The Diocese of Rochester was only the second diocese in the country to initiate the ministry of Pastoral Assistants (PAs). The original group of only four PAs has now grown to nearly 300, working in 141 benefices and undertaking all sorts of roles.
At the heart of PA ministry is the desire to help put God’s caring concern into practice, mainly in the context of the local parish and its community. Whilst no two PAs are the same, coming as they do with different spiritual gifts, skills and life experiences, so the focus of their ministry will also be very different, responding to local need and God’s calling.

PAs are trained to be alongside everyone and to be as concerned about the care of the well as of the sick; to work with all age groups; to be involved in teaching, listening, enabling, nurture and prayer, as much as the more practical roles traditionally associated with care. They are also called to encourage and enable the people of God to exercise a caring ministry.

If you feel called to pastoral ministry our new training course might be for you. By following the link Discipleship and Lay Ministry you will see what is on offer and how the Foundation of Ministry might equip you for work in the parish.

Contact

The Hon Warden of Pastoral Assistants The Rev Bryan T Knapp The Vicarage 169 Maidstone Road Paddock Wood TN12 6DZ Tel:01892-833917 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Deputy Warden for Bromley and Bexley Archdeaconry
Maggie Compton
1 Thirlemere Road
Barnehurst
Bexleyheath
DA7 6PU
Tel: 01322-333201   
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Covering the Deaneries of: Beckenham, Bromley, Erith, Orpington, Sidcup

Deputy Warden for Rochester Archdeaconry
Chris Hookins
79 Birchwood Road
Wilmington
Dartford
DA2 7HQ
Tel: 01322-662337
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Covering the Deaneries of: Cobham, Dartford, Gillingham, Gravesend, Rochester, Strood

Deputy Warden for Tonbridge Archdeaconry
Brian Saunders
24 Weald Close
Weald
Sevenoaks, Kent TN14 6QH
Tel: 01732-463364
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Covering the Deaneries of: Malling, Paddock Wood, Sevenoaks, Shoreham, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells.