The new role of Mission Priest/Associate Vicar for Cottingley and Holy Trinity Bingley is focussed on re-energising the mission of the churches in the two parishes and helping them to take on the challenges of re-energising and growing the existing congregations and planting new ones. There is no shortage of opportunities, and the new priest will need to prayerfully discern which ones to explore and develop.
The Parish of Holy Trinity Bingley has a population of over 7,000 people and two churches, Holy Trinity and St Wilfrid’s. The parish is also home to Trinity All Saints Primary School, with which there is an excellent relationship. The parish has been faithfully served by the present incumbent for over 30 years. Often, after lengthy periods of continuous ministry from a previous vicar, there are searching questions - some new, some long-standing - that must be addressed, such as how much of the whole parish is being reached with the gospel and how to build greater financial strength. The answers to these questions often require considerable change, which needs to be carefully managed. Hence, in 2023, when a new Priest in Charge was appointed at Cottingley, she was also licensed as Associate Vicar for Holy Trinity Bingley. Since then, the parishes have been working together more closely and building links to enable a smooth transition towards becoming more united. Following the recent retirement of the Vicar of Holy Trinity Bingley, the Priest in Charge at Cottingley is now also Priest in Charge of Holy Trinity Bingley, thus taking the next step in deepening the unity and shared mission of the two benefices. The new Mission Priest will therefore have a supportive colleague who is keen to explore opportunities for mission in the parishes.
Cottingley is a single church parish of around 5,500 people. St Michael’s Cottingley brings together a lively and growing congregation which is committed to following Jesus, and a strong engagement with the local community, particularly since 2008 through the adjoining purpose-built Cottingley Community Centre. St Michael’s has seen significant growth in recent years, and there is real potential for still more. The congregation has thought through what it means to be ‘Jesus Shaped’ and Spirit-led at all levels of its life, worship and ministry. The church and the Community Centre are at the heart of the community of Cottingley. The Centre is therefore central to the church’s engagement with the community, and the Priest in Charge chairs the Trustees.
For an informal conversation about this role please contact Archdeacon Andy Jolley 07973 458403
Application is via Pathways with a closing date of 9th March and interviews planned for 26th March 2025