The single church parish of St James Silsden is located to the north west of Keighley and Bradford, bordering North Yorkshire. The small town of Silsden has a growing population through new housing developments but still retains a "village" feel. After a faithful ministry of 13 years from the previous clergy (a husband and wife job-share) the church has important building blocks in place in terms of engagement with the community, regular Alpha courses, a range of worship service styles and good governance structures. An increasingly confident lay ministry is sustaining and developing these components during the vacancy, and is ready to support the new priest when appointed.
This is an interim ministry appointment for an initial period of 3 years, which may then be made permanent or extended for a further period of interim ministry.
From the perspective of the Episcopal Area, we see three particular specific tasks for the Interim Ministry beyond the normal demands of parish ministry:
- To develop and implement a plan for mission amongst the people living and moving into the new housing developments in the parish;
- To determine whether the parish's finances can be built up sufficiently to sustain the deployment of a full-time vicar in future;
- To help the parish develop and articulate its identity, so it is clear what kind of skills and experience they are seeking in the next incumbent at the end of the Interim Ministry.
For an informal chat about this role please contact Archdeacon Andy Jolley on 07973 458403
Documents relating to the vacancy can be found by clicking on the links below:
Parish brochure Role Description Person Spec Bishop's Statement
To apply for this post please go to Pathways
Closing date for applications is midnight on 16th February 2025 with interviews planned for 28th February