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- Tasks: Lead and nurture two vibrant parishes, engaging with the community and fostering spiritual growth.
- Company: Welcoming Church of England parishes in beautiful East Sussex.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements, supportive community, and a picturesque living environment.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in a friendly community while enjoying stunning rural surroundings.
- Qualifications: Pastoral experience and a passion for community engagement.
- Other info: Opportunity for outreach and growth in a supportive church environment.
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.
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.
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
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 the role.
✨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’s a great way to get your name out there.
✨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 to share that align with their mission and values, showing you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
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 any community outreach initiatives you've been involved in. This shows us that you understand what we’re looking for!
Show Your Commitment: We’re looking for someone who’s genuinely committed to the parishes and their communities. Use your application to demonstrate how you plan to engage with the local schools and congregations, and how you envision your role in fostering growth.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to make your application stand out.
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 align with the expectations 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 offers flexibility in fulfilling the 2.5 days per week commitment, be prepared to discuss how you can adapt your schedule to meet the needs of the parishes. Show that you're willing to collaborate with the PCC and Diocese to find a balance that works for everyone.
✨Prepare Questions
Have thoughtful questions ready for the interviewers about the parishes' future goals, community engagement strategies, and support systems in place. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if this role aligns with your vision for ministry.
