Part-Time Priest Opportunity in Bayfield, WI
Christ Church seeks a compassionate Episcopal priest to lead our small, vibrant congregation in northern Wisconsin. Nestled in the heart of the Chequamegon Bay Area along Lake Superior’s south shore, this region boasts world-class outdoor adventures, rich arts and cultural events, and a diverse, thriving community life with two tribal affiliations.
Terms of Employment
Schedule: 20 hours per week, year-round service, with vacations covered by supply priests.
Housing: Live rent-free in our church-owned rectory in beautiful Bayfield, with utilities included. (Photo on right.)
Expectations: Lead Sunday services, provide pastoral care, and engage with our community, with presence required for major holidays, such as Christmas and Easter.
Ministry Context
Serve a diverse community: The Chequamegon Bay Area includes the towns of Bayfield, Washburn, and Ashland that are comprised of young families, professionals (including healthcare providers, small business owners and remote workers), retirees (25.3% of Bayfield County residents are over 65), and the Red Cliff and Bad River Chippewa communities (10-15% of ~33,000 residents).
Address regional needs: Poverty affects 11.5-13.8% regionally, with 30-40% in Native areas, and alcoholism and drug use are challenges, offering opportunities for community outreach, youth programs, or tribal partnerships.
Thrive in a vibrant location: Deepen community ties at vibrant cultural events celebrating the arts, music, and festivals; Forge connections through exhilarating outdoor pursuits like sailing, sea kayaking, mountain biking, and cross-country or downhill skiing.
Why Bayfield?
Nestled as the gateway to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Bayfield is a charming lakeside town and a premier destination for tourists, outdoor enthusiasts, and retirees. Named one of USA Today’s Top 10 Coastal and Midwestern Small Towns, our community boasts quaint boutiques, diverse dining options, a well-stocked grocery store, a library, a recreation center with an indoor pool, and beautiful outdoor spaces.
The broader Chequamegon Bay Area offers diverse communities, vibrant outdoor activities, and shopping for all your essentials, providing a rare opportunity to blend part-time ministry with an adventurous, cultured lifestyle in a breathtaking region.
Learn more about Bayfield at www.bayfield.org.
Who Is This Opportunity Best For?
This role is ideal for bi-vocational priests balancing a second career with ministry, those relocating to embrace a serene small-town lifestyle and embark on a transformative new chapter, or priests approaching retirement seeking a meaningful part-time call to inspire hope and connection. Ideal for individuals seeking to connect with a vibrant community, experience stunning natural beauty daily, and find the peace and tranquility of a small town.
Interested? Contact The Rev. Scott Leannah, Canon to the Ordinary, Episcopal Diocese of Wisconsin @ 414-379-0632 or scott@diowis.org.
