Rector Designate

Lambeth Palace Library; England; On-site; GBP 30,000 - GBP 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A rural parish network is seeking a Priest in Charge to lead their mission and engage joyfully with schools and families. The role focuses on fostering collaboration within the community and deepening faith among church members. The ideal candidate is expected to support an innovative approach to rural ministry, working with four churches in the area. Enquiries should be directed to the specified interim contacts. The closing date for applications is set for March 15, 2026.

Qualifications

• Experience in rural ministry is essential.
• Ability to engage with the community effectively.
• Leadership in a collaborative environment is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the church community in their mission.
• Encourage collaboration among villagers.
• Engage joyfully with schools and families.

Skills

Imaginative in mission

Skilled at enabling others

Confident in rural ministry

Joyful in engaging with schools

Job description

Overview

Rector Designate, The Gauzebrook Group, North Wiltshire

The Gauzebrook Group of rural parishes is seeking a missional, collaborative Priest in Charge to lead us in the next stage of our shared journey: Loving God, Loving Neighbour.

We are a welcoming family of village churches with strong community links, open church buildings, lively worship, and valued relationships with local schools. Our benefice works well together and is ready to grow in discipleship, outreach, and confidence. We have made a video to give you a sense of our place, alongside our benefice profile. We are 4 churches with weekly services, plus 4 churches with fewer services.

What we’re looking for

• Imaginative in mission and rooted in prayer
• Skilled at enabling others and encouraging collaboration
• Confident in rural ministry and joyful in engaging with schools, families, and village life

About the role and arrangement

You’ll join a supportive deanery and mission area committed to innovative rural ministry, and an experienced interim priest has worked with the benefice to prepare them in this new season.

If you feel called to help us deepen faith, strengthen community, and share God’s love in our villages, we’d love to hear from you. Enquiries to Steve Wilkinson [e-mail] and Archdeacon Becky [e-mail]

Closing and dates

Closing: 15 March 2026

Familiarisation and Interviews: 22 & 23 April 2026

Inclusion and safeguarding

Those with disabilities or those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds are under-represented in our diocese, so we particularly encourage applications from clergy in these groups.

The Diocese of Bristol is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders are expected to share this commitment.

Subject to satisfactory enhanced DBS check