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Ministry of Pastor​​

Pastor is a lay specified ministry of the Church. It is a role where a person exercises a significant ministry on behalf of the Church in one or more of the following areas:

  • teaching the beliefs and practices of the Church; and /or
  • pastoral oversight of members and / or groups operating under the auspices of the Church; and / or
  • leadership of worship in congregations or faith communities of the Church; and / or
  • evangelism or service beyond a gathered congregation but which is exercised under the auspices of the Church.

There are two pathways for serving as a lay person in the position of Pastor. The first is where the person applies for such a position as a result of an advertised vacancy by a congregation, Presbytery, Synod or agency (local ministry context).

The second is where the person applies to serve as a Pastor in a Placement anywhere in the Synod (approved placement). Approved placement applicants can download an application form which when completed goes from the congregational minister to the Presbytery and once endorsed to the Pastor candidature Committee. This will be for a limited time as the position of Pastor is not seen as a lifelong call.

Pastors are appointed for a period of up to five years. At the conclusion of an appointment the person would cease to be a Pastor but would be eligible to apply for another appointment. There are some prerequisites (i.e. The “Core Competencies”) but most of the training for the Ministry of Pastor is done on the job and is task specific.

Pastors may be full-time or part-time and may be paid or unpaid. Applicants should have been confirmed a member of the Church and will be assessed to see that they are suitable in character, personal and spiritual maturity as well as having the competence and capacity to exercise the responsibilities of the specific ministry to which they are to be appointed.

Persons who are accountable to the Church under the Pastor Regulations do not have to be called Pastor in their ministry. They may be, for example, part-time or full-time paid Youth Workers, Youth and Family Ministry Workers or Pastoral Assistants in a congregation. Any of these descriptors are appropriate.

People exercising ministries that have been designated by the Church as “Pastor” shall be identified by their position description, e.g. Youth Worker etc and not automatically as “Pastor”. The important thing is that whatever they are called, such people are in a relationship of accountability with the Church.

Who can answer my queries?

The Non-placement pastor resources are currently being updated. Please contact People & Culture for the most up to date information on (03) 9116 1940 or email People&[email protected]