Greyfriars is a large, vibrant, charismatic evangelical church in the heart of Reading - a diverse, fast‑changing town centre where new residents are arriving and opportunities for mission are expanding. Rooted in seven centuries of worship and witness, we are a gathered church with a strong commitment to serving our parish, welcoming our neighbours and helping people encounter Jesus. Our vision is central to all we do – as we seek to Become like Jesus, Belong to His church and Bless other people.
We are seeking an experienced, gifted leader and preacher who brings spiritual depth, pastoral warmth and organisational strength to the heart of Greyfriars’ life. This person will take responsibility for discipleship pathways, pastoral wellbeing and supporting missional growth in our dynamic town‑centre church. We seek an emotionally intelligent pastor with a particular heart for reaching out to, and raising, under‑30s and those on the margins. Our Associate Vicar will support the Vicar in developing staff and volunteers, raising faith and praying bold prayers for our church in a new chapter of mission and ministry.
You will be:
- Deeply rooted in Scripture, prayer and the work of the Spirit, with a mature, joyful faith and passionate about introducing people to Jesus
- An experienced leader, able to manage staff and volunteers, grow leaders and shape healthy culture with relational warmth, valuing all ages and backgrounds
- Collaborative, cooperative and organisationally strong, able to work closely with the Vicar to build trust, bring clarity and oversee key areas of ministry
You will join:
- A leadership environment where robust spiritual health is the foundation of everything we do
- A committed core team supported by prayerful wardens and a wise PCC who serve with a strong ethos of teamwork, shared ownership and accountability
You will receive:
- Access to diocesan wellbeing support and development pathways and will live in a spacious four‑bed clergy house near Prospect Park, with stipend and terms of service following national Church of England provision.
For an informal conversation about this post, please email Rachel Bedford, Vicar of Greyfriars rachel.bedford@greyfriars.org.uk
Application deadline - 23rd Nov
Interviews - 10th December
Greyfriars Reading
Greyfriars is a diverse, growing church serving a rapidly changing town centre. We describe ourselves as a church for the heart of Reading - a community rooted in seven centuries of faith and passionate about serving the people around us.
Each week well over 1,000 people visit our site — around half attending our Sunday services, and many others connecting through our Atrium coffee shop, bookshop and newly completed Greyfriars Centre.
Reading itself is a dynamic, multicultural town with areas of significant deprivation alongside major commercial growth. Thousands of new residents are moving into recently built apartments in our parish, creating fresh opportunities for mission, hospitality and discipleship.
Visit website