Ministry with a View
Sister Eveleen Retreat House is looking for its first Contemplative Resident
Sister Eveleen Retreat House (SERH) is delighted to announce we are taking expressions of interest for our first 12-month Contemplative Residency and Retreat House Host position. This residency offers a unique opportunity for an individual seeking a year of intentional living, spiritual growth, and service. Sister Eveleen is a Christian retreat house, owned by the Anglican Church, but run ecumenically. It has a built-in chapel and spectacular views overlooking Pegasus Bay in Sumner, Christchurch. We are a ministry that offers a place to reflect, rest, pray, and simply be. The Resident Host works under the guidance of the SERH Director and will be provided with accommodation. In return, they contribute to the ministry of the retreat house by being present overnight and through 10 hours paid service each week. Work hours are variable, to be arranged between the Director and the Resident Host on an ongoing basis.
We’re open to hearing from people at all stages of life, but may particularly suit:
Individuals discerning a new direction in life, ministry, or vocation.
Those transitioning between careers or life stages
Writers, postgraduate students, or semi-retired people seeking purposeful engagement
Christians exploring a call to spiritual direction, retreat ministry, chaplaincy, or pastoral work.
Someone with flexible employment who wishes to engage more deeply with their spiritual journey.
Applicants should be of the Christian faith, emotionally mature, self-motivated, hospitable, comfortable with living independently, and able to work with a flexible schedule. You will also need a moderate level of fitness, due to the SERH’s position on Scarborough Hill. As the Resident Host is in close contact with guests and visitors, it is crucial they have a good understanding of appropriate professional boundaries within a ministry context.
If you think this opportunity sounds like you, please contact the SERH Director, Antje Duda, for a ministry description: antje_duda@sistereretreat.com. You can also arrange a visit to SERH or check out our website for more information.
To express your interest in this role, please send a CV and 1-page summary of who you are, what you have to offer, and how this role might work from your perspective, to SERH Board Chair, Sarah Gardiner: serhchair@gmail.com, by 5pm Friday October 23, 2026
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