The Bishop of Southwark and Keble College Oxford as Patron, seek to appoint a

Vicar for, St Mary's Church, Balham - the Church on the High Street

Closing date for applications: midnight on 4 October 2022

Parish Visit for shortlisted candidates: 29 October 2022

Interviews: 1 November 2022

We welcome all applicants, in particular those that are currently under-represented in our clergy. This includes, but is not limited to UKME candidates and candidates with disabilities.

St Mary’s Balham is a diverse, inclusive Christian community, sharing and growing in the love of God through worship, hospitality, and service. We have much to offer, a strong lay support network, dedicated lay Ministry Team and office administration, and an inclusive, friendly, diverse congregation of all ages.

We are seeking a priest who has the essential spiritual and pastoral qualities needed to sustain a fruitful parish ministry, able to nurture and inspire others in their faith, and:

• Has a track record of team building, attracting and motivating volunteers, working collaboratively and delegating;
• Is community minded, with a passion for developing relationships locally, able to strengthen existing community links and to forge new ones;
• Has a demonstrable gift for, and deep commitment to, working with children and young people, their families and teachers;
• Is from the liberal-catholic tradition of the church, who is attentive to the dignity of liturgy and worship, but also willing to diversify imaginatively;
• Is passionate about inclusivity, accepting people for who they are and with a gift for making all feel valued and welcome;
• Appreciates the Anglican tradition of church music and the importance music plays in worship;
• To make the most of the many opportunities and demands of this church’s mission, has significant experience of ministry at the parish level.

Like the community it serves, our congregation is made up of people from a wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives. Our worship is centred on the Eucharist (Holy Communion), which binds us together in Christ and empowers us to share his Gospel with the world.

As part of the Inclusive Church Network, we welcome and affirm every individual as a child of God, regardless of ethnicity, gender, sexuality or background. We nurture people of all ages in the Christian faith and deepen our relationship with Christ through the sacraments, prayer, learning, and social engagement.