Part-time Incumbent

The Society for the Maintenance of the Faith is seeking to appoint a part-time incumbent to the parish of Ashton-upon-Mersey, St Martin.

St. Martin’s is a friendly, caring church family in the modern Anglo-Catholic tradition where everyone is welcome. We are looking forward to the next stage of our journey and sharing it with a new Rector. We are praying for a person of faith, with a spirituality anchored in the sacraments, who will be among us as a pastor and leader, and a person who will inspire us so that together we can further God’s kingdom in the parish.

Situated on the northern edge of beautiful Cheshire countryside, close to Sale and within easy reach of Manchester and with excellent transport links, Ashton-Upon-Mersey has a population of approximately six and a half thousand, yet retains a village feel.

• Grow together as a worshipping community and deepen our unity around a shared vision and sense of purpose.
• Broaden our reach into our local community, especially in local schools.
• Use our gifts in service and mission.
• Develop and enrich our worship.
• Tackle the ongoing challenges of finance, and of maintenance and repair of our buildings.

• Resourced by the modern Anglo-Catholic tradition, with a deep, prayerful faith in Jesus Christ and eager to share the Gospel in everyday life.
• Able to build strong relationships with people from a variety of backgrounds and a good listener who will be a visible, approachable presence in both church and community life.
• Experienced in nurturing lay ministry in all its forms; someone who can recognise and nurture individual gifts, to foster active participation and teamwork.
• A good communicator, able to teach the faith in ways that are engaging, relevant, and accessible.
• Able to help others explore and live out the Christian faith in everyday life.
• Able to see the potential in our buildings and resources, for transformation, outreach, and community engagement.
• Ready to help us increase our giving, growing in generosity.
• Committed to nurturing a strong and effective safeguarding culture, where all in the parish feel safe, valued, and welcome.

In exchange for working part-time (four days per week plus Sunday morning services) you will receive housing and 60% of a stipend. Accommodation is offered in a spacious four-bedroom, detached Rectory just a few minutes walk from the church.

For a conversation about the post, please feel free to be in touch with The Bishop of Stockport, The Right Reverend Sam Corley, by email in the first instance: bpstockportlican.org. The General Secretary of The Society for the Maintenance of the Faith, The Reverend Father Philip Corbett, will also be pleased to hear from potential applicants: phil

This post is open to women and to men, and we will particularly welcome applications from underrepresented groups.

Applicants are required to submit relevant safeguarding training certificates with their applications.

- Interviews:
Monday 20th April 2026

The Diocese of Chester is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We will not shortlist candidates unless they can provide an assurance of up-to-date safeguarding training and a valid DBS check for their current post.

Candidates are required to submit relevant training certificates with their applications. An Enhanced DBS Disclosure will be required for the successful candidate.