Full-Time Incumbent, St John’s Great Meols

Introduction

Incumbent

St John the Baptist, Great Meols 

Full Time

We are seeking a priest to minister to this vibrant suburban parish of central tradition, located on the north coast of the Wirral peninsula, within easy reach of Chester and Liverpool. The parish has a really strong record in community engagement and outward-looking mission. A well-appointed vicarage is provided. 

The parish is seeking an incumbent who:

• Has a big heart for our people and community
• Makes time for prayer, study and contemplation 
• Can encourage us to live out our faith daily and grow as disciples 
• Will have a strong awareness of the importance of safeguarding and be able to foster an effective safeguarding culture in the parish. 
• Will promote, actively support and encourage us in our work with children and young families within the context of Sunday worship and local schools 
• Is a team player, able to motivate a diverse group of willing volunteers across all aspects of church and community life 
• Understands the necessity of financial stability within a challenging and constantly changing environment 
• Will continue to develop our acceptance of a wide range of ages, disabilities, ethnic backgrounds and sexualities 
• Can inspire and nurture new leaders to explore and exercise new ministries and vocations.

Closing date for applications:                   4 January 2026  

Interviews:                                                      27 January 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 on the application form provided below, or via the Diocesan website, and return it to the Archdeacon of Chester.

Full-Time Incumbent | Chester Diocese

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 

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.