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)
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.
vacancies (part time)
Underbank Unitarian Chapel, Stannington
Stannington is best described as a large village in the west of Sheffield. It has a range of shops, a good variety of housing, three pubs, a substantial village hall, and beautiful country walks on its doorstep.
Underbank Chapel was built in the 18th century but our congregation goes back to the 17th. It stands in its churchyard in a picturesque spot overlooking the Loxley valley and with views towards the Peak District. We also own The Schoolroom directly across the road, which stands in its own grounds and was originally a Victorian school, and in which we have some of our services. It is popular as a venue for hire by various regular groups and for parties etc.
Underbank aims to have a service every Sunday morning, and the successful candidate would be required to conduct half of them, with visiting preachers or congregational members taking them in between. Numbers attending services vary but are currently averaging out at about 15. We also have a following of people who do not generally attend services but have strong attachments to the chapel and attend and help out at social and fund-raising events.
We have close relationships with the other two Sheffield Unitarian Chapels and are active in Sheffield District Association meetings and events.
If you think you may be interested in coming to meet us please contact Simon Bland, (sbland@unitarian.org.uk)
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.
Midland Unitarian Association District Minister
The MUA is seeking a visionary and inclusive District Minister to lead worship, pastoral care, and outreach across our District. This part-time role (approx. 20 hours per week) offers the opportunity to pioneer fresh forms of ministry while supporting our long established congregations and communities.
As District Minister, you’ll also collaborate with Lay Leaders, create digital content to nurture remote communities, and support District events through presence and promotion. You’ll also be available for rites of passage in congregations without their own minister, helping to strengthen and grow Unitarian life across the region.
For more information, see https://www.unitarian.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/MUA-District-Minister-Job-Description.pdf
To express an interest please contact Simon Bland at the GA (sbland@unitarian.org.uk).
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.