Vicar - Olton, St Margaret

Introduction

The Bishop of Birmingham and The Vicar of Bickenhill as Patrons wish to appoint a Vicar to the Benefice of Olton.

St Margaret’s is a welcoming parish Church in the largely residential suburb of Olton within the Metropolitan Borough of Solihull. 

The patron and the Bishop of Birmingham are seeking a visionary, compassionate and enthusiastic priest to be our next incumbent. We are a ‘middle of the road’ inclusive parish with two strong worshipping congregations who gather each Sunday morning: a very popular Family Service and a vibrant Choral Eucharist. There is a an Evening Service each week which varies from Choral Evensong to Evening Prayer.  The parish has a strong team of willing lay ministers and volunteers and seeks to be a growing church at the heart of its local community.  A spacious and pleasant modern vicarage is provided.  

The ideal candidate will be:

• An inspiring collaborative leader who has good communication and people skills and can build good and effective teams
• Organised, focused, and hospitable to those within and beyond existing congregations and networks 
• Able to see the missional potential of music ministries whilst supporting liturgical and informal worship styles  
• An encourager of the gifts and ministries of others, strengthening the ability of different groups and teams in the parish to grow in depth, strength and impact

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 

Those interested are encouraged to contact the Archdeacon of Aston, the Venerable Phelim O’Hare, phelim.ohare@cofebirmingham.com or by telephone on 07548 316248

Closing date: Friday (midnight) 3 October 2025 

Interviews: Friday 17 October 2025

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.