Full-time Priest in Charge, St Paul with St Luke, Tranmere

Introduction

Priest in Charge

St Paul with St Luke, Tranmere

Full Time

We are seeking a priest to minister to this committed urban parish of Anglo-Catholic tradition, located in the heart of a community in Birkenhead, who will enable ministry among a significant South Indian community in the area. It is a parish of some economic disadvantage, with a strong sense of identity and a history of appreciating the church’s ministry.  A well-appointed vicarage is provided. 

The parish is seeking an incumbent who has:

• A strong and visible Christian and Eucharistic faith with the energy to draw our congregation together around a common vision of ministry at St. Paul’s 
• Enthusiasm in leading and helping us to explore fresh approaches whilst retaining our traditional patterns of worship 
• A high level of interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build and maintain good relationships and engage positively with people of different ages and backgrounds 
• A spiritual leader who will motivate and encourage both clergy and lay people by listening to their views and encouraging lay participation in services and other activities 
• The ability to inspire our congregation to live out their faith in everyday life 
• A commitment to foster a strong and effective safeguarding culture in the parish 
• An ability to manage time well so that they can effectively balance the various demands, whilst still resourcing their own faith and allowing time for necessary recreation, in order to return refreshed.

Closing date for applications:              1 February 2026  

            Interviews:                                            26 February 2026                          

Prospective applicants are welcome to discuss this post with: 

The Archdeacon of Chester, the Ven Dr Michael Gilbertson            

Tel: 01928 643441

Email: michael.gilbertson@chester.anglican.org 

             Please apply using the Diocese of Chester application form via the following link:

             Full-time Priest in Charge St Paul with St Luke, Tranmere

Safeguarding

• The Diocese of Chester is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
• An Enhanced DBS Disclosure will be required for the successful candidate.
• Applicants are required to submit relevant training certificates with their applications. They will not be shortlisted unless they can provide an assurance of up-to-date safeguarding training and a valid DBS check for their current post.

Diversity 

Additional Note

Although the parish is not currently able to meet its parish share, the diocese is committed to developing the ministry here, so it is making the new Priest-in-Charge role full time. It is for an initial period of three years, at which point the post will be reviewed. Provided good progress is made over that period, the diocese would envisage renewing the post at that point.

Please note: The Diocese of Chester will not shortlist candidates unless they can provide an assurance of up-to-date safeguarding training and a valid DBS check for their current post.

About us:

The Diocese of Chester is in the province of York in the Church of England, part of the global Anglican Communion. For more information about our life, ministry and work please visit our website www.chester.anglican.org  We are linked with the Anglican Church of Melanesia in the Solomon Islands and the Dioceses of Aru and Boga in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Diocese covers an area of 1025 square miles, approximately the old Victorian County of Chester, including parts which subsequently became absorbed into Merseyside and Greater Manchester. The Rivers Mersey and Tame approximately delineate the boundary with Liverpool and Manchester. There are areas of dense urban population, mainly in the north, stretching from Birkenhead to East Manchester. There are prosperous suburban regions of West and South Wirral, Chester and south of Manchester, with a mainly rural heartland, bounded by the Derbyshire Pennines and the Welsh Border. The overall population is around 1.6 million.

The Diocesan Bishop is Mark Tanner, Bishop of Birkenhead Julie Conalty and the Bishop of Stockport is Samuel Corley.

The Cathedral for the Diocese is in Chester.

The Diocese is divided into two archdeaconries: 

Chester covering the western half and Macclesfield the eastern, each with nine deaneries. There are 273 parishes, about 100 of which can be described as rural. Compared with many dioceses, there are few teams, and few multi-parish benefices. There are approximately 231 stipendiary clergy. The ministry of Readers and Pastoral Workers is important, with over 400 licensed. The role of self-supporting ministers is increasing, with over 80 in post at present.

Roughly speaking, the Archdeaconry of Macclesfield covers that part of the diocese to the east of the M6, plus the area around Crewe and Nantwich. The Archdeaconry of Chester covers the rest of the diocese to the west of the M6. Each archdeaconry has a broad mix of urban and rural parishes. The Archdeacon of Chester lives in Chester, and the Archdeacon of Macclesfield lives in Congleton. Both now work from Church House, Daresbury.