Port Chaplain and Rector of Christ Church, Yokohama, Japan

Introduction

Overview

The Mission to Seafarers is seeking applications for the varied, challenging and fulfilling role of Port Chaplain and Rector of Christ Church in Yokohama, Japan. Since the end of the Second World War, this dual role has formed a unique and integrated model of ministry, combining pastoral oversight of the congregation with seafarers’ mission in the port. While each aspect of the role carries distinct responsibilities, they mutually support and enrich one another.

As Port Chaplain, you will be responsible for the delivery of an effective chaplaincy service in line with our core purpose of ensuring the provision of spiritual, moral and physical support to seafarers and their families, of all different backgrounds and nationalities.  

As Rector of Yokohama Christ Church you will serve the English-speaking Anglican congregation, providing regular worship, sacramental ministry, and pastoral support.

About Us

Founded in 1856, the purpose of The Mission to Seafarers is to share God’s love and grace with seafarers by caring for them in the many difficult and challenging circumstances they encounter. Our ministry is wide ranging and holistic with an emphasis on compassionate, practical action and an absolute commitment to working with those of all faiths and nationalities, always with the deepest sensitivity and respect. We currently have a presence in over 200 ports in 50 countries. 

Christ Church Yokohama is an historic Anglican community founded in 1864. Christ Church is shared with the Japanese congregation of Yamate Sei Ko Kai, part of the Nippon Sei Ko Kai (The Anglican Church in Japan), served by its own full-time priest. The two congregations cooperate in maintaining the historic building and regularly join together for worship and outreach, reflecting a spirit of unity and mutual respect.

Main Responsibilities

As Port Chaplain you will be responsible for ensuring our mission is accessible and that our service provision is appropriate for all seafarers coming into the port of Yokohama through visiting ships that call into the port; extending the hand of friendship to seafarers; offering spiritual, emotional and practical support; and responding to need as appropriate.  You will contribute to the broader strategic thinking of MtS in Japan, will partner with other port chaplains, welfare workers and seafarer centres locally and will assist in the co-ordination of volunteers.

As Rector of Christ Church, Yokohama, you will provide faithful and engaging leadership in worship, preaching, and teaching to the English-speaking congregation. As well as leading Sunday services and other occasional offices, you will officiate at baptisms, weddings, and funerals; provide pastoral care; encourage community outreach and represent the congregation within the wider Diocese of Yokohama.

The Ideal Candidate

Candidates should have a practical understanding of and empathy with the particular challenges experienced by seafarers and be able to demonstrate strong experience of pastoral work, ideally with seafarers and/or marginalised communities. Candidates should possess strong and adaptable interpersonal skills; be collaborative and inclusive and able to work as part of an ecumenical team; be empathetic, supportive and understanding with good self-awareness; demonstrate sound judgement, emotional intelligence and sensitivity; be culturally and politically aware; and be able to remain calm and measured in challenging situations.

Fluency in spoken and written English is essential and a basic understanding of the Japanese language would be preferred. Candidates must possess a full, clean driving licence.

This is a full-time post, open to ordained candidates from churches officially recognised as member churches within the Anglican Communion, who possess a strong Christian faith and have empathy with the purpose of our work.  Because of the current stance of the Diocese of Yokohama regarding the Ordination of Women, we regret that we are only able to consider applications from male priests.

Please see the attached Job Description and Application Form for more details.