At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant church community, engaging with all generations and fostering connections.
- Company: St Laurence, Hawkhurst - a welcoming Anglican congregation in a thriving village.
- Benefits: Opportunity to make a real impact and grow in ministry within a supportive community.
- Other info: Join us in developing St Laurence as a social hub for all ages.
- Why this job: Be a visible local figure and enhance relationships within the community and schools.
- Qualifications: Must be an ordained priest in the Church of England or a related denomination.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
Christ Church, Oxford, as patron, and the Bishop of Dover seek to appoint a priest as Vicar of St Laurence, Hawkhurst in the Diocese of Canterbury.
We are looking for a Vicar with a deep pastoral presence who is able to bridge generations, speak to lifelong churchgoers and those exploring “coming to church”, as well as someone who does not treat tradition as something to preserve unchanged but as something to build upon.
St Laurence, Hawkhurst is a faithful and friendly congregation committed to the Anglican Church and keen to grow in prayer and numbers. We are a single-parish benefice under the patronage of Christ Church, Oxford, offering a warm welcome, strong foundations and great opportunities for mission and ministry in a thriving village.
We are seeking to engage more with children and young people, grow our prayer life, deepen our links with the local community, schools and village organisations, and develop St Laurence as a community and social hub.
We are looking for a Vicar who:
- Has a deep pastoral presence and is visible and available
- Is patient and attentive
- Shows consideration for our Church’s heritage and music, but importantly does not treat tradition as something to preserve unchanged but as something to build upon.
- Is able to bridge generations, being able to speak to lifelong churchgoers and those exploring ‘coming to church’.
- Is able to communicate faith in everyday language.
- Is able to bring about change slowly and intentionally and build consensus within the PCC and congregation.
We would like someone who understands family life, young adults and modern pressures, is open to new forms of engagement and can engage entry points to the church through everyday encounters in the community and also through discussion groups.
The key for us is for our new Vicar to:
- Be a visible local figure
- Enhance relationships with schools, local groups and village life more generally.
- Help us to develop the church as a community and social hub.
The priest appointed to this role must be ordained in the Church of England, or in a Church in communion with it, and must have successfully completed a training post with the appropriate sign-offs required to apply for an incumbency or other ordained role.
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and do not currently qualify for visa sponsorship. The priest appointed will serve as an office holder under Common Tenure, and the Ecclesiastical Offices (Terms of Service) Regulations will apply.
Closing Date: Sunday 4 October 2026
Interviews: Thursday 22 October 2026
Vicar of St Laurence, Hawkhurst employer: Church of England
Walker Christ Church offers a unique opportunity for a full-time Vicar to engage deeply with a compassionate congregation dedicated to community service and spiritual growth. Located in the vibrant area of Walker, this role provides a supportive environment with experienced colleagues across multiple parishes, fostering collaboration and innovation in mission work. The church prioritises personal development and encourages initiatives that connect with diverse local communities, making it an excellent place for those seeking meaningful and impactful employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Vicar of St Laurence, Hawkhurst
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Church of England.
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Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Church of England.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Church of England.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Church of England. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Vicar of St Laurence, Hawkhurst
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Church of England. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Vicar of St Laurence, Hawkhurst, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Church of England
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Church of England. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
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Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
