We are five parishes with six churches in the beautiful area of South Shropshire, an area of outstanding natural beauty, but this is no backwater. We seek a prayerful, energetic incumbent to walk with us, leading our church community in setting and holding its vision for mission and growth.

Please call the Rural Dean Stephanie Fountain before applying on 01588 630324

Interviews will be held on 30th July 2021. Please use the application form attached and not the Pathways application form - thank you.

We can offer a good quality of life in beautiful countryside but also welcoming and lively communities, 3 supportive primary schools, and plenty of activities and local amenities in the valley with shops, cafes, pubs and surgery.

You will see on our profile that we have a good pattern of regular services and many opportunities for mission and outreach in our communities.

Could you:

Be a spiritual leader who can encourage and develop Christian faith and gifts.

Work closely with our 3 primary schools in the Blue Hills Federation

Be a presence at church and community events and to be a part of community life.

Communicate the gospel to all ages by working with a variety of forms of worship, including on line platforms.

Build on our strong ecumenical partnership with the Methodist Church in Clun.

The ideal candidate:

• Has a developed and maintained their spiritual life
• Can demonstrate leadership qualities and can delegate efficiently and be flexible
• Has a good sense of humour and is approachable
• Has experience of working in a rural setting
• Has experience of working with lay people, recognising and helping to develop their skills
• Has good IT skills and can advise about financial matters where necessary.
• Can seek advice and manage stressful situations effectively
• Is a confident driver on poor narrow roads in all weathers.

We seek someone who will:

• Have experience of and will be positive about the opportunities and challenges of rural ministry, rural ministry.
• Recognise that our village churches are churches for the whole community
• Bring enthusiasm for and skill in bringing families into the heart of our churches
• Exercise a pastoral ministry to all ages within our churches and communities
• Lead the church community in setting and holding its vision for mission and growth
• Encourage and build on the existing partnerships with the church schools, Methodist Church in Clun and groups from the wider community and external organisations
• Work in collaboration with the PCCs and churchwardens to ensure effective organisation through good communication
• Nurture our churches, leading different styles of prayer and worship and build on our traditions
• Help us to listen to what God is saying and discern where He is leading our churches
• Take time to give attention to their own needs, allowing the personal, family and spiritual aspects of their own life to flourish alongside the demands of ministry

Our parishes all have churchwardens and an active PCC.

You will be supported by a benefice administrator.

The benefice has a safeguarding officer who is responsible for ensuring that all the necessary checks and training are carried out in all churches.

Thank you for your interest in our advert. Please see our full Parish Profile and Statement of Needs document for full information..