Associate Vicar at Chanctonbury with special responsibility for St Mary’s Church, Washington

Introduction

Associate Vicar at Chanctonbury

With special responsibility for St Mary’s Church, Washington

Chanctonbury is a vibrant parish that has been blessed with continuous growth over the past 12 years. Around four hundred and fifty people worship in four congregations across three locations on Sundays. The parish is situated just north of the South Downs, within the Deanery of Storrington. The Bishop of Chichester and the Incumbent seek to appoint an Associate Vicar who will offer a mission-oriented, evangelistic, pastoral and liturgical ministry, as we seek to know, love and follow Jesus. 

We are praying for a priest who will:

Support the Rector by overseeing and leading a fresh season of mission in Washington, breaking new ground amongst children and families, as part of our long-term vision of multi-generational churches. The new Associate Vicar will oversee the two Washington Sunday congregations; lead the pastoral, sacramental and occasional offices of the Washington congregations and villagers, including leading the clergy involvement within the church school. Being part of the Senior Leadership Team of Chanctonbury, the new AV will ideally carry a central brief for the discipleship culture of the church as a whole across all congregations. 

We are looking for a:

• Proven change leader - Able to evidence how they have led teams through transition, renewal, conflict or growth, and what changed as a result.
• Strong team operator - Effective both in authority and under authority; someone who can build trust, clarity and unity.
• Mission Enabler - Experienced in the overseeing, developing and equipping of voluntary teams, increasing shared ownership and effectiveness rather than doing everything personally.
• Spiritually grounded and Spirit-led - Deeply rooted in Scripture, prayerful, and dependent on the Holy Spirit in decision-making and leadership. Strong disciple-maker, and able to equip others in disciple-making.
• Integrity under pressure - Character tested in real situations: consistent, accountable, devoted to pursuing personal holiness, and trustworthy. 
• Emotionally intelligent - Self-aware, relationally mature, able to navigate conflict and maintain healthy relationships, especially during change.

We offer:

• A generous, wholehearted, and hospitable church family with a keenness to reach out in love and service to the wider community.
• Strong and established links with Washington Church of England primary school. 
• Committed volunteers, a supportive and encouraging wider staff team to serve alongside, and diligent admin support.

Housing to be provided through a Diocesan purchase.

The Role Description for the post is available on our website or from the Appointments Administrator at applications@chichester.anglican.org

For more information, please visit https://chanctonbury.org.uk/

Please apply through Pathways by clicking on 'apply for this vacancy'.

Closing date: Sunday 12 April 2026

Interview date: Wednesday 6 May 2026

The Diocese of Chichester is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. For further information, please read our full safeguarding policy.

All appointments are subject to acceptable pre-appointment checks, including a satisfactory Enhanced DBS Check and completion of the Church of England Confidential Declaration Form. 

To understand how the information you supply in your Confidential Declaration Form is used and your rights with respect to that data please read our privacy notice.

Please note: we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.