Position Available: Bendigo Church of Christ | Senior Pastor
August 18, ****
Position Summary
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 Senior Pastor role is a full-time position, and it is only open to Australian Citizens or Permanent Residents.
Renumeration and all employment entitlements for this position will be in accordance with Church of Christ Vic/Tas endorsement.
The information below outlines the qualities, qualifications and application processes for those sensing God's leading to explore this ministry opportunity.
The Senior Pastor serves as the primary spiritual leader of Bendigo Church of Christ, called to shepherd the church in faithful discipleship, equip God's people for ministry, and lead the congregation in fulfilling Christ's mission within Bendigo and beyond.
In this role, the Senior Pastor will work collaboratively with the Associate Pastor, Church Council, ministry leaders and volunteers to cultivate a healthy, Christ-centred church culture marked by spiritual maturity, unity, servant leadership and meaningful community engagement.
Applicants are asked to outline how they have demonstrated each of the six Key Selection Criteria throughout their pastoral ministry; providing transparent, practical examples for each criterion.
(Min 2pg response –11 pt font)
1. Spiritual Leadership and Discipleship
Model a life of discipleship, integrity and pastoral care
Provide Christ-centred spiritual leadership grounded in Scripture and prayer
Foster a culture of spiritual growth and dependence on the Holy Spirit
Guide the church in discerning God's vision
Strengthen a culture of prayer, biblical discipleship and participation in worship
Encourage participation in small groups and nurture spiritual maturity across all generations
2. Preaching and Teaching
Prepare and deliver biblically faithful, relevant and engaging preaching
Teach Scripture in ways that encourage spiritual growth and discipleship
Oversee the spiritual direction and teaching ministries of the church




Help members deepen their walk with Christ through high-quality preaching, teaching and pastoral care
3. Pastoral Care and Relationship Building
Prepare and deliver biblically faithful, relevant and engaging preaching
Teach Scripture in ways that encourage spiritual growth and discipleship
Oversee the spiritual direction and teaching ministries of the church
Help members deepen their walk with Christ through high-quality preaching, teaching and pastoral care
4. Leadership Development and Team Ministry
Lead collaboratively with the Associate Pastor, Church Council and ministry coordinators
Encourage shared team leadership and collaborative ministry
Identify, mentor and develop emerging leaders, with particular focus on growing the youth ministry
Equip members to serve according to their gifts and calling
Strengthen ministry coordination and volunteer support across all age groups
Develop sustainable ministry structures that empower participation and shared ownership
5. Mission and Community Engagement
Equip members to live missionally in everyday life
Encourage outreach and evangelism within the Bendigo region
Help the church discern opportunities for local mission and community impact
Strengthen partnerships with local ministries and community organisations
Promote a culture of invitation, hospitality and service
6. Governance and Shared Vision
Work in partnership with Church Council to ensure healthy governance
Uphold Churches of Christ Victoria and Tasmania affiliation expectations
Maintain commitment to ChurchSafe standards and best practices
Support strategic and sustainable planning, ministry oversight and shared vision development
Encourage innovation while honouring the church's heritage and strengths




Application Requirements
Applicants will need to include the following sections in their application to be considered for shortlisting.
Cover Letter –
A short cover letter introducing yourself to the selection panel and outlining your:
Personal faith journey, and how you knew God was calling you to this role
Experience in biblical teaching and leadership
Collaborative leadership experience and team-building ability
Heart for discipleship, mission and community engagement
Response to Key Selection Criteria
Respond to each Key Selection Criteria by providing clear, practical examples that demonstrate your experience, approach and effectiveness in these areas of ministry.
Resume
Key Contact Details –Email address and mobile phone number
Theological Qualifications
Theological training appropriate for pastoral ministry Degree in Theology/Ministry desirable.
Endorsed Churches of Christ Vic/Tas credentials, or progressing towards endorsement
Pastoral Experience
Demonstrated pastoral leadership experience of three to five years, preferred
Experience leading teams and developing leaders
Commitment to ChurchSafe ministry practices
Links to Recent Sermons
Include at least 2 links to recent sermons you have preached (video or audio files)
Other Relevant Experience or Qualifications
Other relevant work experience and other relevant qualifications
Referee Details
Names and contact details of three referees and why you have selected these referees.
You may choose not to supply these contact details with your application, but they will need to be provided to the panel at the time of your interview, if you are shortlisted.
Start Date:
This will be negotiated with successful applicant, but preferably by start of Feb ****
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.
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📌 Position Available: Bendigo Church Of Christ | Senior Pastor (Victoria)
🏢 Churchesofchrist
📍 Victoria