Introduction

Rector (designate) for The Paxtons with Diddington, Southoe and The Offords, near St Neots, Cambridgeshire

St James Church, Little Paxton

The role of Rector (designate) for The Paxtons with Diddington, Southoe and The Offords is an opportunity to lead 5 rural churches with a vision to grow in faith together, to be at the centre of village life and to share the message of Jesus. Building on faithful ministry, you will work with a team of loyal and resourceful paid and volunteer staff. You will find villages that value the role of the church and actively work alongside church members. 

We face both challenges and opportunities for growth and transformation: we seek a new Incumbent who will embrace these challenges and opportunities; to lead us forward in reaching those we currently don’t; someone who is approachable; a good listener and committed to working collaboratively with the PCCs to develop a plan for growth.

Some of the challenges include:

• building a new sense of identity and vision after pastoral re-organisation joined the church and village of the Offords to our benefice
• completing (with diocesan & local support) a building project in Southoe church to make the church the centre of community in the village
• growing the ministry team, and building on excellent work in local schools

Some of the opportunities include:

• a legacy of deeply pastoral and missional leadership
• some of the best adapted churches for rural mission
• experienced admin support and faithful churchwardens
• church and county schools welcoming the ministry of the church. 

Our ideal candidate would have the following qualities:

•  People Person - Having a genuine interest in people and able to communicate effectively with all ages particularly having experience of working with children and young families, be a good listener; have a good sense of humour; 
• be a team player who fosters the talents and enthusiasms of members of every age. 
• A person of prayer, faith and inclusion who can encourage, energise and inspire.
• Vision - Able to help us develop a vision for a growing and thriving church 
• Manage growth & change; build partnership; keep us relevant; lead with wisdom & insight; 
• Values - both traditional and contemporary forms of worship flexing to meet the needs of the individual parishes 
• Youth outreach - Develop the ministry to children and young families 
• Fabric – previous experience of building projects, sourcing of grants and ecclesiastical permissions for building works is preferred.

Our diocese and deanery offers:

• spacious modern rectory in quiet street 
• friendly supportive chapter colleagues
• well funded CMD and support for clergy and their families
• generous and pastoral senior leadership

(significant improvements will be completed during the vacancy)

• Download the Benefice Profile below. 
• Further details and an Application form can be found on the Diocesan website at https://www. elydiocese.org/about/vacancies
• Please note that applications must be submitted by email to archdeacon.handw@elydiocese.org 
• Closing Date: Midday 1 November 2025
• Interviews: 2 December 2025
• Informal enquiries Ven Richard Harlow, Archdeacon of Huntingdon & Wisbech, Telephone 07415 757527

Safer Recruitment in the Diocese of Ely

The Diocese of Ely is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees to undertake safeguarding checks and training relevant to their role and to adhere to the Church of England’s safeguarding policies and procedures . Therefore, this position is subject to an enhanced disclosure from the DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service).

(Pathfinder Window, All Saints, Offord Cluny)