Lead Pastor

Job Description

Provide spiritual leadership, pastoral care and strategic direction for our growing church community....

Southeastern Melbourne, Victoria | Full-Time

A leadership opportunity to serve, shepherd and shape a vibrant Pentecostal church community.

We are seeking a Spirit-filled, visionary and biblically grounded Lead Pastor to provide spiritual leadership, pastoral care and strategic direction for our growing church community. This is an opportunity for an experienced ministry leader who is passionate about Jesus, committed to the authority of Scripture, aligned with Pentecostal theology and worship, and equipped to lead people and organisations with wisdom, humility and vision.

The Opportunity

The Lead Pastor will have overall responsibility for shepherding and teaching the church community, providing theological and spiritual direction, developing leaders, and helping shape the future vision and mission of the church.

Working closely with the Senior Pastor, Executive Pastor and pastoral and administrative teams, the Lead Pastor will contribute to the spiritual, organisational and strategic leadership of the church.

For an initial season, the successful candidate will work under the supervision and mentorship of the current Senior Pastor, providing a supportive transition into the role and an opportunity to understand the church's culture, mission and leadership environment.

The successful candidate in this role may be in a position for future leadership roles within the church depending on God’s calling.

Key Areas of Leadership

  • Vision & Strategy — Cast and communicate an overarching vision and strategic direction for the church.
  • Spiritual Leadership — Provide mature, Spirit-led leadership and guidance to the congregation and ministry leaders.
  • Biblical Teaching & Preaching — Faithfully teach and preach the Word of God and provide theological direction.
  • Pastoral Care — Shepherd the congregation and foster spiritual growth, discipleship and healthy community.
  • Leadership Development — Mentor and develop pastors, ministry leaders and other staff.
  • Governance — Participate actively in church governance, policy development, doctrinal matters and organisational decision-making.
  • Financial Stewardship — Provide leadership and input into organisational budgeting, financial stewardship and financial decision-making.
  • Organisational Leadership — Contribute to effective management of church staff, resources, systems and broader organisational strategy.
  • Worship & Church Life — Lead and participate in Sunday worship services and other significant church gatherings.
  • Connect Group Care – Oversee the home-based connect groups and other related ministries to reach the community.

What you bring

We are looking for a leader who demonstrates:

  • A mature Christian faith and a vibrant, growing relationship with Jesus that shapes both character and leadership.
  • Strong alignment with our Pentecostal theology, values and worship culture.
  • A lifestyle and character consistent with the biblical standards outlined in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1.
  • At least 7 years of ministry experience, ideally with at least 3 years as an Associate Pastor or the equivalent of an Executive Pastor.
  • Official endorsement or ordination by a church or a denomination.
  • A relevant theological qualification (preferably a Master of Divinity or bachelor’s degree in biblical studies or theology).
  • Experience leading and developing church staff and ministry teams.
  • Demonstrated experience managing organisational budgets and exercising sound financial stewardship.
  • Ability to minister to a multi-ethnic, multi-generational congregation.

Hours and Availability

Full-time (5 days / 38 hours per week), including Sunday on-site presence and evening meetings or Saturday, from time to time when required.

Please note that we are only able to accept applications from those who have Australian citizenship or Australian Permanent Residency.

How to Apply

Please submit:

  • Your CV with at least 3-character references and 3 ministry related references
  • A brief cover letter outlining your faith, experience, and addressing the Key Selection Criteria’s below, including a brief description of how you are led to the believe that you are called to this position:

Key Selection Criteria

  • Mature Christian faith, active relationship with Jesus, and alignment with Pentecostal theology
  • At least 7 years of ministry experience, ideally with at least 3 years as an Associate Pastor or the equivalent of an Executive Pastor.
  • People skills
  • Excellent organisational & spiritual leadership.
  • Excellent Communication skills both at a personal level and a public level.
  • Visionary
  • Lifestyle and character as referred in 1 Tim. 3 & Titus 1.

Do Applicants need to have Permission to work in Australia?

Yes