Position Summary
Bendigo Church of Christ prayerfully seeks a Senior Pastor whose calling, character and experience align with the life and mission of our church community. The Senior Pastor role is a full-time position, and it is only open to Australian Citizens or Permanent Residents. Renumeration and all employment entitlements for this position will be in accordance with Church of Christ Vic/Tas endorsement. The information below outlines the qualities, qualifications and application processes for those sensing God’s leading to explore this ministry opportunity.
View Church Profile and Position Description
Key Selection Criteria
The Senior Pastor serves as the primary spiritual leader of Bendigo Church of Christ, called to shepherd the church in faithful discipleship, equip God’s people for ministry, and lead the congregation in fulfilling Christ’s mission within Bendigo and beyond. In this role, the Senior Pastor will work collaboratively with the Associate Pastor, Church Council, ministry leaders and volunteers to cultivate a healthy, Christ-centred church culture marked by spiritual maturity, unity, servant leadership and meaningful community engagement.
Applicants are asked to outline how they have demonstrated each of the six Key Selection Criteria throughout their pastoral ministry; providing clear, practical examples for each criterion. (Min 2pg response –11 pt font)
1. Spiritual Leadership and Discipleship
- Model a life of discipleship, integrity and pastoral care
- Provide Christ-centred spiritual leadership grounded in Scripture and prayer
- Foster a culture of spiritual growth and dependence on the Holy Spirit
- Guide the church in discerning God’s vision
- Strengthen a culture of prayer, biblical discipleship and participation in worship
- Encourage participation in small groups and nurture spiritual maturity across all generations
2. Preaching and Teaching
- Prepare and deliver biblically faithful, relevant and engaging preaching
- Teach Scripture in ways that encourage spiritual growth and discipleship
- Oversee the spiritual direction and teaching ministries of the church
- Help members deepen their walk with Christ through high-quality preaching, teaching and pastoral care
3. Pastoral Care and Relationship Building
- Prepare and deliver biblically faithful, relevant and engaging preaching
- Teach Scripture in ways that encourage spiritual growth and discipleship
- Oversee the spiritual direction and teaching ministries of the church
- Help members deepen their walk with Christ through high-quality preaching, teaching and pastoral care
4. Leadership Development and Team Ministry
- Lead collaboratively with the Associate Pastor, Church Council and ministry coordinators
- Encourage shared team leadership and collaborative ministry
- Identify, mentor and develop emerging leaders, with particular focus on growing the youth ministry
- Equip members to serve according to their gifts and calling
- Strengthen ministry coordination and volunteer support across all age groups
- Develop sustainable ministry structures that empower participation and shared ownership
5. Mission and Community Engagement
- Equip members to live missionally in everyday life
- Encourage outreach and evangelism within the Bendigo region
- Help the church discern opportunities for local mission and community impact
- Strengthen partnerships with local ministries and community organisations
- Promote a culture of invitation, hospitality and service
6. Governance and Shared Vision
- Work in partnership with Church Council to ensure healthy governance
- Uphold Churches of Christ Victoria and Tasmania affiliation expectations
- Maintain commitment to ChurchSafe standards and best practices
- Support strategic and sustainable planning, ministry oversight and shared vision development
- Encourage innovation while honouring the church’s heritage and strengths
Application Requirements
Applicants will need to include the following sections in their application to be considered for shortlisting.
Cover Letter – A short cover letter introducing yourself to the selection panel and outlining your:
- Personal faith journey, and how you knew God was calling you to this role
- Experience in biblical teaching and leadership
- Collaborative leadership experience and team-building ability
- Heart for discipleship, mission and community engagement
Response to Key Selection Criteria
Respond to each Key Selection Criteria by providing clear, practical examples that demonstrate your experience, approach and effectiveness in these areas of ministry.
Minimum 2 page response.
Resume
- Key Contact Details – Email address and mobile phone number
- Theological Qualifications
- Theological training appropriate for pastoral ministry Degree in Theology/Ministry desirable.
- Endorsed Churches of Christ Vic/Tas credentials, or progressing towards endorsement
- Pastoral Experience
- Demonstrated pastoral leadership experience of three to five years, preferred
- Experience leading teams and developing leaders
- Commitment to ChurchSafe ministry practices
- Links to Recent Sermons
- Include at least 2 links to recent sermons you have preached (video or audio files)
- Other Relevant Experience or Qualifications
- Other relevant work experience and other relevant qualifications
Referee Details
- Names and contact details of three referees and why you have selected these referees.
- You may choose not to supply these contact details with your application, but they will need to be provided to the panel at the time of your interview, if you are shortlisted.
Application Process
- Send applications to:
- Pastoral Search Committee Chair, Bendigo Church of Christ
- C/- Simon Risson, Churches of Christ Vic/Tas; Email – srisson@churchesofchrist.org.au
- To enquire about the position please contact: Simon Risson on (03) 9488 8800
- Applications close on Friday 25 September 2026
Start Date: This will be negotiated with successful applicant, but preferably by start of Feb 2027
Bendigo Church of Christ looks forward to welcoming the person God is calling to walk alongside us in the next season of ministry, growth and faithful service. We invite those who sense God’s prompting toward this opportunity to prayerfully consider applying.
