Recruiting A Rector

Recruiting our new Rector began on 6th January when the Bishop, Archdeacon and Area Dean met the Churchwardens and members of the Parochial Church Council (PCC) to brief them on the legislative process we must follow.

The next stages for us are:

1. PRAYING AND CONSULTING – ‘LISTENING’ (February to March 2026)
We need to discover God’s plan for our Parish – its vision, direction and mission – by praying together, by committing the process to God, and by listening (to God, to our congregations, to people outside the church). Feedback from ‘Listening’ will allow the PCC to define its vision and needs. What we hear will reveal the qualities of our new Rector. We will consider all this carefully as we write the Parish Profile.

2. DRAFTING THE PARISH PROFILE (February to March 2026)
The Parish Profile has two roles – (i) to inform candidates to help them discern God’s plan, and (ii) to give the Appointment Panel a framework to recognise God’s will. [The PCC must finalise the Parish Profile before the Section 11 meeting.]

3. HOLDING A SECTION 11 MEETING (to be held by 21 April 2026)
This legally required meeting is when our PCC confirms the process, nominates representatives from the Parish to be involved in the new Rector’s selection and hands over responsibility to them.

After that the timescale set by Diocese (subject to change) is:

i. Advertisement published: 1st May 2026- 28th May 2026

ii. Shortlisting: 2nd June 2026

iii. Interviewing: 9-10th June 2026

Please pray for God’s guidance and wisdom in this exciting time for our Parish as we ask Him to guide us where He is calling.