At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead diverse church services and engage with local communities in meaningful ways.
- Company: New Forest Edge Churches, a vibrant benefice in a stunning national park.
- Benefits: Opportunity for spiritual growth, community involvement, and personal reflection.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.
- Qualifications: Enthusiastic preacher with strong organisational and pastoral skills.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to thriving congregations and community service.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Patrons and the Bishop of Winchester wish to appoint: The Benefice of New Forest Edge Churches, Christchurch Deanery. (the Churches of Bransgore, Burley, Hinton Admiral, Sopley and Thorney Hill) The New Forest Edge Churches are a recently created (2023) benefice of five churches dotted in and around the edge of the stunning New Forest National Park. The benefice comprises of St Mary’s Bransgore, St John’s Burley, St. Michael’s Hinton, St Michael’s Sopley and All Saints Thorney Hill and holds together real diversity of buildings and worship styles.
At the heart of our benefice is a desire to proclaim Christ faithfully and clearly. We are committed to grounding all that we do in God’s word. Our Vision: we want to serve our local communities with the good news of Jesus Christ who came to give his life as a ransom for many. To see our congregations across the benefice thriving and growing in Christian maturity and witness. Our prayer is that God will be glorified as each church responds to the needs and opportunities of its local context.
We are looking for a vicar who will:
- seek to follow the model given us by Jesus Christ of active ministry and time out for reflection and prayer in quiet days and retreats
- be an enthusiastic preacher and worshipper, able to lead services across the diversity of traditions
- be collaborative, encouraging others in their gifts and talents
- be pastorally sensitive
- exhibit and proactively encourage discipleship of church members, in the giving of their time, talents and money
- bring good organisational skills
- be enthusiastic about being involved in the wider aspects of community life
For an informal conversation contact: The Rt Revd Rhiannon King, Bishop of Southampton: 01962 737315
Closing date: 29 January 2026
Interviews: 24-25 February 2026
Application pack available by following the link here.
Vicar employer: New Forest Edge Benefice
Contact Detail:
New Forest Edge Benefice Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Vicar
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the community! Spend some time in the New Forest Edge area, visiting the churches and engaging with locals. This will help you understand their needs and how you can serve them better.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for preaching and worship! Prepare a short sermon or reflection that showcases your style and approach. This will give the selection committee a taste of what you bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with other clergy and church members in the area. Building relationships can open doors and provide insights into the local church culture, which is crucial for your role as a vicar.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to engage with the community in modern ways.
We think you need these skills to ace Vicar
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic: When writing your application, let your true self shine through. We want to see your passion for ministry and how you connect with the diverse communities in our benefice. Share personal stories that reflect your journey and commitment to faith.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with our vision. We’re looking for someone who can lead across different traditions, so showcase any relevant experience you have in diverse worship settings.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: We value collaboration and encouragement, so be sure to illustrate how you’ve worked with others in your previous roles. Talk about how you’ve nurtured talents within your community and how you plan to do the same here.
Follow the Application Process: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s super easy and ensures your application gets to the right place. Make sure to check all the details before submitting, and remember, we’re excited to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at New Forest Edge Benefice
✨Know Your Community
Familiarise yourself with the local communities around the New Forest Edge Churches. Understand their needs and how you can serve them. This will show your commitment to the role and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Emphasise Your Preaching Style
Be ready to discuss your approach to preaching and leading services across diverse traditions. Share examples of how you've engaged congregations in the past, as this is key for the role.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
Highlight your experience in working with others and encouraging their gifts. Prepare anecdotes that demonstrate your ability to foster a sense of community and collaboration within the church.
✨Reflect on Your Spiritual Journey
Be prepared to share your personal faith journey and how it informs your ministry. Discuss how you balance active ministry with reflection and prayer, as this aligns with the expectations of the role.