At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant Christian community and nurture discipleship in Swindon.
- Company: Welcoming benefice focused on peace, hope, and love.
- Benefits: Supportive environment with a well-maintained vicarage and local amenities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a diverse community and grow as a leader.
- Qualifications: Prayerful, approachable leader with a passion for community engagement.
- Other info: Encouraging applications from under-represented groups for a diverse leadership.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you called to lead a warm and friendly Christian community in the vibrant and diverse town of Swindon? The Benefice of All Saints and St Barnabas is seeking a Priest-in-Charge to guide us in our mission to be beacons of God’s peace, hope, and love in our multi-cultural parishes.
Our vision is to grow as an intergenerational Christian family, where everyone feels accepted, respected, and welcomed. We are small now but want to build on our firm foundations to deepen discipleship, empower lay leadership, and strengthen partnerships with local schools, community organisations, and other churches.
We are looking for a prayerful, approachable, and inspiring leader who will love us and the community we are in. You will help us discern and implement our vision, nurture discipleship, and develop creative worship styles that reflect the diversity of our congregations. With a well-maintained four-bedroom vicarage, excellent local schools, and convenient transport links, Swindon offers a wonderful place to live and serve.
Role and responsibilities:- You will help discern and implement the vision for the benefice, nurture discipleship, and develop creative worship styles that reflect the diversity of our congregations.
- You will lead the community with prayerful discernment, provide pastoral oversight, and strengthen partnerships with local schools, community organisations, and other churches.
- Closing date: 5 March 2026
- Familiarisation and interviews: 16 April 2026
Those with disabilities or those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds are under-represented in our diocese, so we particularly encourage applications from clergy in these groups. The Diocese of Bristol 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 are subject to acceptable pre-appointment checks, including a satisfactory Enhanced DBS Check.
For an informal chat about the role please contact Revd Adam Beaumont, Associate Archdeacon at adam.beaumont@bristoldiocese.org.
Priest in Charge - Benefice of All Saints and St Barnabas, Swindon employer: Church of England
Contact Detail:
Church of England Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Priest in Charge - Benefice of All Saints and St Barnabas, Swindon
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the community! Spend some time in Swindon, visit local events, and connect with people. This will help you understand their needs and how you can lead them effectively.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the role during interviews. Share your vision for nurturing discipleship and developing creative worship styles that resonate with the diverse congregations. Let your enthusiasm shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Network with local schools and community organisations before applying. Building these relationships early on can give you insights into the community and show your commitment to strengthening partnerships.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their journey with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Priest in Charge - Benefice of All Saints and St Barnabas, Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic: When writing your application, let your true self shine through. We want to see your personality and passion for leading a community. Share your experiences and how they align with our mission at All Saints and St Barnabas.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific role of Priest-in-Charge. Highlight your leadership style, your approach to nurturing discipleship, and any creative worship ideas you have that resonate with our diverse congregations.
Show Your Commitment: We’re looking for someone who is genuinely committed to our community and its growth. Use your application to express your dedication to fostering relationships with local schools and organisations, and how you envision strengthening these partnerships.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Church of England
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, take some time to learn about Swindon and its diverse community. Familiarise yourself with local schools, organisations, and the specific needs of the congregations. This will help you demonstrate your commitment to being a part of the community and show how you can lead them effectively.
✨Emphasise Your Vision
Be prepared to discuss your vision for the Benefice of All Saints and St Barnabas. Think about how you would nurture discipleship and develop creative worship styles that resonate with the diversity of the congregations. Articulating a clear and inspiring vision will set you apart as a candidate.
✨Show Your Pastoral Heart
During the interview, share examples of how you've provided pastoral care in previous roles. Highlight your approachability and prayerful discernment, as these qualities are essential for leading a warm and friendly Christian community. Personal stories can make your points more relatable and memorable.
✨Engage with Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the current challenges the benefice faces or how they envision strengthening partnerships with local organisations. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.