Ministerial Vacancies
Ministers, Lay Pastors and Lay Leaders on the General Assembly of Unitarian & Free Christian Churches’ Roll seeking to apply for any of the above vacant pulpits should write to or email Simon Bland at Unitarian Headquarters and not the church(es) concerned.
Candidates must be on the Ministerial Roll of the General Assembly of Unitarian & Free Christian Churches or have equivalence of training and accreditation within the Unitarian Universalist tradition, or be willing to take the necessary steps to be appointed to the Roll. For more information, visit our Ministers page.
vacancies (full time)
We’ll share full-time ministry opportunities here as they become available – check back soon for exciting roles across our movement.
vacancies (part time)
Walmsley Unitarian Chapel
Historic chapel (founded 1713) nestled in moorland village seeks dynamic part-time Minister for thriving congregation of 60 members. Join a community that’s grown stronger in recent years, welcoming newcomers and building bridges across generations.
Main requirements: Lead inspiring worship and spiritual guidance, celebrate life’s milestones through marriages (including same-sex), funerals and naming ceremonies, nurture pastoral care networks, champion the chapel’s mission, represent us at regional Unitarian gatherings, and help tell our story through The Link magazine.
Main opportunities: Growing young families programme, expanding community partnerships, popular seasonal events (our Carols by Candlelight with brass band is legendary locally), vibrant schoolhouse activities, and strengthening connections across 11 district chapels. Perfect base for someone wanting to blend traditional ministry with creative community engagement.
Egerton offers stunning Pennine moorland walks, excellent transport links to Manchester and beyond, plus a chapel family that knows how to celebrate together. Our schoolhouse buzzes with life – from toddler groups to monthly discos.
Read the full vacancy statement here.
Email Simon Bland for more information.
Bristol, Frenchay and Unitarian Meeting Bristol (UMB)
The position is minimum half-time, with potential to expand to full-time for the right candidate.
Main opportunities: Congregation growth and visibility, Young people/student services, various self-help groups, wellbeing skills/support, welcome hubs and other discussion groups, community art based/social events, music, community college events, community action, course venue, Online offerings, yoga, more rites of passage services, etc.
Bristol is a dynamic multicultural city and suburbs with a rich history and strong economic growth. Metro city population 700,000+ and 45,000 students. It has some of the poorest and richest wards in the country. The city centre has many new developments, student accommodation, shopping and art/entertainment venues of all types. Read the full vacancy statement here.
Chowbent Unitarian Chapel
Applications are invited for the position of full-time minister at Chowbent Unitarian Chapel, Atherton, Greater Manchester. A part-time appointment could be considered for a suitable candidate. Remuneration would be as recommended by the GA with housing allowance.
Chowbent is the oldest place of worship in the town. It is a member of the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches. The Chapel was granted Grade II* Listed status in 1966. Further information is available on the Chapel’s website. www.chowbent-unitarian-chapel.org.uk
The congregation is loyal and hardworking and members are active in Atherton Churches Together.
A minister is needed to provide leadership, pastoral care and development of community involvement. The appointee would be supported by the congregation and the North East Lancashire Unitarian Mission.
To express an interest please contact Simon Bland at the GA (sbland@unitarian.org.uk).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Members of the congregation are looking for leadership and support. The new minister would be expected to work with the Trustees and Chapel Committee to develop the life of the Chapel and engage with the local community, to offer pastoral care and be involved with Chapel activities. Chowbent Primary School was built by the Chapel in 1858. It is now a Local Authority school and recently moved to new premises but the Chapel is still involved with the school and is used for the school’s special services. The Chapel is represented on the Governing Body by the Minister and other Chapel members.
As was the case for a number of Presbyterian foundations, Chowbent Chapel became increasingly liberal, adopting the tenets of Unitarianism. Today the Chapel, still autonomous, belongs to the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches and no compulsory doctrine or creed is required of Minister or members. There is a service each Sunday morning and the Chapel celebrates Christmas, Easter, Anniversary and Harvest with well attended special services, including a popular Carol service.
Before the Industrial Revolution Atherton was a farming community but grew into a mining and cotton mill town and is part of Wigan Borough in Greater Manchester with rail links to Southport and Liverpool, Manchester and London. There are regular buses to Bolton and Leigh which give access to the Octogon theatre and Pennington country park as well as shopping , sports and cultural facilities.
Ipswich Unitarians – see also additional Background Info
Kingswood Unitarians
This is a half-time position. More information is available here.
Oxford Unitarians
This is a half-time position. More information is available here.
York Unitarians
This is a half-time position on a General Assembly stipend rate plus an additional £3,000. The full advert can be found here.