Rector – Ham Hill Villages Benefice

Bath and Wells; England; Remote; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Home in rural setting

Supportive parish team

Safeguarding officers and community in

Job summary

Bath and Wells invites applications for a Rector to lead the Benefice of Ham Hill Villages. You will guide seven rural parishes with vision, love and faith, joining a mission to spread knowledge and love of Christ across communities.

The role seeks a leader who organises, delegates and manages across a rural setting, supporting both traditional worship and new expressions of church life, and who will engage warmly with village life.

Qualifications

• Experience leading multi-parish ministry and teams.
• Ability to organise, direct, delegate and manage across communities.
• Commitment to both traditional worship and new expressions of church life.

Responsibilities

• Provide spiritual leadership and vision for the seven parishes.
• Lead worship and mission, and collaborate with Lay Ministers and staff.
• Pastoral care and community involvement across villages.
• Develop and strengthen village links and education/outreach initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Rural ministry

Strategic planning

Community engagement

Job description

The Bishop of Bath and Wells, Church Patronage Trust and Christ Church Oxford seek to appoint a Rector to the Benefice of Ham Hill Villages.

We are seven welcoming, rural parishes nestled around historic Ham Hill in the beautiful South Somerset countryside. We are seeking a rector to lead us with vision, love and faith, and join us in our mission to bring the knowledge and love of Christ to all in our communities.

We are praying for someone who:

• Has a love and respect for God’s Word.
• Can organise, direct, delegate and manage.
• Will support and foster both traditional worship and new expressions of church life.
• Can embrace the joys and challenges of rural ministry in our seven different parishes.
• Has a love for people, a sense of humour, and a desire to be present in village life.

What we can offer you:

• A Ministry Team of 4 Lay Ministers, one SSM, two PTO and one LWA.
• Committed lay involvement in worship, mission and administration.
• Growing schools and families work.
• A Benefice administrator and safeguarding officers.
• A home in a beautiful part of God’s rural creation.

Is God calling you to build on what we have begun, with the vision and faith to see what could be and the strength and enthusiasm to lead us forward? Can you bring energy, warmth, and a collaborative spirit to help us deepen discipleship, strengthen village links, and share God’s love widely? Come and work with us! With His help, we will grow God’s Kingdom together. Please visit our website to find out more.

Closing Date for applications: 12 noon on 7 October 2026
Visit and interview: 27 and 28 October 2026