Pioneer Children and Families' Minister (Part-time)

St Mary’s is growing and we’re ready to take a bold new step in our ministry with children and families. We’re looking for a creative, community-minded Christian who can help us make our 9am service a joyful, faith-forming home for local families, and build warm bridges into our community.

You’ll:

• establish weekly, fun, Bible-centred children’s groups at our 9am contemporary service;
• recruit and train a growing lay team;
• be a friendly presence at Roots & Shoots (our Monday toddler group), offering gentle Christian input;
• lead a monthly assembly at a local primary school and be involved in the Lighthouse summer holiday club;
• support parents with simple faith-at-home resources and a half-termly coffee & prayer hub.

We’re looking for a practising Christian who:

• loves Jesus and loves children;
• has experience leading children’s groups, ideally in a church context;
• is committed to full inclusion within the Church (see Inclusive Church statement: https://www.inclusive-church.org/the-ic-statement/)
• can gather and equip volunteers;
• communicates clearly and organises well;
• is happy that Sundays are core and time spent in the community is part of the week.

Hours: 15 h/w (Sunday a.m. essential; some weekday work).
Salary: £31,000 pro rata (£16/hour). 3% employer pension (auto-enrol).
Leave: 28 days pro rata (11.5 days / 86 hours), max five Sundays p.a.
Term: Fixed term to 31 Mar 2029 with a Year-4 option (hours depend on funding).
Start: 9 Mar 2026 (or by agreement).
Safeguarding: Enhanced DBS required; Safer Recruitment procedures followed.

How to apply: Please send a CV and a one-page statement on how you meet the Person Specification and why you feel you’re right for this role. Please provide details for two referees (one most recent employer/minister). Email applications to: vicar@stmaryshitcham.org.uk.
Closing date: Fri 30 Jan at 5pm.
Interviews: Fri 13 Feb at St Mary’s.

To arrange an informal chat about the role, please email Rev. Chris Hassell: vicar@stmaryshitcham.org.uk. 

We are committed to full equality, diversity, and inclusion for all and are particularly keen to receive applications from candidates from underrepresented groups.

The post-holder must have Right to Work in the UK, both upon commencement in post and for the duration of this contract.

The Church of England is committed to the safeguarding, care, and nurture of everyone within our church community. At St Mary’s, we follow and are committed to the Church of England's House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Policies and the relevant statutory legislation and guidance, "Working together" to ensure the welfare of children and young people is paramount.