Lead Pastor - Melbourne City

Lead, equip, guide, direct, develop and coach a team of leaders - staff and volunteers - in carrying out all aspects of the Melbourne City Congregation in fulfilment of the CityLife mission within the City of Melbourne and surrounding areas....

CityLife Church is seeking a dynamic, experienced church leader to carry the CityLife vision to the Melbourne City area. The Melbourne City congregation is a vibrant and growing congregation that is multicultural, multi-generational and hungry to grow and serve God.

The Lead Pastor is responsible to give vision, provide spiritual leadership and management to the staff team and Melbourne City congregation working in harmony with the overall leadership team of CityLife Church, led by the Senior Minister, to fulfil the mission of raising up fervent followers of Jesus Christ who will reach out and impact communities, cities and nations for the Kingdom of God.

The Lead Pastor will lead, equip, guide, direct, develop and coach a team of leaders - staff and volunteers - in carrying out all aspects of the Melbourne City Congregation in fulfilment of the CityLife mission within the City of Melbourne and surrounding areas.

The role is full-time, has a preaching component but can draw on the preaching talent rotated from other sites. It will suit a leader who loves getting results through others and is happy to learn from others and share knowledge and success. Regular travel to the central site in Wantirna South, and occasionally to other sites, is expected.

This successful candidate will see this role as a natural step in their spiritual journey and feel a strong calling to the role.

This role will commence in April 2026.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Working closely with the multisite leadership team representative (Lead Pastor Manningham) and Senior Minister, set the direction for the Melbourne City congregation, ensuring alignment with CityLife vision and values. This includes developing a strategic plan for Melbourne City in collaboration with the Senior Minister.
• Providing primary leadership to the Melbourne City staff, ministries, and congregation in pursuit of the vision and goals for the Melbourne City congregation within the context of the overall vision and goals for CityLife Church.
• Lead staff and key ministry leaders in monitoring the spiritual health and vitality of the Melbourne City congregation. Provide oversight, direction and development of all ministries
• Developing a strategic plan to address annual goals and deliver in key areas.
• Working closely with the Service Pastor to oversee the planning of engaging weekend services that reflect the CityLife culture of worship and teaching that aligns with planned series, major events, themed weekends, etc.
• Preaching/ teaching at Melbourne City weekend services on a regular basis and at other sites as required.

The successful candidate will have:

• Strong leadership, management and communication/teaching skills
• Proven years of experience and fruitfulness in ministry
• Theological or pastoral qualification(s)
• Staff motivation and supervision
• Demonstrated confidence in spiritual gifts and ministry
• Excellent verbal and written communication – including public speaking, weekend message construction and delivery and report writing
• Demonstrated gathering, recruiting, developing and motivating leaders

To apply, please review the detailed Position Description and forward your resume (please include links to sermons you have delivered) and cover letter to Justine Fung via the 'Apply to this Job' button below.

Please note that we are only able to accept applications from those who have Australian citizenship, Australian Permanent Residency, or a current visa with full working rights for Australia.

Applications close 19 December 2025. Interviews may commence prior to the closing date, and an appointment may be made prior to the closing date if a suitable applicant is found.

Child Safety Commitment

CityLife Church is committed to the safety, protection and wellbeing of all children and young people across all our congregations and worksites. CityLife Church has implemented a range of child safety measures including a Child Protection Policy and Code of Conduct. We advise applicants that CityLife’s standards of rigorous screening and ongoing supervision/accountability reflect this commitment. Our staff and volunteers are required to have a current Working with Children Check and undergo Police Checks where applicable. A copy of CityLife’s Child Protection Policy and Code of Conduct are available on request.