Rev Lissa Gibbons has been researching the way clergy are perceived through TV programmes such as The Vicar of Dibley and Rev.
The vicar of St Michael's Heighington, St Matthew's Darlington and St Andrew's Bolam has completed six months of research into the way the clergy are perceived in fiction, based on an analysis of 75 books published over the past 260 years and a large number of popular television programmes and series.
Revd Lissa Gibbons looking for fictional vicars
She claims the way clergy are portrayed in fiction influences the public's expectations of vicars in real life.
Speaking on Premier's News Hour, she referred to a number of current programs to explain her findings: "Series like Broadchurch, where the vicar in that is the one that holds the village together when there's been a murder within the community.
"He's the one people turn to and the one who is able to bring about reconciliation.
"And of course there's been the more popular portrayals like Rev. on the television, where the vicar is seen as someone who can be flawed but is expected to be honest and grow through their mistakes."
Rev Gibbons says it's time vicars used these portrayals to meet the needs of their parishioners.
She wants vicars to mirror what they see on screen when they are shown to listen, to affirm people as valuable, and to speak up for the marginalised and vulnerable.
She said: "We are meant to be Superman or Superwoman; available at all hours and keeping open house. Yes, this causes stress, but it's what we're for: to be there for everyone, even if they never set foot in church.
"We are allowed to make mistakes, even serious ones, provided we admit them, learn and grow.
"Above all, despite talk of a secular society, we are increasingly needed as a spiritual presence, able to deal with death and evil, whether human or supernatural, and bring healing and integration."
Hear more from Rev Lissa Gibbons:
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