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Welcoming a new chapter in the

Leicester Vineyard story

Following a season of prayer and discernment and after seven years of faithful service, Tom & Joy Bird will be stepping down as Senior Pastors of Leicester Vineyard. 

We’re excited to share that Bob and Sal Pigott will be commissioned as the new Senior Pastors in January 2026.

Tom and Joy planted Leicester Vineyard in October 2018 with a wonderful team, and have seen the church established and thrive, leading the church through the pandemic and seeing God’s favour in multiple ways.

Tom explains that:
 "We've come to this decision with heavy hearts—we love leading this church but there is a tension we’ve been wrestling with in balancing God’s calling with the realities of our capacity.  We recognise that God calls us to certain things for seasons and we believe the Lord has spoken clearly and the time has come for new leadership at Leicester Vineyard, to bring in the next chapter."

Bob and Sal Pigott joined Leicester Vineyard two years ago after Bob had begun a St Mellitus College degree in Theology and Mission, and Sal had completed The Vineyard Leadership College.  Both were discerning and responding to God’s leadership calling, having led ministries and discipleship programmes at Trent Vineyard in Nottingham for seven years and felt drawn to experience and be equipped in a smaller church setting.

The leadership succession has undergone a robust discernment process involving Leicester Vineyard Trustees, Vineyard Area Leaders and the National Vineyard Multiply Team, all fully endorsing leadership suitability and affirming God’s leading and calling.

"We're really excited that God has called us to partner with Him right here in Leicester in a new season for Leicester Vineyard," said Bob. "We want to build on the strong legacy, established here by Tom and Joy, who have built a wonderful church family of Jesus-loving people."

There will now follow a period of transition into the new year when Tom & Joy will be working closely with Bob & Sal to ensure the handover is as smooth as possible.

Following the handover, Tom and Joy will take a break before returning to be part of Leicester Vineyard.