Pastoral Relations and Community of Faith Support Minister

The United Church of Canada; Burnaby; Remote; CAD 77,000 - 89,000; Full time

Job summary

A faith-based organization in Burnaby seeks a Regional Minister for Pastoral Relations and Community of Faith Support. This permanent full-time role includes maintaining effective pastoral relations, supporting communities, and fostering ministry personnel leadership. The ideal candidate has a university degree, strong interpersonal skills, and experience in a church or non-profit setting. The position offers a competitive salary with benefits and a commitment to inclusivity.

Benefits

Pension plans

Group benefits

Annual vacation

Qualifications

• 5 to 6 years of related work experience in ministry and/or human resources.
• Experience in a not-for-profit setting is desirable.
• Ability to discern complex issues and implications.

Responsibilities

• Maintain an effective pastoral relations system.
• Provide oversight of community of faith covenants.
• Support ministry personnel towards health and excellence in ministry.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Time management

Organizational skills

Education

University degree

Theological degree

Tools

Office 365

Dynamics

SharePoint

Zoom

Job description

Job Description

The Pacific Mountain Regional Council is seeking an individual to fill the role of Regional Minister Pastoral Relations and Community of Faith Support. This is a permanent full-time position at 35 hours per week.

Overview

Pacific Mountain Region serves British Columbia and the Yukon and supports over 200 congregations and communities of faith, and numerous other ministries including camps, social service agencies, youth and young adult work, leadership development, new ministry initiatives, property development, affordable housing and care facilities, chaplaincies and educational centres. We focus on providing services that assist church personnel and maintaining good relationships between congregations and personnel. We also provide staff, finances, advice, advocacy, and program resources to ministries to enhance their work. Pacific Mountain Region also supports the work of General Council.

Responsibilities

The Regional Minister Pastoral Relations and Community of Faith Support is responsible for maintaining an effective pastoral relations system, providing oversight of community of faith covenants, and encouraging and supporting ministry personnel towards health, joy and excellence in ministry, in their assigned area(s) of the regional council.

The main areas of focus are :

• Pastoral Relations (45%): Ensure functional, effective pastoral relations processes for Communities of Faith and the Region are in place, particularly in times of pastoral relations changes, such processes congruent with UCC policies; Provide training for Communities of Faith in the search and selection processes for ministry personnel and preventive dispute resolution, training of congregational Ministry and Personnel committees for effective partnership with ministry personnel and other employees.
• Communities of Faith Support (30%): Support Communities of Faith in Visioning and Planning processes and Support Communities of Faith as they discern options for their ministry, including but not limited to: Intentional Interim Ministry, cooperative arrangements, innovative ministries, Ecumenical Shared Ministry, lay leadership, amalgamation, disbanding, and closure.
• Support of Ministry Personnel (25%): Support Ministry Personnel in achieving their full leadership potential and foster support and collegiality for ministry personnel, such as facilitating local gatherings of ministry personnel for mutual learning and collegiality (clustering).

• To request a copy of the full job description, send an e-mail to : and reference Job Code 13 - Regional Minister for Pastoral Relations and Community of Faith Support.

Qualifications

• University degree, theological degree preferred, or equivalent combination of education and life experience and 5 to 6 years related work experience in ministry and / or human resources. Experience in a not-for-profit setting is desirable.
• Knowledge of and experience in life and work of The United Church of Canada or experience working in a similar faith community is an asset;
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal and written) with the ability to communicate competently and effectively from an informed theological perspective;
• Solid computer skills in the use of various software applications - Office 365, Dynamics, SharePoint, One Drive, Teams, Zoom, and other social media and online platforms; and excellent analytical skills, discernment and good judgment in dealing with critical issues;
• Strong administration, time management, planning, organizational and implementation skills; ability to manage a wide range of administrative responsibilities, including the development and management of financial budgets;
• Ability to discern appropriate pathways through complex issues, problems or opportunities and the impact or implication of decisions and actions;
• A commitment to maintain confidentiality and appropriate boundaries at all times, a collegial, consultative leadership style with volunteers and staff;
• Commitment to support the church’s work of reconciliation, and its desire to be anti-racist and bilingual;
• An awareness of organizational development concepts together with a willingness to explore new initiatives and learnings, and the flexibility to respond to the changing needs of the church;
• Sensitivity, respect for, and an openness to working creatively, openly, transparently, tactfully and diplomatically with the diverse social and cultural realities of the Region; and
• Willingness and ability to travel within the regional council. Alignment with the Calls and Vision of The United Church of Canada – respect, integrity, passion and diversity.

Working Conditions

This position works from a home office, within their assigned area(s) and meeting space is available at the regional office in Burnaby, BC. The incumbent will be provided, for work purposes, use of secure devices and must be available by email, phone, Teams or Zoom during regular office hours Monday to Friday. Sitting and viewing a computer screen for long periods, keyboarding / using assistive devices or software, intermittent physical activity including sitting, standing and being on the phone for long periods of time will be required. Occasional additional hours may be required.

As part of our ongoing commitment to the Disabilities Act and the Human Rights Code, The United Church of Canada will provide reasonable accommodations to employees with human-rights related needs.

Compensation

The target hiring range for this position is $77,441.97 to $88,261.46 with the ability to progress to a maximum of $103,256.40. This is based on category 8 on our salary range. Placement on the salary range will be based on factors such as market condition, internal equity, candidate experience skills and qualifications relevant to the role. Pension and group benefit plans coverage and annual vacation round out this compensation package.

Closing date for applications : October 20, 2025