Interim Associate Vicar of Shipley (0.5 stipend)

Church of England; Saltaire; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 31,000; Part time

Job summary

Church of England in Shipley seeks an Associate Vicar to support mission across three parishes. Because the post is part-time, the successful candidate will develop others into ministry and leadership while serving under the Interim Priest-in-Charge.

The role focuses on developing outreach and new worshipping communities in Shipley and leading schools ministry at Christ Church Academy, Shipley CofE and Wycliffe schools, working with parish leaders to progress the four priorities.

Qualifications

• Part-time Associate Vicar across three parishes.
• Experience in church ministry and leadership is desirable.
• Ability to develop others into ministry and leadership roles.

Responsibilities

• Develop outreach and at least one new worshipping community for the less-reached parts of Shipley.
• Lead schools ministry at Christ Church Academy, Shipley CofE and Wycliffe schools.
• Work under the Interim Priest-in-Charge and with parish leaders to progress priorities.

Skills

Outreach development

Leadership development

Church ministry experience

Job description

The town of Shipley is home to the parishes of St Paul's Shipley, St Peter's Shipley and Christ Church Windhill. Our long-term vision is for these three churches to work closely together for the benefit of the whole town which also comprises the village of Saltaire, a world heritage site. This could possibly develop into a single parish along the lines of the nearby parishes of Keighley and Baildon. This vision has begun to be realised with the licensing of Revd Natasha Thomas as Interim Priest-in-Charge of all three parishes.

The Interim Ministry set up across the three parishes has four key priorities:

• To develop outreach and worship which will attract a younger demographic into St Paul's, St Peter's and Christ Church (in particular more families and young people);
• To devise and implement a strategy for disciple-making which provides ways for fringe people to consider Jesus, opens new approaches to discipling beyond existing home groups, and fosters a culture of disciples who make disciples and leaders who grow leaders;
• To bring St Paul's Shipley and Christ Church, Windhill to work alongside St Peter's Shipley to reimagine mission and ministry for the whole town of Shipley, and to explore possible structural changes, including pastoral re-organisation, which might support this better;
• To develop outreach and new worshipping communities for less-reached parts of Shipley (for example, Hirst Wood, Wycliffe and Windhill)

The incoming Associate Vicar will support mission and ministry to help progress the above four priorities, bringing welcome fresh energy and vision. Especially given the part-time nature of this post, we are seeking a person who can develop others into ministry and leadership alongside themselves. Working under the overall leadership of the Interim Priest-in-Charge of the parishes and with the leaders and congregations of St Paul's, St Peter's and Christ Church, s/he will have particular responsibility for:

• Developing outreach and at least one new worshipping community for the less-reached parts of Shipley (eg Windhill, Wycliffe, Hirst Wood) – this could be aimed at families or those from more marginalised backgrounds;
• Leading on schools ministry in the parishes, and in particular at Christ Church Academy, Shipley CoE and Wycliffe schools

The Parish Brochure can be viewed via this link: Shipley Brochure

Closing date for applications is 27th September with interviews planned for 13th October 2026