leading worship across the Benefice.
• Champion our integrated approach to mission through The Branch, our community outreach hub.

Skills

Pastoral leadership

Team development

Public speaking

Worship leadership

Strategic planning

Job description

Chipping Norton Benefice

Do you have a heart for people and a gift for building teams and communities?

Do you have experience of leading a complex organisation?

Are you rooted in Word and Spirit, and energised by the idea of serving at the heart of a town where God is clearly at work?

If so, we are a growing, outward-facing evangelical church, seeking a gifted colleague to take primary operational and pastoral leadership of St Mary's, Chipping Norton. Working with the Team Rector, you will care for the congregation, develop Small Groups and pastoral structures, grow lay leadership, and help strengthen the foundations for future growth.

We are looking for someone who can:

• Provide warm, visible pastoral oversight and care for the St Mary's congregation.
• Help lead and develop Small Groups, lay teams, and patterns of newcomer welcome and integration as, together, we Live in God's Love.
• Preach faithfully and share in leading worship across the Benefice.
• Champion our integrated approach to mission through The Branch, our community outreach hub.

What we can offer:

• A committed, warm and mutually-supportive staff team and a vibrant community presence.
• A well-appointed four-bedroom vicarage with good local schools nearby.

Because the role is supported by external sponsorship, this appointment is for 3 years.

Closing date: Sunday 29th November 2026

Interviews: Thursday 14th January 2027

DBS Enhanced Disclosure is required.