He was ordained to the Anglican ministry as a deacon in 1986 and a priest in 1987. His first pastoral appointment was as a curate at Zion Parish, Dublin, and he also lectured at Trinity College, Dublin and the Church of Ireland Theological Institute (now Institute). His next appointment was as college chaplain at Christ Church, Oxford, from 1989 to 1997 where was also a Student. He returned to Ireland and served as the incumbent of St Fin Barre's Union and Dean of Cork, from 1997 to 2002. Jackson has held many notable positions in the Church of Ireland, including chairmanship of the Church in Society Committee and, currently, chairmanship of the Board for Social Theology.