Howrah Church of Christ prayerfully seeks a pastor to lead and inspire our congregation into a new season of growth, community engagement and multi-generational ministry. Formed in response to the Tasman Bridge collapse in 1975, our church quickly grew into a dynamic, Christ-centred and family-focused community.
Today, we are a mature congregation seeking a pastor who can help rebuild and lead us toward our vision of becoming a relevant, multi-generational church that actively reaches into and supports our local community.
We are seeking a pastor who will take the time to find out about Howrah Church of Christ – to value our culture, history and people while at the same time having a demonstrated ability to navigate and implement change thoughtfully and carefully. An ability to communicate the vision and bring the family on that journey together.
We are located on the Eastern Shore of Hobart about a 10-minute drive into the city. A suburb in the municipality of Clarence City Council, we are close to supermarkets, transport hubs, schools, recreation and medical facilities. For more location information.
Howrah Church of Christ is affiliated with Churches of Christ in Victoria and Tasmania (CCVT).
The information below outlines the qualities, qualifications and application process for those sensing God’s leading to explore this ministry opportunity.
Position:
- Part-time 2-3 days per week, with a view to extend to full-time as the church grows
- We are willing to consider and explore options to partner with another organisation such as Scripture Union chaplaincy, to facilitate full-time work.
- Able to work collaboratively with the elders, ministry leaders, volunteers and church family, to help cultivate a healthy, Christ-centred church culture marked by spiritual maturity, unity, servant leadership and community engagement.
- Reports to the elders and understands and operates within the church’s governance framework, as set out in the Howrah Church of Christ Constitution.
- There will be a 3 and 6-month performance review and a 6-month probation period for this appointment. Full performance appraisal annually.
A Pastor who:
- Understands that all ministry is under the headship of Jesus and recognises the need for humility, servant-hearted leadership, and accountability within the church.
- Is dependent on the Holy Spirit’s guidance in worship, prayer, the creative/visual arts, and direction for ministry.
- Has a vision for Kingdom growth, incorporating spiritual maturity and community engagement.
- Has a passion for evangelism and actively encourages outreach and relationship-building within the community through both organised programs and intentional connections, with the aim of communicating the grace of the gospel.
Personal and Ministry Qualities
The Pastor will demonstrate:
- Strong biblical teaching and communication gifts
- A heart for discipleship, mission and community engagement
- Leadership with humility, emotional intelligence, relational warmth and approachability
- Spiritual wisdom, discernment and resilience
- A team player keen to see the revitalisation of an ageing church
- Able to effectively connect and communicate with people of all ages
- The ability to value and support the current mature demographic and with the ability to build a future for an all-age demographic
- Demonstrated ability to acknowledge equality and to respect and work collaboratively with women in leadership in all areas of church life and ministry
- Collaborative leadership and team-building ability
Qualifications and Experience
- Theological training appropriate for pastoral ministry – Degree in Theology/Ministry desirable
- Endorsed Churches of Christ Vic/Tas credentials, or equivalent with a willingness to undertake accreditation.
- Commitment to ChurchSafe ministry practices
- A 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
- This position is open to Australian Citizens or Permanent Residents
Key Responsibilities:
Spiritual Leadership
- You are deeply grounded in a personal and ongoing relationship with God, drawing on prayer, Scripture, and the Holy Spirit as the foundation for all aspects of life and ministry, and modelling authentic Christian discipleship.
- Able to teach and communicate God’s Word with clarity, conviction, and relevance, engaging people at all stages of faith while grounding ministry in sound biblical theology and intentionally developing others in teaching and preaching.
Spiritual Renewal and Discipleship
- Strengthen a culture of prayer, spiritual formation and biblical discipleship
- Help the church family deepen their walk with Christ, through preaching, teaching and pastoral counselling
- Encourage participation in small groups and discipleship pathways
- Nurture spiritual maturity across all generations
Pastoral Care
- Provides pastoral support and care to the church family with compassion and impartiality
- Care for the sick and elderly, including hospital / aged care visitation
- Officiate at baptisms, weddings and funerals where required
Leadership Development
- Disciple and equip members to develop and use their spiritual gifts
- Develop and mentor current leaders while at the same time recognising and growing future leaders in particular young leaders
Community Engagement and Mission
- Encourage outreach and evangelism in the local community building on existing connections and developing new ones
- Develop and implement initiatives to grow the church numerically by engaging with the local community
- Build relationships with other churches and local ministry leaders including attending the local ministers’ fellowship meetings (monthly) and Southern Churches of Christ leaders’ meetings
Governance and Administration
- Work in partnership with church elders and ministry leaders to adhere to and ensure healthy governance
- Demonstrate an understanding of responsibilities relating to finance, compliance issues, Occupational Health & Safety, Child Safety and Safe Churches
Application Process
To apply for this role, please email to the church secretary sandy@howrahcofc.org.au by 15 July and include:
- Cover Letter – document expressing how your experience and vision for ministry aligns with the position description and church profile
- Current resume
- Referee Details – names and contact details of three referees with a short summary of why you have selected these referees
Employment details
- Terms and conditions of employment 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.
- Relocation: Assistance with reasonable relocation costs considered
- Start date: Negotiable, ideally commencing in 2026
If you feel called to lead and serve in our church and community, we would welcome your application.
