The parish of Fawkham & Hartley and the parish of Longfield are part of the Rural North West Kent (RNWK) Group of Churches. This is an exciting opportunity for a new parish priest to build on the work already started and shape the future mission and ministry for these churches. [RNWK is already a catalyst for ministry across Ash, Ridley, Longfield, Fawkham & Hartley, and for mission especially amongst older people.

When the RNWK Group was formed it was anticipated that they would have two full-time stipendiary clergy supported by self-supporting ministers and lay people. Since the Group was established all stipendiary clergy have changed at least once and this will be the second joint appointment to the parishes of Longfield and Fawkham & Hartley.

"We aim to grow in the Lord and live our lives in accordance with Christian belief and through sharing our faith, bringing church and community together and following the Diocesan vision to be ‘Called Together’"

We are looking for a pastoral and faith-led priest to lead our church families in teaching and prayer, and help us reach out to our local communities, building on the links we have already developed.

The ideal candidate will:

* be an enthusiastic, approachable and collaborative team leader in our parishes, within the RNWK Group and across the wider Deanery.

* continue to progress and support the spiritual gifts of our lay leaders.

* play a full part in our local Church of England Primary School.

* be able to relate to all, regardless of age or background.

The three churches sit within the Cobham Deanery, which is the most rural deanery in the Archdeaconry of Rochester. All the clergy in that Deanery look after two or more churches and all are set in rural commuter villages and hamlets. The local clergy are very supportive of one another.

The accompanying Parish Profiles give details of the two parishes and the local community. Further information can also be found via their websites at: https://www.fawkhamandhartley.org.uk/ and http://longfieldchurch.org/

For an informal discussion with the Archdeacon of Rochester concerning this post, please contact his EA, Fiona, on fiona.porter@rochester.anglican.org

Closing date for applications is: Sunday 23rd April 2023. [Interviews will be held in late May/early June, date tbc].