Interim Vicar of St James Silsden

St James Silsden is a large single-church small town parish with a “village” feel to the west of Keighley and Bradford.  It lies on the Leeds-Liverpool canal and was originally a mill village with a non-conformist Methodist heritage.  That industry has long since gone, and the parish has lower than average levels of deprivation.  Around 80% of housing is owner-occupied, with an above average proportion being terraced.   The population in 2021 was 8707, but this will have increased considerably through subsequent new housing developments, which are continuing to add to the town.  The population is almost entirely white British, and income along with levels of education and qualifications are above regional averages.  The health, wholesale and construction sectors are significant sources of employment, along with some farming, and the local railway station offers easy commutes into Leeds or Bradford.  The church buildings are at the heart of the town, on the high street which has a variety of pubs, cafes and small shops.

 

The parish has become vacant after a faithful ministry of 13 years from the previous clergy (a husband and wife job-share).  Important building blocks are in place in terms of engagement with the community, regular Alpha courses, a range of worship service styles, good governance structures and development of the church buildings.  Lay ministry has been carefully nurtured, with increased confidence and a growing leadership pipeline.  

A recent initiative has started to engage those living in the new housing developments.  How to build on this is one of the important questions that must be addressed.  Another is how to build greater financial strength so that the parish does not require external subsidy.  The answers to these questions may require significant further changes, which need to be carefully managed.  That is why, following the appropriate and necessary consultations locally and within the Diocese, an Interim Ministry appointment is being progressed for an initial period of three years.  This will allow the space and time to focus on these and other questions and to carefully manage such change as is needed. 

From the perspective of the Episcopal Area, we see three particular specific tasks for the Interim Ministry beyond the normal demands of parish ministry: