St Andrew’s Church sits at the top of the High Street in the town of West Bromwich in the heart of the Black Country and is looking to appoint a full-time Interim Minister as a 3 year, renewable position.

This appointment follows a difficult, extended period of interregnum across the pandemic. The Bishop of Wolverhampton writes in the profile that this is an opportunity of considerable challenge but one with immense potential. It will suit a person of energy, resilience, a genuine heart for urban ministry and a willingness to step out in faith and take risks. That person will be supported by a faithful, hopeful and determined membership which is ready to go on a journey to regrow the congregation and reach out into the locality through the pastoral offices, local schools and church and community partnerships.

Key Challenges:

• To grow the congregation within the expected extension of the parish and overcome any possible difficulties experienced in the amalgamation of new members.
• To create a culture of collaborative team working.
• To work imaginatively and sensitively in an urban area that is diverse in faith, ethnicity and nationality.
• To guide us in further developing our building as a resource for the wider community.
• To develop new ways of taking God’s love into the community.

Key Attributes

• Have the resilience and positivity to lead us on the path God has chosen for us and encourage us to participate in all the good works God has prepared for us.
• Show evidence of a love of God’s Church and of a deep pastoral concern for the fellowship and its members.
• Work ecumenically with the Methodist church in West Bromwich and on the wider Black Country Circuit.
• Inspire our spiritual growth to enable us to be positive examples of God’s love within the church and with everyone we meet.
• Encourage and develop the ministries and gifts of all called to serve Christ regardless of ethnicity, class or gender.

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: 11th February 2022

Familiarisation date: 21st February 2022

Interviews: 23rd February 2022

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