Rector of the Condover Benefice (0.5) and Rural Church Missioner

Introduction

We are praying for a patient, enthusiastic and inspirational priest with a heart for rural communities to take up the reins and help guide us forward.

The United Benefice of Condover, Ryton, Acton Burnell, Frodesley and Pitchford lies just 5 miles south of Shrewsbury and 7 miles north-east of Church Stretton and the Shropshire Hills Natural Landscape.  A rural setting that’s home to commuters, farmers, young families and retired people.

The Parishes, the Post, and the Person

This is a 0.5 parish post with the additional responsibilities of Rural Church Missioner in Condover Deanery making it up to full-time.  You will find full details of the parishes, the role, the person specification and the support we can offer in the Profile.  We hope you will enjoy reading it and finding out more about us and the person we are praying will come and be our new part-time Rector and Rural Church Missioner.

We are four friendly, supportive and welcoming congregations seeking someone who:

• has the gifts, enthusiasm and calling to inspire and encourage us in mission, helping us to grow in faith and to become more visible and involved in the community.   
• can help us to widen our appeal to younger families and children and be more accessible to the wider community.
• will develop and nurture the gifts and talents of lay people to be more involved in leading worship and the wider mission and ministry of the churches.
• is patient and a good listener, who will offer pastoral care to all.
• will help us to enhance facilities in the buildings to widen their use.
• is enthusiastic about supporting the local primary school’s Christian values of love, trust and forgiveness, and helping the whole school community to flourish.

Key aspects of the Rural Church Missioner responsibilities will be to:

• work up an outline, prioritised maintenance plan for Benefice buildings.
• review and coordinate Benefice-wide sustainability/organisation improvements.
• formulate missional, financial and pastoral plans for churches across the Deanery.
• train others in missional worship and events and develop a team.
• line manage the Deanery Co-ordinator.

The role of RCM is a new one and is very much an opportunity to work together with the Archdeacon, Rural Dean and others to discern how best to support rural parishes.   This role was identified as part of the Vision and Strategy for Church Growth 2024-2030 of the Diocese of Hereford.   You will find the full strategy at https://www.hereford.anglican.org/about-us/our-vision/

The expectation would be that approximately two days per week would be given to RCM duties and the rest of the week (including all Sundays) within the Benefice – including an uninterrupted rest period of 36 hours.  

There is also the possibility, if applicants would prefer, to apply solely for the role of Rector as a 0.5 standalone parish post.

The ability to travel independently and efficiently on country roads is essential.  A full, clean, driving licence and access to own car is desirable.

PLEASE INDICATE IN YOUR APPLICATION WHETHER YOU ARE APPLYING FOR THE FULL-TIME ROLE (0.5 PART-TIME RECTOR WITH THE ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF RURAL CHURCH MISSIONER), OR SOLELY FOR THE 0.5 STANDALONE PARISH ROLE.

Practical details

Closing date for applications is Monday 27^th October 2025

Parish Visits will be on Monday 17^th November 2025

Interviews will be on Tuesday 18^th November 2025

If you have any questions, or would like to have an informal conversation about the post, please contact the Archdeacon of Ludlow, The Ven Dr Fiona Gibson – Fiona.Gibson@hereford.anglican.org or 01588 673571.

The parishes of the Condover Benefice are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.  All post holders are expected to share this commitment.

 All appointments are subject to satisfactory pre-appointment checks, including Enhanced DBS with Barred Lists clearance.

 We are committed to equal opportunities and diversity in Hereford Diocese and welcome applications from all suitably qualified clergy.  As UKME/GMH individuals are currently under-represented within our Diocese, we would particularly welcome applications from these candidates.