We're Recruiting: Lay Pastoral Worker for Epworth, Scunthorpe & Gainsborough Circuit

The Epworth, Scunthorpe and Gainsborough Methodist Circuit is recruiting a Lay Pastoral Worker to join its ministry team.

The role is a fixed term appointment for one year, offered for 20 hours per week (flexible as required) at a salary of £17,000 per annum. The postholder will work throughout the circuit, with a negotiated office base at Ashby Wesley Methodist Church in Scunthorpe.

Working alongside the ministers in pastoral charge, the successful candidate will network with the volunteer pastoral care teams and leads already in place, responding effectively to urgent and known pastoral needs within the life of the congregations and their communities.

The role sits within the Circuit leadership team, working with volunteer pastoral teams and church stewards to support the staff team in providing pastoral care, funeral ministry and the deepening of discipleship among church members and the wider community.

Duties will include visiting people in care homes and liaising with hospital chaplains, offering extended communion to those who request it, ideally alongside a church pastoral visitor, and providing appropriate pastoral care at times of bereavement for church members and for those in the community who look to the Methodist Church. The postholder will lead funeral services based on the Methodist Worship Book. Where the lay employee is not a local preacher, services will include a eulogy rather than a sermon. A good understanding of the Methodist Church Safeguarding Policy will also need to be promoted throughout the role.

It is a genuine occupational requirement that the postholder is a practising Christian.

The closing date for applications is 4pm on 7th September 2026.

For a copy of the job description, person specification and application form, email circuitoffice@esgmethodist.org.uk or telephone 01724 848015 or 01724 873891.

For more information, download the full advert