Position Available: Ministry Assistant at St Michael’s Uniting Church

St Michael’s is currently looking for a Ministry Assistant to join their team, with a focus on pastoral care. They are searching for someone to fill the role full-time, but are open to negotiating a part-time position for the right candidate.

Role summary

• Position Hours: 38 hours per week or part time negotiable (0.5 to 0.75)
• Location: 120 Collins St, Melbourne 3000
• Tenure: 1st August 2023 – 31st July 2026
• T&Cs: Ministry of Pastor

How to apply

Please email your resume and a cover letter alongside any applications to office@stmichaels.org.au

You may address this email to Rev Dr Margaret Mayman.

About the organisation

St Michael’s Mission is to be a vibrant, inclusive, hospitable and community-focused congregation, sharing progressive Christianity – embracing spirituality, the arts, wellbeing, justice and compassion.

St Michael’s Vision is of a nurturing and dynamic Christian spiritual community contributing to a world where each person and all creation can flourish and enjoy abundant life within the city of Melbourne and beyond.

In 2020 the induction of our first new minister in nearly fifty years coincided with the beginning of the global pandemic. The position of Ministry Assistant (Worship and Pastoral Care) recognizes that St Michael’s is a different congregation than it was in 2020.

The congregation’s identity and mission are being expressed in new ways. There is an emphasis on: expressing the Gospel through social and ecological justice; full inclusion and affirmation of LGBITQ+ people; exploring progressive spirituality alongside progressive theology; renewing connection with the city; and strengthening our relationship with the Uniting Church.

Into this new stage of the life of our congregation, we are delighted to be attracting, welcoming and including a steady stream of newcomers.

Key Responsibilities

 1. Worship – sharing in leadership of Sunday Gatherings with the Minister, including:

a. Preaching that is progressive, engaging and life-affirming
b. Preparation and leadership of contemporary liturgy
c. Supporting creative participation of lay people in Sunday Gatherings
d. Exploring fresh expressions of spirituality for the city (weekdays).

2. Pastoral Care – supporting and strengthening the congregation’s pastoral ministries, expressed through:

a. Hospitality – welcoming and including newcomers
b. Community – developing a model of pastoral care with a focus on building a community of compassion and care by fostering connection, mutuality and interdependence for longer term members and more recent arrivals.
c. Compassion – responding to practical, spiritual and emotional needs in the church community.

3. Leadership – supporting the Mission and Vision of St Michael’s

a. Working with Church Council and the minister to implement Strategic Goals
b. Participation in Church Council and its Committees as appropriate
c. Supporting the congregation in a time of transition and change

Selection Criteria

Qualifications

One or more of the following:

• B.Th. or tertiary qualifications in pastoral care, preaching, and liturgy
•  or 2+ years proven experience in a related role

Personal attributes

1. Spiritual awareness: insight into the importance of spirituality and religion for human and planetary wellbeing; ability to reflect on one’s own spiritual life; able to interact comfortably with people of other faiths and secular spiritualities.
2.  Ethos and values: committed to inclusiveness and promotion of a culture of affirmation and appreciation.
3.  Team player: willingness and ability to work collaboratively with the minister, lay leaders and staff.
4. Initiative and accountability: proactive within the parameters of the position; recognize opportunities and act on them; take responsibility for decision-making and action; demonstrate capacity for sustained effort and hard work.
5.  Communication skills: excellent verbal and written communication skills; personal warmth and strong interpersonal skills; effectively interact with a diversity of people and groups.

Additional requirements and information

• The appointee will be accountable to the Presbytery which has oversight of the Congregation in matters of faith and discipline, and to the Congregation for the exercise of ministry under this Position Description.

• Familiarity with and willingness to comply with the requirements of the Uniting Church in Australia Code of Ethics and Ministry Practice.

• The Uniting Church in Australia is committed to keeping children safe so a Working with Children Check is required.