In consultation with the Bishop of Dover, the Lord Chancellor is seeking to appoint a Rector for the Saxon Shoreline Benefice.

Overlooking the Romney Marsh and six miles from Ashford, this rural benefice comprises thriving villages and hamlets, served by eight churches in seven parishes. These range from traditional Book of Common Prayer through 'middle of the road' to one church which is more informal and evangelical in its style. All of our churches wish to serve God and their community and hope to do this in closer cooperation. Our priority is to promote the Christian faith and grow the Church and we would like to explore with our new Rector how to do this, with new ideas as well as those things we are doing now.

Closing date: 22 May 2022

Parish Visit and Interviews: 13 & 14 June 2022

Any queries initially to the Archdeacon of Ashford’s PA, Louise Mills: louise.mills@archdeacashford.org or 01233 712649.

The minister we pray for to join this benefice:

• Someone to help us grow in confidence in our faith through deepening our knowledge and understanding of the Bible, prayer, and worship. We are looking for someone keen to discern abilities and to encourage and support lay participation and leadership.
• Is able to work with us to nurture faith among families and young people.
• Has the ability to run a multi-church benefice and has personal support networks in place.
• Someone with fresh ideas to reinvigorate us.
• Has a willingness to be a visible part of the community.
• Able to work collaboratively with our PTO Priest, Reader and lay service leaders to provide a regular range of services across the benefice.
• Able to embrace the Local Ecumenical Partnership.
• Able to develop our use of modern technology to communicate to all ages.
• A compassionate, friendly, and interested listener.
• Willing to enjoy country life and to get their shoes wet and muddy!

Founded in 597 by St Augustine, Canterbury Diocese is the oldest diocese in England and has a special place in the life of the national and worldwide Church. With its iconic Cathedral it forms a focal point for the life of the whole Anglican Communion, offering a spiritual home and place of pilgrimage for people from every nation and walk of life.

Kent is renowned as the ‘Garden of England’ and this rural heart is core to our identity – yet the communities we serve are very diverse. Our Diocese stretches from Maidstone to Thanet, from the Isle of Sheppey to the Romney Marsh. We have 350 miles of coastline with historic ports and seaside resorts, alongside rural communities, market towns and commuter-belt urban developments. Affluent areas often sit alongside pockets of major deprivation, offering an exciting and challenging mission context.

Our Diocesan Vision

Changed Lives, Changing Lives

By God’s grace we want to be a people who are...

…confident & creative disciples of Jesus Christ

...rooted in scripture & drenched in prayer

…living gratefully, giving generously, caring for creation & sharing the gospel

...growing in number & expectations – of God & ourselves

...motivated by justice & love, open to the Spirit & ready for adventure!

Therefore we will …

'Therefore we will...' is a recognition that words without actions are empty. It is a commitment to taking real steps now to make this vision a reality soon. The current actions that flow from this vision - both at a diocesan level and in our deaneries - are outlined in detail over the rest of this document. Of course, these actions will change and develop over time - and we would encourage our parishes to consider this vision carefully for themselves, to explore together what actions they will commit to take, what their local 'Therefore we will...' might look like.