Rector of Bewsborough

Introduction

A GROWING PARISH WITH HOPE IN OUR HEARTS!

Are you excited by the opportunity to grow the Church in both established village communities and a rapidly expanding new settlement?

Bewsborough Parish, on the edge of Dover and the Kent Downs, is seeking a prayerful, collaborative and mission-minded priest to lead us into our next chapter. This is a parish that has rediscovered confidence in recent years. Strong relationships with schools, creative community initiatives and a growing culture of lay ministry have helped us move from managing decline to exploring new possibilities for growth. Crucially, this momentum has continued throughout the vacancy.

We are a single parish comprising six churches serving a population of more than 14,000 across villages, countryside and the expanding community of Whitfield. Over the coming years Whitfield is expected to grow significantly, creating a remarkable mission opportunity for a church that wants to be present at the heart of a developing community.

Our churches are rooted in their communities and supported by committed churchwardens, lay ministers and volunteers. We enjoy exceptionally positive relationships with local schools, engaging with more than 1,200 children each year through assemblies, worship and church celebrations. Innovative community projects including Let's Play, Let's Chat and Let's Eat have created new points of connection with people beyond our congregations and demonstrated the difference the Church can make in local life.

Alongside the life of the parish, you will help shape the emerging Dover Rural Mission Area, working collaboratively with neighbouring clergy and churches to develop sustainable and mission-focused ministry for the future.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has a deep and compelling faith in Jesus Christ.
• Can inspire others while enabling and developing lay ministry.
• Values schools ministry and community engagement.
• Is comfortable building partnerships beyond the church.
• Enjoys working collaboratively with colleagues.
• Has the vision and energy to help us engage a rapidly growing population.
• Can combine pastoral care with a confident missionary outlook.

We offer:

• A parish that believes God has more in store for it.
• Strong and supportive churchwardens, PCC and ministry team.
• Established community initiatives with further scope for growth.
• Welcoming and engaged schools.
• A significant mission opportunity in Whitfield.
• A modern four-bedroom rectory in Whitfield.
• Supportive colleagues across Dover Deanery and the Diocese of Canterbury.

Could God be calling you to help shape the future of the Church in this growing corner of Kent?

For an informal conversation please contact the Archdeacon of Ashford, the Ven Darren Miller, via Louise Mills (lmills@diocant.org or 01233 712649) to arrange an appointment.

Closing Date:        15 October 2026

Interview Date:      10 November 2026

The priest appointed to this role must have been ordained in the Church of England or 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 as this post 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.