Vicar of Knotty Ash St John

Introduction

We are looking for an experienced, inclusive, mission-focused priest who enjoys working in partnership with others and who has a heart for urban parish ministry.

Knotty Ash is a long‐established residential community on the eastern edge of Liverpool, with a parish population of around 12,400–13,300. It is a predominantly working‐class area with a broad age mix, including many families, single‐person households, and long‐term residents, and a slightly higher proportion of older adults than average. The parish sits within some of the most deprived areas nationally, with high levels of economic disadvantage, unemployment significantly above national averages, and many households on lower incomes. Housing is varied, ranging from terraced and semi‐detached homes to newer developments, with a substantial amount of social and affordable housing. Despite these challenges, Knotty Ash is known for its strong identity, community spirit, and good local amenities, including schools, community centres, and transport links into the city, offering real opportunities for pastoral care, partnership, and mission. 

The parish is diverse, with areas of significant deprivation alongside strong community networks and long‐standing local pride. Many families face economic challenges, and there are high levels of health inequality, disability, and social isolation. At the same time, Knotty Ash is full of warmth, humour, and neighbourliness - qualities that shape the way St John’s seeks to serve. Alder Hey children’s hospital is nearby.

St John’s is a warm, friendly, and increasingly intergenerational congregation, currently in a season of growth not only in numbers, but also in confidence, vision, and purpose. The church has embraced a vision to create a vibrant, welcoming, inclusive environment that encourages spiritual growth, fosters new disciples, and meets the needs of all ages - especially families with young children. In the vacancy, the PCC has developed a confident Strategy for Growth which outlines a clear, phased journey that includes deepening discipleship, strengthening the welcome, evolving service formats, expanding community outreach, and improving financial sustainability. The building has had significant work carried out in 2025 including a new audio visual system and a neurosensory room.

St John’s are looking for a vicar who will join them as a partner in ministry—someone who will lead with them rather than for them, who will listen well, encourage the gifts of others, and help shape mission together. The church tradition of the parish is central.

This is a full time stipendiary role. Housing is provided for the better performance of your duties in the well appointed 4 bedroom vicarage adjacent to the church. A photo gallery, floorplans and a video walk through of the house are linked in the Role Description.

Are you a priest who brings warmth and presence to parish life, someone who is inclusive and at ease among people of all ages? Do you offer confident and thoughtful leadership in worship, helping us to encounter God with depth and joy through intergenerational worship? Might you be a nurturer of discipleship, encouraging faith to grow in the everyday? Are you creative, engaging and ready to help St John’s build on current strengths, to further develop a vision as you journey forward as a parish? Could this be you?

Closing Date: 26th April

Interview Date: 22nd May

For more information please contact: Ven Dr Miranda Threlfall-Holmes. 
Archdeacon of Liverpool. Email: miranda.threlfall-holmes@liverpool.anglican.org 

We are continuing our work to actively increase the diversity of those working in the diocese and in pursuit of that we are using anonymous shortlisting.