Associate Rector of St Mary’s Chipping Norton – Interim

Chipping Norton Benefice

Do you have a heart for people and a gift for building teams and communities?
Do you have experience of leading a complex organisation?
Are you rooted in Word and Spirit, and energised by the idea of serving at the heart of a town where God is clearly at work?

If so, we are a growing, outward-facing evangelical church, seeking a gifted colleague to take primary operational and pastoral leadership of St Mary’s, Chipping Norton. Working with the Team Rector, you will care for the congregation, develop Small Groups and pastoral structures, grow lay leadership, and help strengthen the foundations for future growth.

We are looking for someone who can:
• Provide warm, visible pastoral oversight and care for the St Mary’s congregation.
• Help lead and develop Small Groups, lay teams, and patterns of newcomer welcome and integration as, together, we Live in God’s Love.
• Preach faithfully and share in leading worship across the Benefice.
• Champion our integrated approach to mission through The Branch, our community outreach hub.

What we can offer:
• A lively, prayerful church family, biblically-led and strengthened by the Holy Spirit to Live Out God’s Love.
• A committed, warm and mutually-supportive staff team and a vibrant community presence.
• A well-appointed four-bedroom vicarage with good local schools nearby.

n.b. Because the role is supported by external sponsorship, this appointment is for 3 years.

For an informal discussion, please contact the Archdeacon of Dorchester, David Tyler, on 07961 726403 or at archdeacon.dorchester@oxford.anglican.org.

For the parish profile and to apply, please visit the Church of England Pathways website.

Closing date: Sunday 29th November 2026

Interviews: Thursday 14th January 2027

DBS Enhanced Disclosure is required.