Rector of Stottesdon & Rural Church Missioner

We are praying for a mission-focused and prayerful priest to come and be the next Rector of Stottesdon, Farlow, Cleeton St Mary, Silvington, Sidbury and Middleton Scriven and our Deanery's first Rural Church Missioner

We strive to reflect the Diocesan vision – ‘proclaiming Christ, growing Disciples’ – in our Benefice mission, which, in broad terms, is to ensure that an active Christian presence is visible, welcoming and supportive in the diverse communities we serve.

The priorities and challenges for our churches are far from unique: we aspire to develop numerically and spiritually - whilst working on resources and funds to secure that growth, and to sustain the heritage estate of listed buildings entrusted to us by the nation.

Although experience tells us that none of this will be easy, we believe that appropriate leadership and a good dollop of optimism would make the task much more feasible!

Is God calling you to be the person who leads us forward in the next stages of our life as a Benefice?

We have also worked with the Rural Dean and the Archdeacon in thinking about how our benefice could be a good fit with the wider Diocesan strategy in terms of supporting our smaller rural parishes. That has led to us being one of two benefices in the Ludlow Archdeaconry who will pilot the new Rural Church Missioner (RCM) role. The RCM role is designed to support parish incumbents and laity to develop clear missional plans for the future of every church community and building in the deanery. The Chapter members are ready and excited to welcome a new colleague who will work alongside them to develop the Deanery's mission. 

This is therefore an ideal opportunity for an innovative minister with rural experience to be part of leading and shaping local mission in our Diocese as well as ministering to their own parishes.

The ability to travel independently and quickly around a large geographic area on country roads is essential. Full, clean, driving licence and access to own car is desirable.

Thank you for your interest in this post, and please know that we are praying for you as you prayerfully consider whether God is calling you to serve Christ among and alongside us.

Practical details

Closing date for applications is Sunday 24th November 2024

Parish Visits will be on Monday 9th December 2024

Interviews will be on Tuesday 10th December 2024

If you have any questions, or would like to have an informal conversation about the post, please contact the Archdeacon of Ludlow, The Ven Fiona Gibson - Fiona.Gibson@hereford.anglican.org or 01588 673571.

Please apply via pathways