About The Role
The United Benefice of Holland Park is seeking to appoint a House for Duty Priest (three days a week) to serve at St John the Baptist, Kensington, and St George’s Campden Hill, a thriving and welcoming Benefice.
This role offers an exciting opportunity to join a collaborative ministry team serving two growing churches. St John’s is a Grade I listed church with a rich liturgical and musical heritage, a diverse congregation, and a growing programme of worship, concerts and community engagement. Alongside its many opportunities, the church faces the challenges and responsibilities of caring for a significant historic building.
We are looking for a priest who enjoys working collaboratively, values beautiful liturgy and preaching, and is committed to enabling the gifts of others. Alongside pastoral and sacramental ministry, the successful applicant will help develop the church’s mission through creative partnerships, events and initiatives that strengthen both community engagement and financial sustainability.
The post is primarily focused on weekday ministry, with preaching or presiding on one or two Sundays each month by agreement. It includes a two-bedroom apartment adjacent to St John the Baptist Church.
Applicants must be ordained priests in the Church of England (or a church in full communion with it) and have completed a title post. The appointment is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and the usual Church of England safer recruitment procedures.
The Diocese of London is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults through the use of the Safer Recruitment practice guidance. This role is subject to acceptable pre-appointment checks, including a satisfactory Enhanced DBS Check.
The House for Duty Priest will:
Work collaboratively with the Vicar, clergy colleagues, Licensed Lay Ministers, parish staff, musicians and volunteers.
Share in the worshipping life of the parish, including the Daily Office, Eucharist, occasional offices and Sunday ministry appropriate to the three-day commitment.
Provide pastoral care and support to parishioners.
Take responsibility for agreed areas of ministry and mission that reflect their gifts and experience.
Help develop initiatives that strengthen the church’s mission while contributing to its long-term financial sustainability.
Play an active part in significant projects, including the organ restoration and the development of a sustainable heating solution.
Support the imaginative use of the church building for concerts, community events, partnerships and other activities compatible with its worshipping life.
Participate appropriately in the wider life of the parish, Deanery, Area and Diocese.
We are seeking a priest who:
Has completed a Church of England title post.
Is a collaborative team player who is warm, approachable and pastorally sensitive.
Is inclusive in theology and practice and able to relate well to people of all ages and backgrounds.
Has the Daily Office and regular Eucharistic worship at the heart of their spiritual life and ministry.
Is an engaging, thoughtful and theologically informed preacher.
Appreciates and delights in the liturgical and choral tradition of the Church of England.
Brings energy, resilience and initiative to parish ministry.
Can encourage and develop the gifts of lay leaders, volunteers and the wider congregation.
Possesses good organisational, administrative and communication skills.
Has an entrepreneurial outlook, recognising opportunities for mission, partnership and sustainable income generation.
Understands the opportunities and responsibilities of caring for a Grade I listed church and is committed to helping it flourish for future generations.
Is confident working with external partners, community organisations and professionals in support of the church’s mission and stewardship.
Equal Opportunities
The Diocese of London is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workforce which represents our context and wider community. We are aware that those of Global Majority Heritage/United Kingdom Minority Ethnic (GMH/UKME), women, and disabled people are currently under-represented among our clergy and workforce, and we particularly encourage applications from those with the relevant skills and experience that will increase this representation.