At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire diverse churches in a growing community near Peterborough.
- Company: The Diocese of Ely, known for its supportive and inclusive environment.
- Benefits: Generous support for clergy, training opportunities, and a warm community.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on renewal and mission in a thriving area.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a vibrant community while fostering spiritual growth.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership, pastoral sensitivity, and a passion for community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Rector for the Benefice of Whittlesey, Pondersbridge & Coates, near Peterborough, Cambridgeshire. Inspiring ministry and mission in our market town. The role of Rector of the benefice of Whittlesey, Pondersbridge and Coates is an opportunity to lead 4 diverse but interconnected churches with a desire to grow in mission and grace. We serve 18,000 people in this fenland town and surrounding communities within 4 miles of Peterborough. Our population is growing younger as new housing brings new people to enrich our fenland communities.
Our churches have been a benefice for decades and are held in high regard in this community. Recent leadership has taken us into a season of growth and transformation. Though we still face the challenges of buildings that need adapting and finding a strategy that enables all to flourish in diversity.
Our Missional challenges and opportunities:
- Rebuilding a sense of team: We have been through a period of unsettling change that has strained relationships. We need our next rector to be able to listen and lead us out of conflict into healthy change. The diocese will provide support and training to the incumbent as they lead us into healing and renewal.
- Continuing to grow younger and more diverse: We have grown younger over the last few years. We want to maintain this momentum: growing our ministry to baptism families, enlarging Alpha, developing local teams and leaders. Our town is growing fast, and we want to attract and engage new and existing residents.
- Growing Missional Disciples: We see disciples growing in many different ways: through bible studies in Lent & Advent, LYCIG (leading your church into growth), a weekly bible study group, prayer triplets, mid-week services, Men’s ministry, Community breakfast, Women’s breakfast, Worship Wednesdays.
- Renewing buildings for mission: We have big plans for developing 3 of our 4 church buildings and renewing our hall.
We are looking for these qualities in our next incumbent:
- Skills: Team Builder and change enabler, Leader of missional engagement with the community, Pastorally Sensitive, Able to train a curate, Car Driver.
- Character: Spiritual Depth, Emotionally intelligent, Energy and Enthusiasm, Hospitable faith.
Our diocese and deanery offers:
- Friendly supportive chapter colleagues
- Well funded CMD and support for clergy and their families
- Generous and pastoral senior leadership
Closing Date: 27 July 2026
Interviews: 2 September 2026
Safer Recruitment in the Diocese of Ely: The Diocese of Ely is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees to undertake safeguarding checks and training relevant to their role.
A Diverse and Inclusive Workforce: The Diocese of Ely is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workforce which represents our context and wider community. We particularly encourage applications from those with the relevant skills and experience that will increase this representation.
Rector Of Whittesey, Pondersbridge & Coates, Nr Peterborough employer: The Church of England
The Church of England in Liverpool is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment that values diversity and inclusivity. Employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth through diocesan training courses and the chance to make a meaningful impact within the community. With a strong commitment to nurturing vocations, this role provides a unique opportunity to engage with various church traditions and contribute to the spiritual development of lay ministry.
