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- Tasks: Lead and nurture community life in two welcoming parishes.
- Company: Friendly parishes in beautiful rural East Sussex.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours and a supportive community.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the lives of local villagers and schools.
- Qualifications: Pastoral experience and a passion for community engagement.
- Other info: Enjoy a picturesque setting with good transport links to London.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are two welcoming and friendly parishes offering warmth, support, energy, care, interest and humour from united churchwardens, PCC’s and congregations. The Bishop of Chichester and All Souls College, Oxford (presenting patron) are seeking an Incumbent for these two parishes, currently held in plurality (combined pop. 1668). Situated in a beautiful area of rural East Sussex, with good train links to London, and a steam heritage railway, the parishes comprise three churches: St James the Great, Ewhurst Green, situated at the heart of its village in which the modern four-bedroom Rectory with wonderful views is also located; St Giles, Bodiam, a smaller village with its Church primary school; and the mission church of St Mark, Staplecross.
Post structure: This is a House for Duty post. The office holder is expected to give the equivalent of 2.5 days per week, including all or part of Sunday; however, in this circumstance the PCC and Diocese would be happy to discuss flexible ways of fulfilling this commitment. Worship is in the central tradition of the Church of England, and there is strong lay support possibly including administration. The parishes are seeking a pastoral priest who will enjoy and be committed to community life in the villages and their schools, and eager to make the most of opportunities for outreach, growth and wider regeneration.
Appointment contact: For further information, please contact the Archdeacon of Hastings, The Ven Russell Dewhurst, at ArchHastings@chichester.anglican.org.
Timeline: Closing date: 12th April 2026. Interview date: 6th May 2026.
Safeguarding and data: The Diocese of Chichester is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to acceptable pre-appointment checks, including a satisfactory Enhanced DBS Check and completion of the Church of England Confidential Declaration Form.
Please note: we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.
(HfD) Rector of Bodiam and Ewhurst employer: Church of England
Contact Detail:
Church of England Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land (HfD) Rector of Bodiam and Ewhurst
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the parishes! Spend some time visiting Bodiam and Ewhurst, chat with locals, and understand their community vibe. This will help you connect better during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their lives.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former incumbents, churchwardens, or PCC members. They can provide insights about the role and the community, plus it shows your commitment to engaging with the parish before you even step in.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about how you can contribute to outreach and growth in the parishes. Have some ideas ready on how to engage with the community and enhance their church life. This will demonstrate your enthusiasm and readiness to take on the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you throughout the process, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!
We think you need these skills to ace (HfD) Rector of Bodiam and Ewhurst
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and what makes you passionate about community life.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the specifics of the role. Highlight your pastoral experience and how it aligns with our values at Bodiam and Ewhurst. Show us why you’re the perfect fit for our parishes!
Keep It Clear and Concise: While we love a good story, keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. This helps us understand your message without getting lost in the details.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re following the right process. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our community!
How to prepare for a job interview at Church of England
✨Know Your Parishes
Familiarise yourself with the unique characteristics of Bodiam and Ewhurst. Understand their community dynamics, history, and the specific needs of the congregations. This will help you connect with the interviewers and demonstrate your commitment to serving these communities.
✨Emphasise Pastoral Experience
Highlight your previous pastoral roles and how they relate to the responsibilities of this position. Share specific examples of how you've engaged with community life, supported congregations, and facilitated outreach initiatives. This will show that you're not just a good fit, but the right fit for their needs.
✨Be Open to Flexibility
Since the role allows for flexible working arrangements, be prepared to discuss how you can meet the parish's needs while balancing your own commitments. Show that you're adaptable and willing to collaborate with the PCC to find solutions that work for everyone.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Come equipped with insightful questions about the parishes' future goals, community challenges, and how they envision the role evolving. This not only shows your genuine interest but also helps you assess if this is the right opportunity for you.
