Full-time interim Incumbent Low Marple and Compstall

Full-time Interim Incumbent

Benefice of St Martin's, Low Marple and St Paul's Compstall

The Bishop of Chester, in consultation with Keble College and the Diocesan Board of Patronage, as patrons, wishes to appoint a full-time Interim Incumbent to help consolidate and grow two parishes in a recently formed benefice.

St. Martin's is a friendly, caring modern Anglo-Catholic church with a choral tradition, where everyone is welcome. The congregation are honest about the challenges they face and are looking forward to tackling these in the next stage of their journey. They are praying for a person of faith, with a spirituality anchored in the sacraments, who will be among them as a pastor and leader, and will inspire them so that together the work of God's kingdom can develop and grown in the parish.

St Paul's is a warm and friendly church in a central tradition. They are keen to grow in discipleship and in outreach to the local community, particularly among children, young people and families. They are praying for a kind and prayerful pastor who will also inspire and lead them in outreach and growth.

Both parishes are situated near Stockport and the Peak District. Both have village centres, access to local canals and local parks along with easy access to Manchester City. There are excellent local schools and good public transport links.

The next Incumbent will be

• An engaging and visible presence who will maintain and nurture the different traditions of each church
• Someone who will help all ages grow in spirituality and discipleship
• Skilled in helping others explore and live out faith in everyday life
• Someone who can help the two parishes to deepen their identity and working together as a new benefice
• Someone who will seek new opportunities to engage with the local communities in mission
• Someone who is prayerful and pastoral
• A leader who can see potential in people, buildings, and resources and enable growth in each of these areas
• Someone who will live out their commitment to fostering a strong and effective safeguarding culture within the parishes, where all feel safe, valued, and welcome

We can offer

• A four-bed Rectory with spacious kitchen, enclosed rear-garden, off-road parking next to St Martin's Church.
• Two friendly and sociable church families, keen to welcome you and work with you.
• Support from two active teams of volunteers including Churchwardens, PCC, and Verger
• Two well maintained and beautiful churches.

Please see the Benefice Profile for further details on each parish.

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

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

• Closing date: 29th November 2026
• Interviews: 16th December 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.