We are seeking an enthusiastic full-time vicar for our large historic church of Holy Trinity, Eccleshall, and the village church of St Chad's, Slindon, in rural Staffordshire.

You will help our congregations grow in their faith and commitment to Christ and strengthen our engagement with all aspects of community life.

We need a versatile vicar who is a team player and will:

• Lead by example in their life of faith
• Help us to grow and share our faith with others
• Be a visible presence in the community and use every opportunity for outreach
• Help us to deliver a system of pastoral care
• Develop our children, young people and families work and foster the excellent links we have with our C of E Primary Academy
• Be an inspirational preacher and teacher and enjoy leading us in a range of worship styles

We seek a priest who:

• Is a person of prayer and discernment
• Has a good humoured and open disposition
• Can demonstrate good communication skills and an ability to engage with both young and old within the parish
• Will lead us in our traditional styles of worship while exploring new ways of sharing the gospel
• Will work with the Churchwardens, PCC and church members to help bring to fruition their future vision for the internal re-ordering and use of the church building as a town centre hub for the wider community
• Will build a strong pastoral team so that the sick and elderly are well supported
• Has the ability to lead and work within a team and work with our current lay members and other local clergy
• Has the vision to develop strong missional partnerships with neighbouring parishes in the Deanery.
• Will work with Eccleshall Parish Council and Stafford Borough Council to continue our civic roles
• Will work with and encourage local businesses, to develop a Christian presence within the town centre community
• Will work to develop missional working in partnership with other community groups

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: Bishop of Stafford's Office

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

Closing date: 15th June 2023

Interviews: 5th July 2023