Vicar - The Benefice of Shirley

Introduction

The Bishop of Birmingham and the Society for the Maintenance of the Faith seek a new incumbent for the large and active parish of Shirley, about 7 miles south of Birmingham.

The parish looks forward to welcoming a priest who will bring wisdom and warmth, being a companion in faith alongside the committed congregations, pastoral team and leaders of the thriving children’s ministries. The Church of England school, Tudor Grange Primary Academy St James, enjoys its strong relationship with the church.

There are two churches in the parish – St James’ is in Shirley High Street, at the heart of the community, whilst St John the Divine is about two miles away in Tidbury Green. Serving a population of 37,000 people, this deeply rooted, spiritually vibrant, and practically equipped church community with a variety of worship and activities, seeks to step boldly into the future and continue to grow its congregations.

Please click here for the Parish Profile

A Diocesan Profile for this post should be read prior to submitting an application, this is available from the Office & Site Manager to The Bishop of Birmingham, Chris Booth who can be emailed on ChrisB@cofebirmingham.com
Informal enquiries to the Archdeacon of Birmingham, the Venerable Jenny Tomlinson are welcome please contact her via email jennyt@cofebirmingham.com

Closing date: Thursday (midnight) 21st May

Visit and interviews: Tuesday 9th and Wednesday 10th June

 As part of the interview process, following successful shortlisting, candidates will be required to meet either with the Diocesan Bishop or Suffragan Bishop before a panel interview.

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified people, particularly those under-represented including persons of Global Majority Heritage.

The Church of England Birmingham is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders are expected to share this commitment. All appointments to roles undertaking regulated activity are subject to pre-appointment checks, including a references and a satisfactory Enhanced DBS Check.

The Bishop of Birmingham, looks for priests to serve as incumbents who have the capacity to grow local church in spiritual depth, in numbers, in confident witness, and in serious engagement with their community. Central to this is the task of identifying, encouraging and endorsing the ministry of others and entrusting them with real responsibility in the work of mission and outreach.

The priest appointed to this role must have been ordained in the Church of England or a church in communion with it and must have exercised at least three years ordained ministry. Those applying to be considered must have the right to work in the UK as this vacancy has does not yet qualify to sponsor a visa. The priest appointed will be an office holder under Common Tenure, and the Ecclesiastical Offices (Terms of Service) Regulations will apply. 

It is important that the priest appointed plays a full part in the life of the deanery, particularly Chapter and Synod, and in the wider programmes of the Diocese. Opportunities for ecumenical collaboration should also be pursued, and good relationships sought with other faith communities.