The Dean & Chapter of Hereford Cathedral as Patron working with the Bishop & Parishes are looking for a warm and enthusiastic priest who will help the congregations grow.
The parishes recognise the need for openness to new and different ways of worship and are keen to reach out to newcomers and families.
The Benefice comprises five churches in a fast
expanding residential area in a beautiful part of Herefordshire just five miles from Hereford city centre.

The Bartestree Cross Benefice forms part of the Ledbury Deanery and lies some 3.5 miles to the east of Hereford City. The Benefice area is spread either side of the 2 main arterial routes leading east from Hereford namely the A4103 Hereford to Worcester road and the A438 Hereford to Ledbury road. Although close to Hereford the meadows and fields that surround the City form a natural break and the Benefice has a distinctly rural character being comprised of 3 small and 2 large villages

As part of the role of Rector of the Bartestree Cross Benefice is the additional responsibility of Associate Archdeacon. This role is a 20% of the appointment, which gives an 80/20 split between parish responsibilities and Diocesan responsibilities.

We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic person who sees their ministry as a thriving partnership between themselves and the surrounding church community. Someone who;

• Can build on the work that has been started in these parishes
• Will support and continue the work of the IM project.
• Is comfortable with planning and delivering the mixed range and approach to services
• Who loves people, community and understands village life
• Is open to join in with God’s mission in our parishes.

This role is being seen as a development opportunity for someone who feels called to the role of Archdeacon to experience the range of archidiaconal duties and to learn how to inhabit the role.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A caring heart for the whole community whether churchgoers or not.
• Collaborative and consultative style of leadership.
• A spiritual leader who teaches God's word confidently, who preaches in a context that is relevant to where people are in today's society and inspires us to new and wider views of our Christian faith.
• Has a vision for encouraging families, children and young people in their journey of faith
• Able to handle conflict sensitively and effectively

If you have a commitment to the pastoral care and welfare of the clergy and their families; enjoy finding creative solutions to the day to day challenges facing the church and are exploring a vocation to archidiaconal ministry, we would love to hear from you.

Running a benefice is very much a team affair, and as members of this team the parishioners are keen to give every support possible to our priest. We do not expect the priest to work 24/7 and to do everything. Sometimes we may not be able to do ‘things’ ourselves but usually we know someone who will. We believe that we are a supportive group of churches and see ourselves as a group of friends who are not afraid to get involved. Please ask.