Vicar of the Pilgrims Way Churches Benefice

Introduction

 Vicar - Pilgrims Way Churches

The Pilgrims Way Benefice is seeking a prayerful and collaborative priest for three parishes comprising six worshiping communities set along the Pilgrims Way, on the edge of Maidstone. We are looking for someone who will nurture faith, encourage spiritual growth, strengthen community engagement and help us share the love of Christ with people of all ages.

We offer:

• Welcoming churches with committed congregations and active lay leadership.
• Strong links with schools, particularly St John's CE Primary School.  
• A supportive benefice team, including a part-time administrator and licensed lay ministers.
• A well-appointed four-bedroom vicarage in Grove Green, close to local amenities and excellent transport links.

We are praying for a vicar who will actively grow links with our communities, as well as continue to build congregations committed to prayer, bible study, evangelism and whole life discipleship.

Whoever takes up this post will be warmly welcomed into the life and support structures of the Diocese of Canterbury. Every Incumbent and Priest in Charge is accompanied through the Canterbury Diet, our framework for sustaining healthy, effective ministry — including regular pastoral supervision, a spiritual accompanier, and a structured Ministry Training Programme in the early years of ministry.

For an informal conversation, please contact:

The Venerable Estella Last
 Archdeacon of Maidstone
archdeacon.maidstone@diocant.org  

Closing date: Sunday 1st November 2026
Interview date: Wednesday 25th November 2026

The priest appointed to this role must be ordained in the Church of England, or in a Church in communion with it, and must have successfully completed a training post with the appropriate sign-offs required to apply for an incumbency or other ordained role.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and does not currently qualify for visa sponsorship.

The priest appointed will serve as an office holder under Common Tenure, and the Ecclesiastical Offices (Terms of Service) Regulations will apply.