Vicar, the Benefice of Coatham and Dormanstown

Introduction

Is God calling you to be the new Vicar of Coatham and Dormanstown?

Are you a priest with a heart for mission, community engagement and parish growth? Do you sense God calling you to serve in a place where faithful foundations have been laid and exciting opportunities for renewal lie ahead?

The Diocese of York is seeking a new Vicar for the coastal parish of Coatham and Dormanstown, serving two distinct but closely connected communities on the Redcar coastline. This is a parish rich in history, community spirit and missional opportunity, where a small but committed congregation is ready to welcome a priest who can help shape the next chapter of its story. Although the size of the worshipping community may have made it hard to justify a full-time appointment, the significant missional opportunity and community need coupled with the considerable financial investment for overlooked communities we receive from the national church and income from the church shop has allowed a full-time appointment to be made.   

Set against the backdrop of the North Sea, close to the North York Moors and within easy reach of Middlesbrough, the parish combines Victorian heritage, growing neighbourhoods and communities experiencing both challenge and transformation. Following the closure of the steelworks, the area has faced significant economic and social pressures, yet new investment is coming into the area and optimism and opportunity is slowly returning

At the heart of parish life are two churches: Christ Church, Coatham, a striking Grade II listed Victorian church, and All Saints, Dormanstown, a much-loved parish church built to serve the original steelworking community. Together they support a range of outreach ministries, including a successful church shop, food bank partnerships, strong relationships with local schools, and valued links with community organisations. 

We are looking for a priest:

• with fresh ideas and enthusiasm
• who will lead us in worship, guide us in study and help us expand our horizons in Living Christ’s Story
• who will help us engage more positively with the local community, especially younger people 

You may be newly established in ordained ministry or bring significant parish experience. What matters most is a genuine love for people, a collaborative leadership style, a good sense of humour and a desire to see the Gospel transform lives. The congregation is particularly keen to work with someone who will invest in younger generations and build lasting connections across the parish. 

In return, you will find a welcoming congregation, committed lay leadership, supportive churchwardens and PCC, strong school partnerships, and a diocese that is intentionally investing in this benefice because of its strategic importance and missional potential. The parish benefits from diocesan support and Lowest Income Communities funding which enables this full-time appointment. 

The post includes a well-presented four-bedroom detached vicarage beside All Saints Church in Dormanstown, with gardens and garage. 

This is an opportunity to serve a parish that knows both challenge and hope; a place where faithful ministry has created strong foundations and where God is calling a new priest to help people discover the joy of Living Christ’s Story. If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you.

Christ Church and All Saints are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders are expected to share this commitment.  All appointments are subject to acceptable pre-appointment checks, including a satisfactory Enhanced DBS with Barred Lists check.

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 24 September, midday

Interview date: Mon 12 October