Minister, Haven Benefice Isle of Wight

Could you be the new Minister for the Haven benefice?

Four rural, bio-diverse parishes gifted with stunning countryside, architectural gems, history, glorious coastline and uplands.

Do you feel called to serve God in one of the most beautiful parts of the country? The Isle of Wight is blessed with stunning countryside, beaches, harbours and uplands, and even has its own unique micro-climate.

The island is shaped like a diamond, and at its eastern edge are the rural parishes of Brading, Yaverland, St Helens, and Seaview and Nettlestone. Together these comprise the Haven Benefice, which embraces the churches of St Mary’s, Brading; St Peter’s, Seaview; St John’s, Yaverland; and St Helen’s (situated between St Helens and Nettlestone). The villages of St Helens, Seaview and Yaverland are all by the sea, while the town of Brading was an important seaport until its harbour was reclaimed in the 1880s. Part of the parish of Brading falls within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. St Helen’s and St Mary’s churches both have extensive and very ‘bio-diverse’ churchyards.

Each of our churches is different, and each has its own distinct location, heritage, worship tradition and congregation. As a benefice, though, we are united by a desire to bring the knowledge and experience of God’s love to the communities we serve, in ways that are appropriate to our church traditions. We are also passionate about promoting our places of worship as sacred spaces, within which the presence of God is tangible, and the love of God is known.

So, we are looking for a leader who, respecting the different character of each church, will inject new life into each. Ideally s/he will catch the imagination of the younger generation, while being able to relate to the needs of the more senior members of our congregations. We would welcome a priest who, while able to promote the gospel in exciting ways, and open to new ideas, will also keep in touch with more traditional values.

Role Description

We need a full-time priest who, in addition to developing their own spiritual life:

• will provide team leadership as we build on the vision we have begun to articulate in our Mission Action Plan and take it forward with us;
• will inspire and be able to inject new life into our churches, catching the imagination of young people, while at the same time being able to relate to the senior citizens who make up the bulk of our congregations;
• will be visible in all four communities, and able to build on existing relationships with local schools, organisations and youth groups;
• will be an excellent communicator, both with congregations and those not involved with the church, who can be heard but is also willing to listen;
• is a good preacher and teacher, able to challenge our congregations;
• is able to discern the gifts and skills of others and has an aptitude to nurture the spiritual growth of church members of all ages;
• will commit to caring for God’s creation through worship, the use of our buildings and land, community engagement, and promoting awareness of individual lifestyle choices;
• will be willing to work with other churches wherever possible, whilst fully participating in and contributing to the life of the deanery (including synod and chapter) and diocese;
• will value the role that our church buildings and churchyards play in the community;
• will have respect for the past and a vision for the future.

The Diocese of Portsmouth is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workforce that represents our context and wider community. We are aware that those of United Kingdom Minority Ethnic/Global Majority Heritage, women, and disabled people are currently under-represented among our clergy, and we particularly encourage applications from those with the relevant skills and experience that will increase this representation. The appointment will of course be based on merit alone. Enhanced DBS will be required.

For further information on the role, please contact Archdeacon Steve Daughtery on stephen.daughery@portsmouth.anglican.org