Position Available: Bendigo Church of Christ | Senior Pastor
March 18, ****
Position Summary
The Senior Pastor serves as the primary spiritual leader of Bendigo Church of Christ, providing pastoral, theological and missional leadership to the congregation.
The role exists to shepherd the church in faithful discipleship, equip God's people for ministry, and lead the church in fulfilling Christ's mission within Bendigo and beyond.
Working collaboratively with the Associate Pastor, Church Council, ministry leaders and volunteers, the Senior Pastor will help cultivate a healthy, Christ-centred church culture marked by spiritual maturity, unity, servant leadership and community engagement.
Provide Christ-centred spiritual leadership grounded in Scripture and prayer
Model a life of discipleship, integrity and pastoral care
Foster a culture of spiritual growth, unity and dependence on the Holy Spirit
Guide the church in discerning God's vision and direction for ministry
2. Preaching and Teaching
Prepare and deliver biblically faithful, relevant and engaging preaching
Teach Scripture in ways that encourage spiritual transformation and discipleship
Oversee the theological direction and teaching ministries of the church
Encourage participation in worship and spiritual formation practices
3. Pastoral Care and Shepherding
Provide pastoral oversight and care for the congregation
Support and equip pastoral care teams and ministry leaders
Offer leadership during times of celebration, challenge and grief
Cultivate a welcoming and inclusive church environment
4. Leadership Development and Team Ministry
Lead collaboratively with the Associate Pastor, Church Council and ministry coordinators
Identify, mentor and develop emerging leaders, with a particular focus on growing youth ministry
Equip members to serve according to their gifts and calling
Encourage healthy volunteer engagement and shared ministry ownership
5. Mission and Community Engagement
Encourage outreach and evangelism within the Bendigo region




Strengthen local mission partnerships and community connections
Help the church engage meaningfully with people beyond its walls
Promote a culture of invitation, hospitality and service
6. Governance and Administration
Work in partnership with Church Council to ensure healthy governance
Support strategic planning and ministry oversight
Uphold Churches of Christ Victoria and Tasmania affiliation expectations
Maintain commitment to ChurchSafe standards and best practices
Key Ministry Priorities
Bendigo Church of Christ enters this season with gratitude for renewed unity and a growing sense of hope.
The following priorities reflect the congregation's desire for thoughtful, Spirit-led leadership during the next chapter of ministry.
1. Spiritual Renewal and Discipleship
Strengthen a culture of prayer, spiritual formation and biblical discipleship
Help members 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
2. Relationship Building and Pastoral Presence
Build trusting relationships across the congregation
Listen well and understand the church's story, culture and hopes
Provide visible pastoral presence within church life and the wider community
Continue fostering unity, healing and encouragement following recent transitions
3. Leadership Development and Team Health
Encourage shared team leadership and collaborative ministry
Mentor existing leaders and identify emerging leaders, with a particular focus on growing youth ministry
Strengthen ministry coordination and volunteer support, across all age demographics




Develop sustainable ministry structures that empower participation
4. Missional Engagement in Bendigo
Help the church discern opportunities for local mission and outreach
Encourage evangelism expressed through authentic relationships
Strengthen partnerships with local ministries and community organisations
Equip members to live missionally in everyday life
5. Vision Clarification and Future Growth
Work with Church Council and leaders to refine and articulate a shared vision
Discern opportunities for healthy church growth and community impact
Encourage innovation while honouring the church's heritage and strengths
Guide the congregation toward a hopeful and unified future
Application Requirements
Bendigo Church of Christ prayerfully seeks a Senior Pastor whose calling, character and experience align with the life and mission of our church community.
The information below outlines the qualities, qualifications and application process for those sensing God's leading to explore this ministry prospect.
Personal and Ministry Qualities
A deep and growing personal faith in Jesus Christ
Strong biblical teaching and communication gifts
Humility, emotional intelligence and relational warmth
Collaborative leadership and team-building ability
Spiritual wisdom, discernment and resilience
A heart for discipleship, mission and community engagement
Qualifications and Experience
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
This is a full-time position.
Renumeration and all employment entitlements will be in accordance with Church of Christ Vic/Tas endorsement
This position is only open to Australian Citizens or Permanent Residents
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📌 Position Available: Bendigo Church Of Christ | Senior Pastor
🏢 Churchesofchrist
📍 Bendigo