We are seeking to appoint a Rector to the Benefice of Elmete.

The Benefice comprises three semi-rural commuter parishes - located to the East of Leeds
Barwick in Elmet, Scholes and Thorner with Scarcroft.

The three churches are in good heart, with strong lay involvement and are looking for someone to love and nurture them in their discipleship and mission

The key mission imperatives of this role include:

• help the current congregations to develop and grow spiritually, leading to more lay participation
• establish a collaborative way of working which recognises and encourages the wide range of gifts and talents across the benefice
• attract and keep new families by developing forms of worship that young families and secondary school age children will be encouraged to attend and participate in
• develop and encourage teenage provision.
• developing the churches to be relevant to the wider community

The person appointed will

• be rich in experience of serving God in both ordained ministry and in the lay life that preceded it
• have a love for people and is comfortable in loving, caring for and pastoring people in a wide range of situations and is willing to be a visible presence in our three communities.
• have a proven record of working with a team of lay people and is able, through example and teaching, to equip all the saints for the work of ministry.
• be comfortable leading worship in both traditional and contemporary styles including placing a high value on All Age Worship.
• work collaboratively to bring new ideas to our church communities
• value and encourage and support ministry across all ages
• is approachable, adaptable, has a genuine sense of fun and is hard working and careful to protect time off
• be sympathetic to the history and tradition of our churches
• walk with us as we seek to share responsibility, grow in faith, love one another, care for those in need, reach out to others, and welcome newcomers

For full details of the role and the person specification please see the document here

To read the Benefice Brochure please see here

Our vision as the Diocese is about confident clergy equipping confident Christians to live and tell the good news of Jesus Christ. For all of our appointments we are seeking clergy who have a joyful and confident faith which has inspired a track record of church growth.

Closing date: 25/4/2023

Interviews: 11/5/2023

For an informal discussion about the vacancy please contact:

Ven Paul Ayers, Archdeacon of Leeds - paul.ayers@leeds.anglican.org