Position: Associate Pastor at Garstang Free Methodist Church
Salary Range: £34,425 to £40,500 per annum full time, dependent on experience
Role: Permanent with an initial 6-month probationary period
Reports To: Lead Pastor and Trustees (for employment purposes) and National Leader (for FM purposes)
Context
This role serves Garstang Free Methodist Church (GFMC), which is a local church within the Free Methodist Church in the UK and Ireland, situated in the market town of Garstang, Lancashire. GFMC is a vibrant, busy and growing church with active ministries to all age groups. The current staff team comprises the Lead Pastor and a Families and Young People’s Worker, supported by a part-time Administrator.
The Free Methodist Church is a worldwide movement rooted in Wesleyan-Arminian theology. In the UK and Ireland, it is a growing denomination of around 50 churches, with a vision for church planting. It is committed to being Bible-inspired, Spirit-led, and mission-driven. It places a high priority on discipleship, evangelism, and serving communities with the transformative message of the gospel.
This position provides an exciting opportunity for a pastor to lead within, and support the local congregation in fulfilling its mission to be “A Christian Community Discipling All Generations”. The Associate Pastor will work collaboratively with the Lead Pastor and church leadership to advance God’s Kingdom locally, regionally, and beyond.
Key Responsibilities
· To work with the Lead Pastor to actively encourage and facilitate a culture of Whole Life Discipleship, equipping and discipling the congregation to live out their faith and reach others with the Gospel
· To oversee the church’s outreach into the community, developing new initiatives, building and leading teams, facilitating outreach events and encouraging support from the whole church family.
· To oversee and support the Alpha leader in the running of regular Alpha Courses.
· To facilitate Discipleship Pathways, and develop Small Groups that nurture new believers.
· To assist in preparing believers for Baptism
· To work with the Lead Pastor to integrate new people into the life of the church, with a particular focus on connecting people to Alpha, Small Groups and Discipleship Pathways.
· To oversee the Small Group ministry of the church (initially working alongside the current Small Group leader) identifying and developing new small group leaders
· To work closely with the Comms team to promote church ministries and events
· To contribute to the Preaching and Teaching ministry of the church
· To contribute to Pastoral Care and Prayer Ministry
· To contribute to leading Worship Services
· To be involved in Weddings and Funerals as required
Person Specification
Qualities
A vibrant and growing personal relationship with Jesus Christ, demonstrated by a prayerful dependence on the Holy Spirit.
Passionate about God’s Word, discipleship, and evangelism, with a heart to see people transformed and discipled.
Models shepherd leadership with integrity, humility, and spiritual maturity in both church leadership and personal life.
Qualifications
Theologically trained with a commitment to Wesleyan-Arminian theology.
Experience in church leadership, working within teams and leading teams.
Skills and Competencies
An effective communicator who can preach and teach in a way that inspires and equips others.
Relationally skilled, with the ability to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds.
Organised and capable of balancing multiple responsibilities in a dynamic environment.
Work Environment and Opportunities
Serve in a well-established, supportive, prayerful and growing church community.
Work within the framework of the Free Methodist Church UK, benefiting from national support.
What We Offer
A welcoming, prayerful church family committed to spiritual growth and mission.
A competitive salary of £34,425 to £40,500 per annum full time, dependent on experience.
Employer pension contributions of 8% of gross pensionable earnings.
Death in Service Life Assurance and Permanent Health Insurance.
25 days’ annual leave per annum plus bank holidays.
Opportunities for professional development and service with the Free Methodist Church UK & Ireland at a national level.
Application Process
To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter to (info@garstangfmc.org.uk) explaining why you feel called to this role and how you meet the Person Specification and Key Responsibilities.
Application Deadline: Friday 29th August 2025
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews and church visits.
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