Experienced Pastor

'Provide overall spiritual leadership and direction for Armidale District Baptist Church. You will work closely with the Eldership and Diaconate to help the church apply its vision. We are seeking someone of Godly character with a strong heart for pastoral care in our diverse and multicultural community'.....

Armidale District Baptist Church (ADBC) is a regional church, situated in the pleasant city of Armidale on the Northern Tablelands of NSW. We are a church with a passion to authentically follow Jesus Christ and are predominantly conservative evangelical in our theology.

The city has a population of around 25,000 and is well-serviced in terms of education and health needs. The University of New England (UNE) is the largest employer, and the city has a diverse cultural mix, partly due to international students and a targeted refugee resettlement program.

Our heart as a church is revealed in our Vision Statement: “We are a church bringing God’s hope and love to the Armidale District through practical caring and helping people grow in relationship with Jesus Christ.”

We are a church family with a diverse team of lay leaders and preachers (both women and men). Our ministries include weekly Life Groups, Girl’s Brigade, Kids Church, and a Craft Group. In the latter half of 2025, we have joyously welcomed over 90 Congolese refugees into our fellowship. This sudden and significant growth presents both a wonderful opportunity and a considerable challenge as we seek to support this new community.

The Role:

The Pastor will provide overall spiritual leadership and direction for Armidale District Baptist Church. They will work closely with the Eldership and Diaconate to help the church apply its vision. We are seeking someone of Godly character with a strong heart for pastoral care in our diverse and multicultural community, who can motivate and lead the congregation in discipleship and evangelism. Full details of the position and our church ministries can be found in the Pastor and Church Profile.

Apply with a CV & cover letter via the 'Apply to this Job' button below.

Questions Contact: Malcolm McPhee on 0448921100

Pastor Profile

Armidale District Baptist Church (ADBC) is seeking someone of Godly character and convictions who will lead our church to grow in the love and knowledge of God and help us to share this with others in fulfilment of our vision statement – “We are a church bringing God’s hope and love to the Armidale District through practical caring and helping people grow in relationship with Jesus Christ”.

The Pastor should be able to demonstrate the following essential selection criteria (listed in no particular order):

• The central role of prayer, both in your personal life and in the life of a church in which you have ministered
• Reliance on the Holy Spirit to lead and direct
• A heart for pastoral care in a diverse and multicultural church community
• Leadership decisions you have initiated resulting in growth in faith and godliness
• · Theological training or equivalent experience suited to leading a congregation affiliated with the NSW Baptist Association
• · A developed ministry philosophy that arises from a Biblical theological position
• · How you have motivated and led congregations in discipleship and evangelism
• The ability to interpret and communicate practical faith for a congregation through preaching and Biblical exposition

In your submission, please share about your ministry philosophy, stating priorities and methods in ministry, as well as how your theology informs practice.

If shortlisted the candidate will be asked to provide a sermon/link before interview.

If married, role of spouse:

It is ADBC’s desire that the pastor's spouse is not to be seen as the church's employee. They should have freedom to choose the ways they are involved in the life and ministry of the church, in line with their gifts and in a way that won't overburden them. Regardless of how they become involved, the expectation is that they are supportive of their spouse's choice to be, and role as, a pastor and are willing to be involved in church life and community.

What financial support the church is offering the new pastor:

The position is a full-time position paid at the rate recommended by the Baptist Association of NSW/ACT, including all required superannuation provisions.

Pastor’s Housing: The church does not own a manse but rents a home for the Pastor or provides a Housing Allowance if the Pastor buys a home in the area.

Leave arrangements:

Pastor’s days off each week are to be negotiated.

Annual leave is as per recommendations (Total of 4 weeks).

Benefits or reimbursement of pastoral expenses:

As per recommendations of the Baptist Association of NSW/ACT ministry costs.

Church profile is available upon request.