Introduction

Priest in Charge (Vicar Designate) for St George's, Shirley   

 We are a vibrant, welcoming and Inclusive Church in the liberal catholic tradition seeking a parish priest who will help us to develop our vision for the parish and community. Are you a priest who is:

• committed to growth, outreach and mission to the wider community
• a reflective and collaborative leader able to delegate and empower others working as part of a team
• able to preach the Gospel in a thoughtful way, relevant to modern life 
• skilled in pastoral care, a good listener and able to engage with people across the generations
• engaged with environmental and conservation issues who will support our Eco Group’s work towards the A Rocha Gold Award

 +Following Christ + Serving Community + Welcoming All +

POST INTRODUCTION 

St George’s is located in Shirley, in the eastern part of the London Borough of Croydon, bordering LB Bromley. The area is ethnically and culturally diverse, reflected in our congregation. The parish is in a suburban area with mixed housing and with easy access to central London, the countryside and the South Coast. As London’s population grows, Shirley continues to be a place people choose to make their permanent home.

All three schools within the parish are rated as ‘Good’ by Ofsted, with a broad range of other state, Church and private schools within easy reach.

Local attractions include the Shirley Windmill, Addington Hills with spectacular views of the Capital and the award-winning Museum of the Mind at Bethlem Royal Hospital. Shirley and neighbouring West Wickham have thriving high streets. In addition, there is a wide variety of nearby sports and cultural facilities. 

PERSON SPECIFICATION

We are seeking a priest who is inclusive, encourages diversity and is welcoming, secure in their own faith and has a strong ability to share it with others. In addition, we seek someone who is committed to growth, outreach and mission to the wider community and is a reflective and collaborative leader able to delegate and empower others working as part of a team. We are looking for an individual who is able to preach the Gospel in a thoughtful way, relevant to modern life and one who is skilled in pastoral care, a good listener and able to engage with people across the generations. It’s important to us that our Priest-in-Charge is engaged with environmental and conservation issues and will support our Eco Group’s work. 

Key qualities we are hoping for is someone with emotional intelligence, who is prayerful and approachable as well as financially aware and happy to talk about financial stewardship. We would also value somebody who is appreciative of a variety of musical traditions, supportive of our ecumenical links and is organised and forward-thinking in their approach to administration.

ABOUT US

We are amid some exciting building developments which are being led by a dedicated and able project team. We anticipate that our new Priest-in-Charge will offer enthusiastic support and involvement in the building of a new annexe and subsequently a new church hall.  

At the centre of our worship is the Sunday morning Eucharist at 10.00am. A highlight within our church calendar is the longstanding tradition of Maundy Thursday Passover meal and eucharist which takes place in the church. Our congregation is growing and dedicated although there is considerable potential for further spiritual growth and teaching as well as outreach into the community. It is important to us that members of the congregation also become part of the wider church family by sharing in the variety of social activities and volunteering opportunities available.

We are very thankful for the way our ministry to children and young people is growing and also our outreach to members of the congregation who are now housebound or in residential care. 

We are hoping our new Priest-in-Charge will help us re-introduce Messy Church and find opportunities for more Fresh Expressions with our youth work. We are keen to extend our ministry and welcome to those in their 30s and 40s. We are conscious that opportunities for extending the faith and spiritual growth of our congregation need to be expanded. 

Our church has a long and strong tradition of facilitating and supporting those who feel called to all aspects of ministry, particularly lay ministry. We would hope/expect that the successful applicant would be able to reinvigorate this aspect of our church life.

We are very grateful for all that has been and we are excited about the future direction into which God is leading us. 

For an informal conversation with the Archdeacon of Croydon, please contact his PA to arrange an appointment Kathleen.bailey@southwark.anglican.org 

Closing Date: Sunday 21 April 2024

Shortlisting: Monday 29 April 2024

Parish Visit & Interviews: Friday 24 May 2024

We have a policy in Southwark Diocese that to be appointed to an incumbent status post, a priest must have served a title post in an Anglican church in the British Isles. We aim to be a diverse and truly representative Diocese, and particularly welcome applications from women and people of UKME heritage.

This post is subject to DBS enhanced disclosure.