Rector (0.75 FTE)
Eden Bridge Benefice

About the Role
We are seeking a priest to serve as Priest-in-Charge of Eden Bridge Benefice, a group of four rural parishes in the Eden Valley. This is a benefice with deep roots, faithful worship, and strong community connections, with a shared desire to develop sustainable patterns of ministry for the future.

Context
Eden Bridge sits within the East of Eden Mission Community (EEMC), an ecumenical grouping of Anglican and partner churches, including Crossfell, working collaboratively and sharing resources. Leadership across the Mission Community is shared between an Associate Minister serving across both benefices, with a pastoral focus in Crossfell, and her Methodist colleague.

The Priest-in-Charge will work collegially within this structure, including an occasional and proportionate presence in Crossfell.

The Role
This is a role for someone who can:

• Lead with clarity, steadiness, and good judgement

• Build trust across multiple parishes

• Support and grow lay leadership

• Engage constructively with questions of governance and sustainability

Working Relationships
You will work as part of a collaborative team including:

• The Associate Minister (Anglican Mission Community Leader)

• Methodist Mission Community leadership

• Lay leaders and PCC officers

• Ecumenical colleagues

while maintaining clear responsibility for Eden Bridge Benefice.

What We Are Looking For
A priest who is:

• Prayerful and theologically grounded

• At ease in Anglican sacramental worship

• Collaborative, resilient, and realistic

• Able to lead through change with clarity and care

• Committed to rural ministry and local communities

What We Offer
• 0.75 FTE (4.5 days per week)

• Housing provided

• A supportive and collaborative ministry context

• Administrative support

• Engaged lay leadership

• The opportunity to shape sustainable rural ministry

Additional Opportunity
There is the possibility to extend this role to full-time through appointment as Incumbent of Crossfell Benefice, leading the governance changes required to establish a joint parish and a more coherent and sustainable structure for ministry and mission.

Additional Information
The stipend will be pro rata in line with the level of appointment - £19,977 with housing

Does this sound like it could be your calling?

For an informal conversation, please contact Archdeacon Ruth Newton
(Text: 07919 792051)

Closing date: 1st September 2026

Interviews: 29th September 2026