2x Associate Priest: Eastchurch w Leysdown & Harty Benefice and West Sheppey Benefice

Introduction

We are delighted to be recruiting two Associate Priests to join us in an exciting season of gospel‑shaped growth and renewed mission on the Isle of Sheppey. Each post will be based primarily in either the Benefice of Eastchurch with Leysdown & Harty or the Benefice of West Sheppey, and we are seeking people with a heart for both pastoral presence and missional imagination.

This is a remarkable moment for ministry on the island. The newly developing Isle of Sheppey Group Ministry—comprising the Benefice of West Sheppey and the Benefice of Eastchurch with Leysdown & Harty—offers a unique opportunity to help shape a shared vision for vibrant Christian witness across our coastal and rural communities. With both benefices currently in vacancy, we are poised for a new chapter, full of possibility and openness to what God may do among us.

These new Associate Priest roles will form a key part of a future team alongside an Incumbent who will lead ministry across the island. While you will have a clear focus in either Eastchurch or West Sheppey, there will be opportunities from the outset to collaborate, pioneer, and minister across the whole Group—helping to cultivate mission, deepen discipleship, and strengthen the life of our churches.

If you are someone who brings compassionate pastoral gifts, confidence in building community, and a desire to reach those beyond the church’s walls, we would be excited to hear from you. Whether you feel called to a specific benefice or are open to serving wherever needed, please tell us in your application.

When applying, please specify in your statement which benefice you are applying for, or if you have no preference and would like to be considered for both.

Closing date: 22nd March 2026

Interviews: 23rd April 2026

For an informal conversation about these two roles please contact archdeacon.maidstone@diocant.org 

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.