Lead Pastor at Encounter Sunbury (Inc)

We are currently seeking a permanent part-time (3-4 days/week) Lead Pastor with an intended move to full-time as the congregation grows into the future. Encounter is a caring church community ready for fresh growth in spiritual development and community outreach.

Who is Encounter?

Encounter is a local church in Sunbury, Victoria. We are affiliated with the Churches of Christ in Victoria and Tasmania and believe and practise all the foundational Christian doctrines.

We are Bible-believing and Spirit-led in our Church community life and worship.
We believe in the power of regular prayer, both personal and corporate, to bring about God’s Kingdom on earth.
We believe in collaborative leadership with accountable decision making.
We believe in a disciple-making process through life-relevant teaching and training, to equip, nurture and release believers.
We have a strong evangelistic heart for the greater community, and welcome people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life.

Where is Encounter?

Sunbury is situated at the foot of the Macedon Ranges surrounded by a green belt, with vineyards, undulating hills and valleys, and Jackson’s Creek winding through beautiful parklands. We have a rich Indigenous history prior to English-speaking colonisation beginning in the 1850s. The first cricket match between Australia and England on Australian soil was played in Sunbury, at the Rupertswood Estate, during the 1882-83 England tour series, giving rise to the traditional rivalry that we now know as the ‘Ashes’.

Whereas in past years Sunbury was a rural town, servicing the agriculture sector, it is now being absorbed into Melbourne’s metropolitan area, but retains much of its country charm, culture, and history. Many enjoy living here because it has easy access to both country and city lifestyles and locations. Sunbury is the terminus of the metropolitan train line.

According to forecast.id for Hume City, just over 40,700 people call Sunbury home, and this is projected to grow to 101,000 by 2041. Greenfields growth is underway and will contribute to a significant increase in population over the next decade.

According to the 2021 census families with children make up an above average percentage of the population, and where many leave Sunbury during their twenties, young parents move here to raise their families and then stay into their middle years.

Also, in the 2021 Census in Sunbury a higher-than-average proportion of the workforce are skilled in a trade, or as technicians, community workers, clerical, or sales, rather than attaining tertiary qualifications. Most families have one or two incomes and commute to work by car.

Educationally, Sunbury is well serviced with 3 secondary schools and 10 primary schools, covering state, private and catholic education, including a Christian school.

There is excellent camaraderie within the Sunbury Ministers’ Fellowship. They, along with the Lay Ecumenical Committee, facilitate a Carols on the Green at Christmas and a combined Churches Good Friday service.

Most people in Sunbury come from British or Mediterranean backgrounds.

Who are we looking for?

A Pastor who:

Understands that all ministry is under the headship of Jesus and recognises the need for humility and active accountability within the church.
Highly values the Holy Spirit’s guidance in worship, prayer, the arts, and direction for ministry.
Has a vision for Kingdom growth, incorporating spiritual maturity, community engagement, and missional impact.
Can facilitate and oversee teamwork within the governance teams, services, pastoral care functions, administrative operations, leadership training, and children, youth, and small group ministries.
Can disciple people and coordinate their equipping in their area of spiritual giftedness.
Can encourage community outreach and relationship building via planned programs and intentional, informal relationships that further the communication of gospel grace.

Key Selection Criteria

Accredited, or eligible to be, by Churches of Christ in Victoria & Tasmania.
A Bachelor of Ministry, Theology, or equivalent.
Spiritually mature Christian.
Previously demonstrated ministry leadership and experience.
Competent preacher/teacher and effective communicator.
Committed to equipping people for ministry.
Able to demonstrate a pastoral heart through previous experiences and current commitments to pastoral care.
Ability to coordinate ministries and provide support and guidance for all staff and volunteers in those ministries.
Sense of call, prayerful, devoted to the Bible, reliant on the Holy Spirit.
Demonstrated accountability, integrity, and honesty.
Holding a current Police Check and current Working with Children Check.
Applicants must have the right to work in Australia.

Position Description

Position:

Permanent Part Time 3-4 days per week with a view to full time as congregation increases
Reporting to the Elders

Remuneration:

Inline with Churches of Christ in Victoria and Tasmania recommended ministry remuneration

Responsibility Summary:

To provide leadership and direction to all areas of ministry within the church and the community.
To preach the word of God and oversee the teaching ministry of the church.
To challenge members to be active in all aspects of church life through the ministry of God’s word in the power of the Holy Spirit.
To lead the congregation into fresh experiences of the "Good News" of love, healing, and reconciliation within the church community.
To facilitate appropriate pastoral care to the troubled, the sick and the suffering through the pastoral care team and provide pastoral visitation as necessary.
To officiate at weddings, funerals, and baptisms.
Perform administrative duties related to office, staff, and property that are necessary in coordinating the ongoing life and ministry of the church.
Be available as a resource person for group leaders within the church.
Work with the various organizations and committees within the Sunbury community to assist them in performing their assigned task(s).

Applications

Interested Applicants should contact the CCVT Communities Team Leader Michael Vanderree at mvanderree@churchesofchrist.org.au along with their resume and any other relevant information.