Vicar, St Simon's Church, Southsea

Introduction

Vicar, St Simon’s Church, Southsea

We are seeking a leader who will embrace the diversity of our church, helping members to grow prayerfully in faith and discipleship, in ways that are relevant and accessible to all. We are praying for a leader who will put God’s Word at the centre of all that we do, seeking ways to share his Word with all who will hear in our community.

Spirituality 

Our leader will be someone who:

• In their own life is able to model what it is to be in Christ. 
• Through their personal faith seeks and waits upon God and his will. 
• Is able to maintain a personal discipline of prayer. 
• Acknowledges God’s call to discipleship for themselves and those among whom they minister. 

Worship and preaching 

Our leader will be someone who: 

• Rejoices in leading and sharing in an informal and engaging style of worship. 
• Is faithful in reading, reflecting on and teaching the Scriptures, encouraging us to grow in our understanding of God’s Word. 
• Is a creative and imaginative spiritual leader, pointing others to Christ. 
• Is capable of adapting their style of spiritual leadership to embrace the broad needs of our church family and community. 
• Has a willingness to share the lead in worship with others and encourage others to lead. 

Leadership

Our leader will be someone who: 

• Has a collaborative style of leadership. 
• Can help us to discern where God is calling us and to identify priorities based on this calling. 
• Has the vision to identify strategic opportunities to build God’s Kingdom in our community and has the courage to pursue them. 
• Is able to discern the gifts and skills of others and demonstrate a willingness to develop and use them. 
• Is willing to work as part of a team and in particular with ministerial colleagues, our staff, churchwardens and PCC.
• Recognises their limitations and delegates to others. 

Discipleship

Our leader will be someone who: 

• Recognises the importance of welcome in making our church a place where everyone can build a spiritual home. 
• Seeks to develop relationships and promote spaces where all feel included, whether long-standing members, or those exploring faith and who engages comfortably with all ages and backgrounds. 
• Has a strong commitment to nurture our work with children and their families and with youth. 
• Has an understanding of the need for and approaches to discipleship in our community. 

Evangelism 

Our leader will be someone who:

• Is creative in developing ways of sharing the Gospel with different groups within our church and within the wider community. 
• Can enable others to articulate and share their faith. 
• Is active in developing links with a range of organisations within our community. 

Pastoral Care 

Our leader will be someone who: 

• Is approachable and accessible to all, capable of balancing the often high demands of pastoral care with other responsibilities. 
• Understands the importance of spiritual healing. 
• Demonstrates the love of God through their support and care for others. 
• Is an active presence in our community, seeking to understand and respond to its needs. 

Stewardship

Our leader will be someone who: 

• Is able to lead and support all those involved in the administration and finances of our church. 
• Can manage and support the development of our staff. 
• Builds a positive working relationship with the PCC, leadership team and churchwardens. 

Ecumenism 

Our leader will be someone who: 

• Is willing to work with other churches when relevant opportunities arise. 
• Will fully participate in and contribute to the life of the deanery (including synod and chapter) and diocese.

Please read the attached Parish Profile for further information or contact Archdeacon Bob White to speak about this exciting post. 

Deadline for applications is Friday, 31st July 2026 and the interviews for this post will be held on Monday, 14th September & Tuesday, 15th September 2026.