Priest in Charge, the Benefice of Kirkdale with Harome, Nunnington and Pockley

Introduction

Is God calling you to be the next Priest-in-Charge of the Benefice of Kirkdale with Harome, Nunnington and Pockley?

Are you a parish priest with a heart for rural ministry, a passion for collaborative leadership, and a desire to help communities discover the hope and life of Jesus Christ? Our benefice invites applications for a part-time parish priest to serve our welcoming and vibrant group of churches in the beautiful Ryedale Valley, on the edge of the North York Moors.

The post is offered at half stipend with housing provided (equivalent to approximately four days per week). We are in the process of buying a new house and once it has been purchased, we anticipate that the new priest will be licensed as vicar.

Our benefice is a place of natural beauty, rich heritage and warm welcome. We treasure the distinct character of each village while working closely together as one family in Christ. With a strong pattern of collaboration, committed lay leadership, and excellent relationships across our communities, we look with hope and excitement towards this next chapter.

Eash of our five churches has its own style and character. Worship ranges from BCP choral services to modern liturgy, Messy Church, ecumenical worship and village celebrations woven into the rhythm of rural life. Our congregations are faithful, welcoming, and willing to explore new opportunities for mission and outreach, while valuing the richness of Anglican worship.

What we offer is a benefice grounded in hospitality, prayer and community, with:

• Active and supportive congregations who value partnership and shared ministry
• Retired clergy, PTO ministers and a paid Children and Youth Worker 
• Strong connections with local primary and secondary schools
• Ecumenical partnerships—particularly with the Methodist Church
• A comfortable house in easy reach of our communities

This is a benefice with deep roots, faithful people, and real potential for growth. We are excited about the future and are praying for a priest who will help us continue to grow as communities of faith, deepen our discipleship, and share the love of Christ in ways that are both authentic and relevant.

If you are drawn to rural ministry and feel called to serve in a place where church and community life are closely intertwined, we would love to hear from you.

Come and join us as we seek to live and share Christ’s story together.

About Us

The Diocese of York, led and guided by Archbishop Stephen Cottrell, takes in much of North and East Yorkshire. As the largest diocese in England, geographically, the area is very diverse, featuring a multitude of needs and opportunities. This includes the bustling urban centres of York, Hull and Middlesbrough, the beautiful North Yorkshire Moors National Park, and the incomparable Yorkshire Coast; as well as areas of deprivation in some of our urban and smaller rural and coastal communities.

Our mission and ministry relies on thousands of people – lay and ordained, volunteer and paid. Our diocesan teams provide a wide range of support services to our mission and ministry, including lifelong learning for ministry, the care of church buildings, and safeguarding. Together, we are striving to be a people who are ‘Living Christ’s Story’. We want to be a simpler, bolder, humbler church which in its diversity reflects the communities it serves. We are bringing renewed focus and fresh energy to achieving our aims:

• Becoming more like Christ
• Reaching those we currently don’t
• Growing in discipleship, influence and numbers
• Transforming our finances and structures

Informal enquiries are welcome:

The Archdeacon of Cleveland, Amanda Bloor | adcl@yorkdiocese.org | 01642 706095
 The Bishop of Whitby, Barry Hill | bishopofwhitby@yorkdiocese.org | 01642 593 273

The Diocese of York is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.  Find out more here:  Safeguarding in the Diocese of York

Appointment is subject to pre-appointment checks including a satisfactory Enhanced DBS disclosure. Under current immigration rules, it is not possible for us to appoint clergy who are not already eligible to work in the UK.

Closing date for applications: Thurs 7 May, midday

Interview date: Tues 26 May