The Mission Centre President leads Australia's church, focusing on vision, strategy, and fostering new ministry expressions like camping programs. They support staff, pastors, and leadership development, embodying pastoral care, flexibility, teamwork, spiritual depth, and a commitment to Community of Christ's global impact. They collaborate with key roles to drive transformative ministry nationwide.

Position Description

Open until filled

Employer

World Church

Location

Australia, location flexible

Required Language 

English

Education Requirements

Minimum bachelors level degree (preferably in theology, religion, pastoral care, counselling or similar relevant field) or equivalent experience.

Immediate Supervisor

Field Apostle

Employment Status

Full time, 38 hours per week; four-year term

Summary of Position

The Mission Centre President (MCP) is the leader of the church in Australia, guiding vision and strategic direction. Working with congregations, establishing new emerging expressions of ministry including camping ministries, and directly supporting Mission Centre staff, congregational pastors, priesthood, leadership development and other ministries, the MCP will help guide the direction of the church as it evolves in the coming years. This person will be pastoral, flexible, have a strong team ethic, who has a deep conviction of a spiritual life, and a commitment to change the world through the ministry of Community of Christ. 

The MCP will work with the Mission Centre Financial Officer (MCFO) and the Executive Leadership Team to oversee the delivery of ministry and mission across Australia, whilst actively supporting the ‘Transformation’ process that is underway in Australia.    

Essential Functions

• Discerns and communicates a clear vision and strategic direction to CofC members through public ministry and various digital and print communication channels.
• As primary manager of mission center staff, fosters a collaborative, empowering and supportive working environment for paid staff and volunteers in the Mission Centre, in both professional and ministerial roles.
• Leads and empowers volunteer base to further mission and ministry.
• Supports leadership development; actively engages with pastors, ministry leaders, and emerging leaders to support their ongoing growth and development.
• Engages in faith-filled ministry providing direct support to:
  • Pastors
  • Small Groups
  • Congregations
  • New Expressions of ministry
  • Online ministry
  • Camping ministry
  • Priesthood
  • Non-resident (unattached to a congregation) members
• Works within the ‘Transformation Process’ for strategic planning, visioning and discernment activities for the wider church.
• Works with the Executive Leadership Team to deliver the administration of the church in Australia, as well as support the field ministries and programs of the church.
• Works with the Mission Centre Financial Officer to oversee financial management, stewardship over property and assets, and organizational sustainability in Australia.
• Provides guidance to church committees.
• Chairs the Community of Christ Ltd Board of Directors.
• Chairs the Saints Care Ltd Board of Directors.
• Oversees the administration of World Church policies and procedures in Australia.

Competencies/Skills

The successful applicant will have: 

• A demonstrated ability to lead groups of people with a common purpose
• A clear understanding of the regulatory environment for not-for-profit organizations in Australia
• Worked successfully with volunteers
• Proven experience in managing staff

Desired Competencies/Skills

1. Priesthood Member of Community of Christ, with strong theological depth
2. Innovative, pastoral and inclusive leadership style
3. Excellent understanding of matters relating to group dynamics
4. Ability to discern and articulate vision-based concepts
5. Demonstrable organizational and delegation skills
6. Excellent interpersonal, verbal, presentation and written communication skills
7. Holds an Australian or International driver’s license

Supervisory Responsibility

Yes

Other Duties

Partnership with Saints Care

Community of Christ employees and volunteers, along with Saints Care employees and volunteers, agree to promote and support publicly each other’s mission and activities in the following ways:

• Offering public support of Community of Christ Mission Initiatives and the Principal Objects of Saints Care.
• Offering public support for those donating through time, talent and treasure to Saints Care and Community of Christ in support of our shared Mission Initiatives, Abolish Poverty, End Suffering and Pursue Peace on Earth.
• Working together to promote Disciples’ Generous Response principles throughout the Australia Mission Centre in support of congregations and Saints Care projects.
• Being proactive in learning about and advocating for the programs and projects of both Community of Christ and Saints Care.

Required Background Checks & Registration

A condition of employment is satisfactory completion of prior to commencement of employment:

• Criminal Records Check
• Working with Children’s Check
• Completing Director ID registration and eligible to be a director under Australian law

Ministerial Status

Yes

Pay and Allowances

Information available upon request 

About Community of Christ

Community of Christ is a not-for-profit faith-based international organisation, with its Mission Centre Office located in West Pennant Hills, NSW, Australia. Community of Christ is focused on the mission of Jesus Christ, with an emphasis on compassionate ministries, social justice, peacemaking and equipping people to become disciples of Jesus. Community of Christ has congregations across Australia (including in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia). 

Community of Christ offers services for people who are disadvantaged, thus helping to fulfil Christ’s mission of abolishing poverty and ending suffering.  Its main focus is on the provision of accessible and affordable services to families and young people through family camps, congregational activities and support services. Its associated organization Saints Care Ltd. is the benevolent arm of Community of Christ in Australia.

Values 

All employees are expected to exemplify the values of Community of Christ, namely, to display respect for the worth of all persons, generosity, a commitment to safety, and quality of service. As Community of Christ is a faith-based organisation, its employees are expected to be respectful of its mission, purpose and values. 

Application Instructions

Submit your cover letter and resume to Matthew Frizzell, Director of Human Resource Ministries.