Vicar, St Matthew's Redhill

Overview

This post provides an exciting opportunity to develop the church’s mission in the community of Redhill.A cornerstone of this mission is Outreach, particularly through our Foodbank and School.We would like to develop our work with young people and families, and our work with our local community partners.

Introduction

Redhill is primarily a dormitory town for London with excellent rail links and proximity to the M23 and M25, though there are many public and private sector offices in the town centre and three industrial estates on the fringes.  The last census showed a population of 7,500 and whilst the town is fairly affluent, there are areas of serious deprivation, and the parish is home to a hostel for asylum seekers.  There are several primary schools in the parish, including St Matthew’s School with which we have very close ties. 

Our worship centres around the Eucharist and reflects our liberal catholic tradition. The liturgy is supported by a sacristan, a team of altar servers and a robed choir.  The congregation is of a wide age range and diverse ethnicity with Sunday morning services averaging about 100 adults and about 20 -30 children.

During the vacancy the church is directed by an active PCC, with day-to-day management by an enthusiastic Ministry Team and Churchwardens.  We are determined to maintain our welcoming tradition, supported by a wide range of church members fulfilling the many duties that are required.

Main Responsibilities

We are looking for someone who will build on the successes of the past and develop a renewed vision for the church with the Staff and Ministry Team and Churchwardens and PCC.  Priorities from our Mission Action Plan include restructuring family worship, the inclusion of young families, building on our partnership with local networks, moving the church towards zero carbon emissions (we already have a silver award as an Eco-Church), and rejuvenating our communications strategy.

The vicar will need to maintain and develop our strong links with St Matthew’s junior school and our Foodbank as well as to become involved with local businesses and particularly the more deprived areas of our parish.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will have experience of exercising ministry in a comparable setting, and be able to work with leaders from across the local community.  You will need to be approachable and able to listen to and engage with numerous people from young children to senior citizens.  We are looking for a kind vicar with good interpersonal skills, with a sense of humour, open to advice from the experience of others and be a sound organiser.

Competence with IT and social media would be welcome, as is financial management and personal time management.

About us

St Matthew’s is a diverse inclusive community with a focus on the Eucharist.  Our thriving Junior Church and monthly Messy Church services enables us to attract a number of young families who are keen to explore their faith.  Our main Sunday service is led by a robed choir, whilst Family and Messy Church services tend to include less formal songs. 

The staff team includes an assistant curate in training, two associate priests, two readers and two Pastoral Auxiliaries.  There is a paid Parish Administrator and Director of Music, and the church is well served by the two churchwardens, a treasurer and PCC secretary.

For an informal conversation with the Archdeacon of Reigate, please contact the Archdeacon’s PA Kathleen.bailey@southwark.anglican.org to arrange a time for a phone conversation.

Please note we have a policy in Southwark Diocese that to be appointed to an incumbent status post, a priest must have served a title in an Anglican church in the British Isles.

This post is subject to DBS enhanced disclosure.

Closing Date: Sunday 19 June 2022

Parish Visit for shortlisted candidates: Monday 18 July 2022

Interviews: Monday 18 July 2022