Transform communities with faith and creativity
The Diocese of Canterbury is seeking a dynamic, creative, and prayerful Archdeacon of Maidstone to join us at a time of vision, courage, and transformation.
Our diocese is a place where living faith is driving fresh mission – from coastline to countryside, market town to city centre. We are passionate about seeing Changed Lives → Changing Lives, and our vision is coming alive in our churches, schools, and communities.
The Archdeacon of Maidstone will play a key leadership role in helping us nurture flourishing across diverse parishes, equipping and encouraging clergy and lay ministers, and enabling mission that responds to local needs and opportunities. Working closely with fellow archdeacons, diocesan colleagues, area deans and parish leaders, you will be a bridge-builder, encourager, and advocate for creative, God-inspired ministry.
The Role of the Archdeacon of Maidstone
As part of their role in enabling mission and ministry, the Archdeacon of Maidstone will:
- be the archdeacon responsible for the deaneries of Maidstone, North Downs, Weald, Sittingbourne and Ospringe - supporting and encouraging the clergy and other ministers, lay and ordained, in their care of the people of God;
- meet regularly and work with Area Deans, Lay Chairs and other colleagues to encourage and enable local mission and our diocesan strategy;
- work closely with our Bishop, the Pastoral Secretary, our Area Deans, Lay Chairs and parish representatives in many aspects of the parochial, vacancy and appointments process;
- alongside the Bishop, care for ministers and their families;
- Lead the Archdeacon’s annual Visitations and admit Churchwardens;
- take appropriate and timely steps to resolve any difficulties or disputes in parishes. Where necessary, act under the Clergy Discipline Measure or other applicable legislation;
- work closely with the Diocesan Safeguarding Officers to manage any safeguarding issues that arise and to ensure safeguarding is embedded across the diocese and its parishes;
- participate fully in meetings of the Episcopal Staff Team, the Strategic Programme Board and Archbishop’s Council, as well as essential diocesan committees, including the Property Advisory Group, Finance and Assets Committee, Diocesan Advisory Committee and Mission Resources Group;
- undertake the statutory duties of an archdeacon as laid out in Canon C22 and other ecclesiastical legislation.
The Archdeacon of Maidstone will be someone who...
- is an effective preacher and teacher, gifted as an evangelist, who expounds and applies the faith clearly, convincingly and attractively;
- has the capacity to inspire people and share vision;
- has experience and proven capacity in developing strategic approaches to mission and engagement with communities;
- is committed to fostering the gifts and ministries of all God’s people, and is known to be an encourager of the gifts of others;
- rejoices in the richness of humanity, and relates well to people of different outlooks and backgrounds (theological and otherwise);
Why Canterbury?
The Diocese of Canterbury is one of the most historic in the Church of England, embracing fresh opportunities for growth and transformation. Nestled in the Garden of England, from Maidstone to Thanet, the Isle of Sheppey to Romney Marsh, our communities are wonderfully varied: from coastal villages and market towns to rural parishes and urban centres. We are home to 196 parishes, 105 church schools, and countless ministries that reach far beyond our church walls.
This is a place where tradition and innovation go hand in hand, where the depth of our history inspires fresh expressions of mission, and where we work together in openness to God’s Spirit to see lives changed and communities transformed.
Practical details
- Tenure: The Archdeacon serves under Common Tenure (a sample of Statement of Particulars is available on request).
- Stipend and pension: As recommended by the Central Stipends Authority (subject to annual decision by the Archbishop’s Council). Pension contributions are paid by the Diocesan Board of Finance into the Church of England Pension Scheme.
- Housing: A spacious five-bedroom Victorian Archdeaconry at 4 Redcliffe Lane, Penenden Heath, Maidstone, featuring dedicated office space and ample parking.
- Travel: Candidates should be willing and able to travel up to 10,000 miles per year across the archdeaconry and wider diocese. Some areas have limited public transport, so independent travel by car is essential.
- Office and support: Office space is provided in the Archdeaconry, with administrative support present 17.5 hours a week.
- Location benefits: Excellent transport links via Maidstone East and West train stations, proximity to M20 and A249, and access to outstanding schools and beautiful Kent countryside.
If you are a gifted leader with a servant heart, a collaborative spirit, creative vision, and a passion for God’s mission, we invite you to prayerfully consider whether God may be calling you to this role.
Closing date: Friday 5 September 2025
Interviews: Monday 22 and Tuesday 23 September 2025
For an informal conversation, contact The Ven Dr Will Adam on Archdeacon-Canterbury@diocant.org