These four parishes form an important joint benefice within the Bradford Episcopal Area and the Diocese of Leeds, and include an encouraging local ecumenical partnership in Denholme. After the benefice came into being eleven years ago, the constituent parishes continued to run with a great deal of independence. For the past six years a fruitful period of Interim Ministry has been in place. There is now a strong, shared and cohesive identity across the four churches. The Benefice Council has been fully established and the respective Church Council meetings are set up to minimise the load for the clergy. A coherent, attractive and workable pattern of worship has been established across the four villages, including new forms of worship (particularly Messy Church and online services) to reach new people. The clergy now operate more flexibly across the whole benefice. Confident lay leadership has been developed (making good use of the Diocese’s Personal Growth and Leadership Course) and the office holders in the four churches now meet regularly to share good practice. Financial viability has been enhanced. Relationships with the schools in each village, and links with the various community, uniformed organisations are all good.
For an informal chat about this vacancy please contact the Archdeacon of Bradford, Andy Jolley on 07973 458403
Application is via Pathways with a closing date of 1st September and interviews planned for 19th September 2025.