At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire and lead a vibrant community, fostering faith and inclusivity.
- Company: The Diocese of Leeds, committed to community growth and support.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, supportive community, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while embracing change and new ideas.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills, pastoral experience, and a joyful faith.
- Other info: Join a welcoming community focused on eco-mission and outreach.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 24000 £ per year.
About the Parish
Our vision as a diocese is about confident clergy equipping confident Christians to live and tell the good news of Jesus Christ. For all our appointments, we are seeking clergy who have a joyful and confident faith which has inspired a track record of church growth. The benefice of Bardsey comprises a single parish with two churches – All Hallows, Bardsey, and St Mary Magdalene, East Keswick – in two attractive villages to the north east of Leeds with a total population of 3,594. The congregations have grown in recent years, both in numbers and in service to the community. There is an enthusiasm to welcome the whole community into the life of the church. The index of multiple deprivation ranks the parish in the top decile nationally, which brings its own challenges and opportunities. There are active and capable lay leaders who encourage an outward-looking and inclusive ethos. There is good support for eco-mission and for a food share project in an inner city parish.
Responsibilities and Leadership Focus
- Building on the community mission we have established in the past few years, so that our churches can remain at the heart of the community.
- Supporting adult enquirers and development of appropriate courses for people to grow in discipleship.
- Continuing to see the churches not just as a building for the few but as a resource for the whole community – to encourage through our doors those who do not come to church.
We are seeking a new Vicar who:
- is able to inspire our congregation, help us grow in faith, and encourage new people into our Church life, encouraging young families whilst still having regard for the older members of our congregation.
- is approachable and a strong communicator, with good people and pastoral skills, who will be happy to work well with all aspects of our village communities.
- is respectful of our traditions and adaptable to the needs of this Church community, while also open to exploring new ideas.
- is willing to encourage and enable laity in the planning and leading of worship.
- is willing to work with us to build on and develop our mission to the local community, including our work with children and families and eco church, as we embrace change and explore new ideas and forms of worship.
- is not afraid to address and manage difficult situations that may arise, with a supportive attitude and a sense of humour.
Information
If this is you, please take time to read the role description, brochure and parish profile. If you would like an informal conversation regarding the vacancy, please contact Ven Paul Ayers, Archdeacon of Leeds at paul.ayers@leeds.anglican.org.
Closing date: 11 February 2026
Interview: 2 March 2026
The Diocese of Leeds is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders are expected to share this commitment. All appointments to roles undertaking regulated activity are subject to pre-appointment checks, including references and a satisfactory Enhanced DBS Check.
Vicar of Bardsey with East Keswick 0.5 stipend (Sundays plus three weekdays) in Leeds employer: Church of England
Contact Detail:
Church of England Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Vicar of Bardsey with East Keswick 0.5 stipend (Sundays plus three weekdays) in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the community! Spend some time in Bardsey and East Keswick, chat with locals, and understand their needs. This will help you connect better during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their lives.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for church growth! Prepare examples of how you've inspired congregations in the past. We want to see your joyful faith in action, so share stories that highlight your ability to engage and grow a community.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your approach to inclusivity. Think about how you can encourage young families while respecting older members. We love hearing fresh ideas, so don’t hold back on how you’d make the church a welcoming space for everyone!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to embrace new ideas, just like we are at StudySmarter!
We think you need these skills to ace Vicar of Bardsey with East Keswick 0.5 stipend (Sundays plus three weekdays) in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Role Description Thoroughly: Before you start writing your application, make sure to read the role description, brochure, and parish profile carefully. This will help you understand what we're looking for in a Vicar and how you can align your experience with our vision.
Showcase Your Faith Journey: We want to see your joyful and confident faith shining through your application. Share your personal journey and how it has inspired your ministry, especially in terms of church growth and community engagement.
Highlight Your Community Involvement: Since our churches are at the heart of the community, it's important to demonstrate your experience in engaging with local communities. Talk about any initiatives you've led or been part of that brought people together and encouraged inclusivity.
Be Yourself and Keep It Conversational: While we appreciate professionalism, we also want to get to know the real you! Write your application in a conversational tone that reflects your personality. Don’t hesitate to show your sense of humour and approachability – these traits are key for us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Church of England
✨Know the Community
Familiarise yourself with the unique aspects of Bardsey and East Keswick. Understand the demographics, community challenges, and opportunities for growth. This will help you demonstrate how you can connect with the congregation and the wider community.
✨Showcase Your Faith Journey
Be prepared to share your personal faith story and how it has shaped your ministry. Highlight experiences that reflect your joyful and confident faith, as well as your track record in church growth. This will resonate with the interviewers looking for someone who can inspire others.
✨Engage with Lay Leaders
Discuss your approach to working with lay leaders and how you plan to empower them in worship and community activities. Show that you value collaboration and are open to new ideas, which aligns with the parish's inclusive ethos.
✨Prepare for Difficult Conversations
Think about potential challenges you might face in this role and how you would address them. Be ready to discuss your strategies for managing difficult situations with a supportive attitude and a sense of humour, as this is crucial for maintaining a positive church environment.
