Interim Incumbent – All Saints Congleton Full ‑ time appointment All Saints Congleton is seeking an interim incumbent to lead the parish through an important period of development and change. Congleton is a vibrant market town between Manchester and Stoke, on the edge of the Cheshire Peak District. With a population of around 28,400, it is known for its festivals, flowers, creative community, and strong local identity. The town boasts over 150 community groups, a lively centre, a theatre, museum, excellent schools and a beautiful park. The parish has grown a shared identity under the banner of All Saints, with one PCC. We are now entering a new phase: consolidating resources, shaping a major development project, and strengthening our mission and presence across the town. The parish includes four churches. Work is underway to close three of the churchyards, and the PCC has taken the decision that worship should cease at one of the two chapels of ease, Holy Trinity Mossley. Occasional worship will continue at St John’s Buglawton which will be developed for additional missional and community use. St Stephen’s is the main centre for Sunday worship and offers significant potential for expanded mission and outreach. St Peter’s, a much ‑ loved landmark, is the focus of a 10 ‑ year development plan to enhance its use for worship and community life, supported by initial funding and a committed working group.
The parish are praying for a woman or man of God who will bring :
* A deeply rooted Christian faith, shaped by Scripture and prayer, with a life guided by the Holy Spirit.
* Proven leadership ability, able to unite people, navigate complexity, and build strong relationships within the church and wider community.
* Experience in managing change, delivering projects to completion, and communicating with clarity, tact, and diplomacy.
* The capacity to prioritise well, delegate effectively, and empower others to use their gifts in ministry.
* A commitment to growing a younger church, working collaboratively with the Children & Families Missioner to strengthen mission among children, young people, and families.
* Inspiration to our congregation to live out their faith in everyday life.
* A demonstrable commitment to fostering a strong and effective safeguarding culture in the parish.
The post has been designated an interim one under Section 29 of the Ecclesiastical Terms of Service Measure. In relation to Congleton, the post will initially be for three years, with the expectation it will be renewed for a further two years. At the end of the five-year period, the post will either come to an end or, if the Incumbent, Parish and Diocese are all content, and parish share is being met in full then the interim arrangement will be made permanent. Accommodation is offered in a modern Rectory located in a cul-de-sac close to Holy Trinity church, the local CofE controlled primary school and church-owned community buildings.
We will particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups. Applicants are required to submit relevant safeguarding training certificates with their applications. - Closing date: 21st June 2026 - Shortlisting: 25th June 2026 - Interviews: 16th July 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.
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 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 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.