- Is faithful and authentic in their own life of prayer and walking with God and can respond to the varied spiritual needs of our community, including space for contemplation
- Is comfortable with a mix of services and will enrich and expand them and is equipped to preach in a way that is accessible but never superficial, applying the word of God to living in a challenging inner-city context where literacy levels are variable.
- Is a committed welcomer of people and can lead others to be welcomers. Can delegate effectively, to share his/her workload with others, and to model practical plural leadership.
- Has an aptitude for motivating, encouraging and inspiring others to work collaboratively and flourish in ministry.
- Encourages spiritual development, mission and social justice in practical action.
- Will help form the creation of a new Dolling Centre planned at St Luke’s.
- Is able to build relationships with the wider community, encouraging an outward looking missional church, playing a full part in community life in the city.
- Experienced in working with people, rather than doing things to people.
- Is enthusiastic about and able to engage with children and teenagers.
- Understands and is sensitive to the varied pastoral needs of the community andcan listens, care and nurture the congregation and those new to the church context including Host Co-workers.
- Will encourage the church to continue living out generosity as a high value. (currently a proportion of parish income is set aside each year to be given to a range of local and national charities)
- Appreciates that administration is part of the day-to-day activities of the role but has the confidence to work well with the operations manager and others to ensure that pastoral and spiritual care is not neglected.
- Is actively involved in the life of the Deanery including the Central City Cairn gathering
- Closing date: October 9th, 2025
- Interviews: October 22nd, 2025.
Vicar, St Luke’s Church, Southsea

We seek a priest who will lead, support and nurture a community that is genuinely prayerful humble and open to change: building on what has been achieved, by God’s grace, in the last 10 years of ministry in heart of the City of Portsmouth.
There is also the opportunity to develop, in partnership with the Bishop and Diocese, St Luke’s as a centre for spirituality, theological reflection and social action.
We seek a Vicar who is:
Spirituality
Worship and preaching
Leadership and collaboration
Discipleship, learning and nurture
Pastoral Care
Stewardship and parish organisation
Wider Church
If you would like to have an informal dicussion about this role, please contact Ven Bob White, Archdeacon of Portsdown.
The Diocese of Portsmouth is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workforce that represents our context and wider community. We are aware that those of United Kingdom Minority Ethnic/Global Majority Heritage, women and disabled people are currently under-represented among our clergy, and we particularly encourage applications from those with the relevant skills and experience that will increase this representation. The appointment will of course be based on merit alone. Enhanced DBS will be required.