St Mark’s Parish Church of Shelfield and High Heath, became an independent parish in 2008 having previously been a District Church within the Parish of Walsall Wood .

We are seeking a 0.5 Interim Minister, as a 3 Year renewable position, to come and join our vibrant, caring and worshipful community to lead us in our worship, mission and spiritual lives.

The Parish is situated four miles North of Walsall in the West Midlands. The church, built in 1965, is of a multi-purpose design and is the centre of the local community. Out of a local population of approximately 8000 we have 55 on our electoral roll.

We seek an Interim Minister who will work collaboratively with the friendly congregation, PCC and Churchwardens, all of whom are deeply involved in the running and wellbeing of the church, its people and the wider community. Friendliness, openness, fellowship, and caring are passwords of the St Mark's Community.

• Mission and Outreach: Supporting existing Christians in discipleship so that members of the parish are encouraged to show God’s love in action; Developing relations with community and external organisations to promote positive links with the church including strengthening existing strong relationships with our local care home (Mill Lodge).
• Leadership: Inspiring, motivating, challenging and empowering members of the church, individually and collectively, to achieve that vision; Sharing ministry as appropriate and working collaboratively with others,[including clergy colleagues, churchwardens, PCC, staff and volunteers], so that individuals ’gifts and talents are identified and used effectively.
• Worship and Preaching: Planning, organising and conducting a programme of worship that supports the church’s vision and needs for ministry including appropriate use of resources, music, teaching and preaching; Reflecting, interpreting and preaching the gospel in a way that will encourage faith development, adapting content and style for different audiences, occasions and purposes.
• Pastoral Care: Giving support to those in need of pastoral care as appropriate, including baptism and marriage preparation, care to the sick and dying, bereavement, individual support and visiting; Communicating effectively and appropriately in both written and verbal form with people of all ages, needs, abilities and situations in society, inside and outside church.
• Stewardship and Parish Organisation: Working with the PCC and churchwardens to ensure that structures and resources for parish organisation are appropriate and that policies and processes in relation to services, weddings, baptisms and funerals, health and safety, financial, fabric, staff management, etc. meet diocesan and legal requirements; Following an appropriate pattern of work that enables a full spiritual and personal life, as well as meeting the demands of ministry.

We are looking for a minister who has a depth and breadth of spirituality that will respect our sacramental tradition, yet offer new ways into prayer and worship.

• Who has pastoral gifts.
• Who values both individual and corporate prayer.
• Who can provide leadership, manage change and inspire for the future.
• Who has an interest in continuing the musical aspirations of our church.
• Who will continue the wearing of vestments at traditional services.

About the Diocese

Lichfield Diocese is one of the most diverse dioceses in the country. Rolling countryside and vibrant inner-city life nestle together in a region that takes in Staffordshire, the Potteries of Stoke-on-Trent, most of Shropshire and bustling Black Country centres including Walsall and Wolverhampton. The only thing we don’t have is the sea!

Our shared diocesan vision extends an invitation to all to “Come follow Christ in the footsteps of St Chad”.

As we follow Christ in the footsteps of St Chad, we pray that the two million people in our diocese encounter a church that is confident in the gospel, knows and loves its communities, and is excited to find God at work already in the world. We pray for a church that reflects the richness and variety of those communities and partners with others in seeking the common good, working for justice as a people of hope.

Further information about the Diocese is available at https://www.lichfield.anglican.org/

Enquiries: Archdeacon of Walsall

All applicants should normally have 3 years’ experience in the Church of England or other Anglican church in the British Isles.

Closing date: 24th March 2023

Familiarisation date: 17th April 2023

Interviews: 10th May 2023

If you have any problems completing an application on Pathways please email pathways support, who will be able to help you.