AddressOur Mission: Living the Love of Jesus in our Community.
Our values: We subscribe to the statement of belief of the Propel Network in the UC. (https://www.propelnetwork.org.au/statement-of-belief/)
Gerringong Uniting Church possesses a deep evangelical heritage (opened 1853) and at the same time seeks to remain open to Christ’s call for right now. The church we dream to be, loves and serves the Lord in the power of God’s Holy Spirit and seeks to be faithful to Jesus’ purpose of making disciples. To this end GUC Church Council recognises the importance of being open to new possibilities of church in the face of the reality that traditional forms have lost traction in the hearts and minds of everyday Australians. Because of this, Church Council recognises the need to give clear support, space, and permission for its ministry team to take risks in pursuit of renewed church life as we work together to build a new generation of Jesus followers.
ABOUT THE ROLE
We are seeking someone initially for three years with a missionary heart and an entrepreneurial capacity to disciple people in Christ and draw them into life giving expressions of Christian community that may not necessarily look like traditional church but will continue to nurture and incorporate people in faith. We would hope to extend and expand this role at the end of the three years.
FOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Disciple the members of the Friday evening youth group known as DiG (Disciples in Gerringong) – currently averages around 15 young people.
- Establish intentional connections with members of the Gerringong community with a view to discipleship.
- Dream, plan and develop with GUC leadership a fresh expression of Christian community orientated towards faith sharing.
- Develop with church leadership a discipleship training team to train leaders to be fully functioning disciple makers.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Participating in worship within the GUC congregation to promote discipleship.
- Helping to promote and organise discipleship experiences for members such as KYCK.
- Attending Gerringong Church Council meetings as required
- Having a preparedness to work within the polity and ethos of the Uniting Church in Australia
- Following policy and procedures in relation to safe church awareness training and working with children’s requirements.
- Participating in maintaining a safe and healthy working environment for both yourself and others in the workplace
KEY RELATIONSHIPS
The Discipleship Pastor will work collegially with the Minister and will be considered a member of the ministry team while reporting to the Minister and Church Council when needed.
KEY COMPETENCIES
- Articulate the key theological foundations of the Basis of Union
- Describe key historical elements contributing to the formation of the Uniting Church
- Articulate the place and role of key aspects of the Church’s life and witness, in particular:
- Understand the Councils and Ministries of the UCA
- Understanding of the UCA Basis of Union and ethos of the Uniting Church
- Understanding of the UCA Code of Ethics and Ministry Practice for people engaged in professional ministry and the Sexual Misconduct Regulations of the Uniting Church.
(If the applicant is unable to fulfill these requirements, they will need to attend the following UCA courses - Living Our Faith course and Code of Ethics Course.)
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Essential
- An active and mature Christian faith with a passion to see people grow in Christ.
- Experience in congregational or para-church ministry and pastoral leadership.
- Experience in discipleship building.
- Willingness to participate in appropriate on-the-job training and be exposed to other models of ministry to guide and enrich discipleship ministry at GUC.
- Current Children clearance and Safe Church training.
Desirable
- 2-5 years’ experience in discipleship ministry
- At least diploma level training in theology, missiology, and discipleship methodology
- Previous participation and training in discipling programs
- Teaching and facilitation experience
NOTE: As this role involves pastoral duties, fringe benefits may be provided to the staff where the person meets one of the following descriptions:
- Ordained as a minister or deacon (i.e. minister of religion); or
- A student at a theological college undertaking a course in order to become a minister of religion; or
- Listed on the Register of lay ministers of the Uniting Church and admitted/commissioned to hold authority on doctrine or religious practice.
ROLE OVERVIEW
Classification: Ministry of Pastor
Employment Type: Part time (32 hours) over three years with ATO Religious Practitioner exemption
Appointing Body: Gerringong Uniting, Church Council
Report Line: Minister
Created by: Steve Everist
