Lead Pastor

Bendigo Church of Christ; Greater Bendigo; On-site; AUD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Bendigo Church of Christ invites applications for Lead Pastor to provide spiritual leadership and shepherd the congregation in faithful discipleship. You will equip God’s people for ministry and collaborate with the Associate Pastor, Church Council, staff and volunteers in Bendigo and beyond.

The role requires theological training, endorsement credentials, and proven pastoral leadership with a heart for community engagement and safe ministry practices.

Qualifications

• Theological training appropriate for pastoral ministry; Degree in Theology/Ministry desirable.
• Endorsed Churches of Christ Vic/Tas credentials, or progressing towards endorsement.
• Demonstrated pastoral leadership experience of three to five years, preferred.
• Experience leading teams and developing leaders.
• Commitment to ChurchSafe ministry practices.
• Handles disagreements with emotional maturity and a commitment to reconciliation.
• Approachable and listens carefully to others.
• Shows compassion towards people experiencing grief, hardship or uncertainty.
• Exercises sound judgement and responsible stewardship of resources.

Responsibilities

• Model a life of prayer and dependence on God.
• Explain Scripture accurately and in its biblical context through preaching and teaching.
• Equip and encourage people to share their faith respectfully and confidently.
• Help people deepen their understanding and application of Scripture.
• Encourage spiritual growth in both new and established believers.
• Offer preaching that encourages, challenges and points people to Jesus.
• Connect biblical teaching with everyday life and contemporary questions.
• Build trust and care for people through different seasons of life.
• Work collaboratively with church leaders, staff and volunteers.
• Recognise and develop the gifts of others and mentor emerging leaders.

Skills

Pastoral leadership

Team collaboration

Emotional maturity

Compassion

Communication

Education

Theology/Ministry degree

Churches of Christ Vic/Tas endorsement

Job description

The Lead Pastor will provide spiritual leadership to Bendigo Church of Christ, shepherding the congregation in faithful discipleship, equipping God's people for ministry and leading the church in fulfilling Christ's mission in Bendigo and beyond. Working collaboratively with the Associate Pastor, Church Council, ministry leaders and volunteers, the Lead Pastor will nurture a healthy, Christ-centred church culture characterised by spiritual maturity, unity, servant leadership and meaningful community engagement.

Key responsibilities

Model a life of prayer and dependence on God

Explain Scripture accurately and in its biblical context through preaching and teaching

Equip and encourage people to share their faith respectfully and confidently

Help people deepen their understanding and application of Scripture

Encourage spiritual growth in both new and established believers

Offer preaching that encourages, challenges and points people to Jesus

Connect biblical teaching with everyday life and contemporary questions

Build trust and care for people through different seasons of life

Work collaboratively with church leaders, staff and volunteers

Recognise and develop the gifts of others and mentor emerging leaders

About you

Theological training appropriate for pastoral ministry; Degree in Theology/Ministry desirable

Endorsed Churches of Christ Vic/Tas credentials, or progressing towards endorsement

Demonstrated pastoral leadership experience of three to five years, preferred

Experience leading teams and developing leaders

Commitment to ChurchSafe ministry practices

Handles disagreements with emotional maturity and a commitment to reconciliation

Approachable and listens carefully to others

Shows compassion towards people experiencing grief, hardship or uncertainty

Exercises sound judgement and responsible stewardship of resources

About us

Bendigo Church of Christ has served the Bendigo community since 1866, maintaining a faithful gospel presence through many seasons of change and growth. Situated near the heart of the city, the church building and grounds have developed over generations to support worship, discipleship, fellowship and outreach. The congregation is a warm, relational and multi-generational church family of around 150–200 people.

As an affiliate of Churches of Christ Victoria and Tasmania, Bendigo Church of Christ shares common theological values and maintains a strong commitment to ChurchSafe practices. A wide variety of ministries form part of church life, including children's and youth ministries, small groups, seniors' gatherings, prayer ministries, pastoral care initiatives and community outreach programs.

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.

Applicants are asked to outline how they have demonstrated the following Key Selection Criteria throughout their pastoral ministry; providing clear, practical examples for each of the six criteria. (Min 2pg response –11 pt font)

The dot points listed under each Key Selection Criterion are intended as a guide to the qualities and ministry strengths we are seeking.

Applicants are not expected to address every dot point but are encouraged to highlight those that best reflect their gifts, experience and approach to ministry.

Lead Pastor - Key Selection Criteria

Key Selection Criteria 1 - Spiritual Leadership and Discipleship

Helping our church grow in faith, prayer and Christ-like living.

• Models a life of prayer and dependence on God.
• Helps people deepen their understanding and application of Scripture.
• Encourages spiritual growth in both new and established believers.
• Demonstrates wisdom and discernment when guiding others.
• Equips people to live out their faith in everyday life.

Key Selection Criteria 2 - Preaching and TeachingCommunicating God’s Word clearly and meaningfully.

• Explains Scripture accurately and in its biblical context.
• Offers preaching that encourages, challenges and points people to Jesus.
• Connects biblical teaching with everyday life and contemporary questions.
• Communicates clearly with people of different ages and backgrounds.
• Equips others to teach and lead Bible studies or small groups.

Key Selection Criteria 3 - Pastoral Care and Relationship BuildingBuilding trust and caring for people through the different seasons of life.

• Handles disagreements with emotional maturity and a commitment to reconciliation.
• Is approachable and listens carefully to others.
• Builds relationships across generations and backgrounds.
• Shows compassion towards people experiencing grief, hardship or uncertainty
• Develops a shared approach to pastoral care, with appropriate boundaries and support.

Key Selection Criteria 4 - Leadership Development and Team MinistryEquipping people to serve; and building healthy ministry teams.

• Works collaboratively with church leaders, staff and volunteers.
• Recognises and develops the gifts of others.
• Mentors emerging leaders and creates opportunities for them to serve.
• Delegates responsibility and supports people in their ministry roles.
• Guides change thoughtfully, with clear communication and respect for others.

Key Selection Criteria 5 - Mission and Community EngagementHelping church members share the good news of Jesus; and serving the wider community.

• Equips and encourages people to share their faith respectfully and confidently.
• Helps newcomers feel welcome, builds belonging and offers pathways to explore faith.
• Leads the church in reaching people who have little or no connection with a church.
• Encourages practical service to people experiencing disadvantage or isolation.
• Builds meaningful connections within the Bendigo community.

Key Selection Criteria 6 - Governance and Shared VisionLeading responsibly, in partnership with the church’s recognised leadership.

• Helps the church develop a clear, shared vision and realistic ministry priorities.
• Welcomes feedback and communicates openly and appropriately.
• Works constructively within the church’s governance and accountability structures.
• Exercises sound judgement and responsible stewardship of resources.
• Upholds safe ministry practices and healthy professional boundaries.

Applications close on Friday 4 December 2026

Start Date: This will be negotiated with successful applicant, but preferably by start of Feb 2027

To enquire about the position please contact: Simon Risson (03) 9488 8***