Vicar of Saint Oswald, Warton with Saint John Yealand Conyers

Introduction

Are you a humble follower of Jesus, rooted in Scripture and growing in grace?

Set in a beautiful rural corner of North Lancashire, close to Morecambe Bay and with views of the Lake District hills, our benefice is made up of three churches serving communities with a strong sense of identity and community spirit. We are supported by hard-working and committed volunteers, strong partnerships with our schools and villages, and a shared desire to grow in faith and witness. 

Our Vision

Rooted in strong community relationships, faithful service, and a deep commitment to welcome, we seek to grow younger, deeper, wider, and stronger in Christ. 

We are praying for a priest who will:

• Delight in working alongside volunteers, helping us draw on the Holy Spirit for energy, deepen our faith, widen our welcome and strengthen our life together as a benefice. 
• Happily inhabit and develop the Eucharistic and choral traditions of the churches
• Cherish our communities, recognise their distinctiveness, and lead us forward with wisdom, warmth and hope. 
• Be compassionate and pastorally focused, especially to those in need. 
• Understand rural ministry and community life, including its opportunities and challenges. 
• Be approachable and relatable, with the ability to put people at ease. 
• Value individuals of all ages, backgrounds and denominations. 
• Encourage and enable growth and development in others, supporting our culture of shared responsibility and lay ministry. 
• Build on the outstanding work being done with children, young people and families, including Junior Church, Young Generations and Bubble Church. 
• Nurture the strong and valued relationships between our churches and our two church schools. 

Please note: The legal name of the benefice is Saint Oswald, Warton with Saint John Yealand Conyers. Throughout this advert and the parish profile, we use the description United Benefice of Warton, Borwick and Yealand to reflect the three churches that worship and serve together across our communities.

Closing date: 12 noon Friday 11th September 2026 

Interviews will be held on: Tuesday 22nd September 2026

For an informal conversation about the post, please contact the Archdeacon David Picken david.picken@blackburn.anglican.org

The Diocese of Blackburn believes that diversity enables us to thrive and develop and is committed to race equality, welcoming applications from UK Minority Ethnic/ Global Majority Heritage backgrounds  

Diocese of Blackburn are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.  We expect all clergy to share this commitment and promote a culture of safeguarding vigilance and care.

 The successful applicant will be required to:

• Undertake an Enhanced DBS check
• Complete all required safeguarding training
• Adhere to the House of Bishops’ safeguarding policies and practice guidance

For information about Blackburn diocese please follow this link https://www.blackburn.anglican.org/ 

For information on making an application through Pathways please follow this link https://jobs.churchofengland.org/HELP/candidate-faq/