POSITION AVAILABLE: ASSOCIATE MINISTER

3 DAYS PER WEEK / 0.6 FTE

Southern Community Church of Christ (SCCC) is an active community of faith located in Cheltenham, a bayside suburb of Melbourne, Australia. We are a mainstream contemporary Church with a strong desire to relate the teachings of Jesus to our community. We strive to be open and accepting, welcoming and valuing people of all ages, beliefs, cultures and backgrounds.

SCCC has a long and rich heritage spanning more than 160 years. Throughout that time the Church has developed and evolved as the community around it has changed. While our current congregation is predominantly older, we are actively seeking to grow a more intergenerational community through innovation, fresh expressions of church, and intentional engagement with younger people and families.

 

Our Vision

To be an open community of people exploring relationship with God,

self and others, following the way of Jesus.

 

Our Values 

  • People Matter: we value diversity, inclusion, and empowerment of all people.

  • Community Matters: we aspire to generously serve the community, meeting human needs and addressing injustice.

  • Spirituality Matters: we aspire to communicate the Christian faith and values with clarity, creativity, grace and compassion.

  • Life Matters: we aspire to support and offer resources to people in their pursuit of wholeness and wellbeing.

 

Our context 

SCCC is deeply embedded in the local community:

  • We are in partnership and share our facilities with the Cheltenham Community Centre (CCC), a thriving Neighbourhood House and Childcare service originally established by the church 40 years ago.

  • We maintain a strong relationship and neighbour Chesterville Retirement Village, a facility of Churches of Christ Queensland.

  • We run a community garden, weekly food pantry, offer and host various community groups.

Our church is active throughout the week, and we are continually discerning how best to shape our mission, ministries and staffing to meet emerging needs and opportunities.

 

The Opportunity 

We are seeking an Associate Minister who resonates with our vision and values and will continue to ensure that the Church remains open to people at all stages of their faith journey, allowing differences of belief and culture to flourish and produce the rich, diverse canvas of relevant Christianity that is SCCC’s face to our community. 

This role is particularly focused on:

  • Engaging younger generations (families, young adults, youth, and/or multicultural communities).

  • Developing new expressions of church and community connection.

  • Contributing to the revitalisation of an ageing congregation.

We recognise that not all people connect through traditional Sunday gatherings. We are open to creative and innovative approaches that foster belonging, discipleship, and community beyond our current model.

 

Key Responsibilities

The Associate Minister will:

  • Cultivate new and meaningful connections within the local community.

  • Develop and lead initiatives that engage younger and/or more diverse demographics.

  • Explore and pioneer fresh expressions of church and faith community.

  • Build pathways for discipleship, mentoring, and spiritual growth within their focus area.

  • Engage actively within the community focused environment.

  • Participate in shared ministry responsibilities, including Sunday gatherings.

  • Collaborate with the ministry team to discern vision, strategy, and future direction.

 

About You

We are looking for someone who:

  • Demonstrates a genuine and active faith, with a passion for God, people, and community.

  • Is relational, approachable, and an effective communicator.

  • Thrives in team environments and values collaboration.

  • Is open, creative, and adaptable – willing to explore new models of ministry.

  • Has a heart for engaging younger generations and/or diverse cultural communities.

  • Is a self-starter with the ability to initiate and nurture new ministry opportunities.

Location: 2-12 Chesterville Road, Cheltenham, Victoria 3192

 

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to be part of a church that is:

  • Open to change and innovation.

  • Deeply connected to its local community.

  • Committed to inclusion, justice, and living out faith.

  • Ready to invest in new expressions of ministry.

 

Key Prerequisites: 

  • Relevant qualifications in theology and ministry formation or equivalent experience in ministry leadership.

  • Accredited and affirmed as an Endorsed Minister with Churches of Christ in Victoria and Tasmania, or willing and able to work towards this status. Accreditation and Endorsement criteria can be found by visiting the following link:

https://churchesofchrist.org.au/for-leaders/becoming-a-minister/

  • Provide a satisfactory National Police Check and a Working with Children Check.

  • Willingness and ability to sign the Statement of Compliance under the Churches of Christ in Victoria and Tasmania Practice of Ministry Code of Ethics.

  • Willingness to comply with and work within the Safe Places standards of Churches of Christ in Victoria and Tasmania.

  • Be an Australian resident.

 

Remuneration:                

Terms and conditions of employment will be as outlined in the Victoria-Tasmania Churches of Christ Recommended Terms and Conditions of Employment of Ministers unless varied by mutual agreement and noted specifically in the Ministry Employment Agreement.  The remuneration package will be based on the current recommendation of the Victoria-Tasmania Churches of Christ, amended annually as recommended by Conference Council.

 

Performance Appraisals

There will be a 6 month probation period for this appointment, and performance will be appraised annually.

 

Commencement Date: The position is currently available.

 

Application process

Expressions of interest, enquiries, or a cover letter and resume should be directed to:

Monique ten Hoopen
Lead Minister
monique@southerncofc.org.au
(03) 8541 9710