This is an excellent opportunity for an Anglican priest to develop ministry to two large West Lancashire semi-rural villages. Holy Trinity Tarleton and St Mary’s Rufford are active and lively Eucharistic churches with exceptionally close links to the communities they serve, high quality liturgical and musical traditions and a clearly stated commitment to outreach and growth.

Set amidst agricultural land, these growing communities are also home to many people who commute into neighbouring conurbations. There are three Church of England Primary Schools in the parish and so a confidence in ministry to schools is essential.

The previous Parish Priest was ‘headhunted’ after a short time to a key strategic post in Preston so the successful candidate will need to bring some consolidation as well as fresh vision and direction.

Holy Trinity Tarleton has written a Letter of Request under the House of Bishop’s declaration. St Mary’s Rufford does not have theological objections to the Ordination of women.

The successful candidate will:

Lead the worshipping life of our churches, delighting in our musical and liturgical traditions and be able to develop them to reach out to a new generation of Christians.

Enjoy working hard and have the energy and the commitment to run two parishes which are ambitious for growth.

Develop our ministry to schools with the ability to lead excellent school worship and the strong desire to seek ways by which families can become more fully engaged with the life of the Church and find faith in Christ.

Develop the skills and talents of laypeople, form a new generation of lay leaders and enable all to discover their gifts and use them in Christ’s service

Have the administrative skills to run two sizeable parishes

The ideal candidate will:

Be a person of prayer who will teach our congregations to pray more deeply and will equip us to live out the Gospel in our daily lives.

• Be a priest in the Catholic tradition, who embraces mutual flourishing.
• Have a genuine passion for leading new people to Jesus in the Eucharist.
• Be a clear communicator and an excellent preacher and teacher of the faith.
• Wish to play a full part in the Deanery and Diocese
• Delight in the traditions and close-knit relationships of Lancashire village life

For further information about the role please contact The Rt Revd Philip North, Bishop of Burnley by email - bishop.burnley@blackburn.anglican.org or by arranging a telephone call, Tel 01254 503087

For more information on Blackburn diocese please view this link

For more information about this application process, please use this link

Closing date - 18th August 2019

Interview date - 9th September 2019