At a Glance
- Tasks: Serve as a spiritual leader in a charming Oxfordshire village.
- Company: Ray Valley Benefice, known for its supportive community.
- Benefits: Live in a beautiful four-bedroom house with a warm welcome.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth and ministry development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of diverse congregations.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
We are seeking a House‑for‑Duty Associate Minister to serve in the Ray Valley Benefice, living in a well‑appointed four‑bedroom house in Ambrosden. Ambrosden is a charming Oxfordshire village offering a peaceful rural lifestyle, with convenient access to Bicester’s amenities, shopping, and transport links to London and beyond.
What we would like you to offer us:
- A visible spiritual presence and strong communication skills
- A desire to journey with us and grow confidence in faith and outreach
- willingness to engage with ageing congregations, young people, schools and military personnel
- Encouragement of fresh ideas and participative worship (e.g. Taizé, café church)
- Experience of, or understanding for, rural multi‑parish benefice ministry and team working
- Leadership in building relationships across our village communities
We can offer:
- A warm and friendly welcome
- Supportive congregations and PCCs
- Support from the Rector and Benefice Administrator
- The opportunity to develop your ministry and growth in Christ
For an informal discussion, please contact Associate Archdeacon Jane Haslam at jane.haslam@oxford.anglican.org
For the benefice Profile, and to apply, please click the "apply for this job" button below and click on the Diocese of Oxford. Further information about the Diocese is available at https://www.oxford.anglican.org
Closing date: 2nd June 2026
Interviews: 25th June 2026
DBS Enhanced Disclosure is required.
Associate Priest employer: Oxford Diocese
As a House-for-Duty Associate Minister in the picturesque village of Ambrosden, you will be part of a supportive and welcoming community that values spiritual growth and outreach. With opportunities to engage with diverse congregations and contribute fresh ideas to worship, this role offers a unique chance to develop your ministry in a tranquil rural setting while enjoying the amenities of nearby Bicester and excellent transport links. Join us in fostering meaningful connections and making a positive impact in our village communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Priest
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the community! Spend some time in Ambrosden and connect with locals. This will help you understand their needs and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their lives.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your communication skills! When you meet with the congregation, be open and approachable. Share your vision for participative worship and how you plan to engage with different age groups.
✨Tip Number 3
Bring fresh ideas to the table! Think about innovative ways to reach out to the community, like starting a café church or organising events that cater to both young people and the elderly.
✨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 embrace modern ministry.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Priest
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 unique experiences and insights that relate to the role.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific qualities we’re looking for. Highlight your strong communication skills and any experience you have with rural multi-parish ministry – it’ll make a big difference!
Show Your Passion:We love seeing enthusiasm! Share your desire to engage with our community and how you plan to encourage fresh ideas in worship. This is your chance to show us how you can contribute to our vibrant village life.
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 have all the necessary information at your fingertips. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford Diocese
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, take some time to learn about Ambrosden and the Ray Valley Benefice. Understanding the local culture, demographics, and community needs will help you connect with the interviewers and demonstrate your commitment to serving the congregation.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As an Associate Priest, strong communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in previous roles, whether through sermons, community outreach, or engaging with diverse groups. Be ready to discuss how you can bring fresh ideas to participative worship.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Leadership
Highlight your experience in team settings, especially in rural multi-parish ministry. Share specific instances where you've built relationships within a community or led initiatives that brought people together. This will show your potential to thrive in their collaborative environment.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the church's vision, community engagement strategies, and how they support their ministers. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if this role aligns with your own values and goals.
