Position Description and Person Specification State Minister

Position Aim: To provide high level spiritual, pastoral and visionary leadership across Churches of Christ in SA & NT Inc. (CoC SANT). To provide leadership of the State office team in achieving their strategic outcomes in operational, financial and administrative functions supporting the vision mission, and strategic plan for CoC SANT.

Role Title:                                State Minister
Position FTE:                       Full-time
Reports to:                             State Board through the Board Chair
Term:                                      5 years

Appointment Process:             Board recommendation, then Conference vote to ≥75% majority

Review:                                   Full review after the first 6 months then annually.

Salary:                                     State Board Recommended Salary for Ministers + 20%

1. Position Summary

The State Minister, in consultation with the State Board, establishes the vision, mission, ministry direction, and strategic plan for COCSANT. The State Minister provides spiritual and pastoral leadership to COCSANT.

The State Minister will:

  • Work collaboratively with the General Manager and the State Board to translate vision into a 5-year strategic plan, and oversee its implementation

  • Lead the State Office Team to support and enable vibrant and healthy churches across our Movement

  • Provide spiritual and pastoral leadership to the ministers and leaders in the organisation

  • Provide visionary systems-thinking to support and empower churches for the future, including planting new churches

  • Work with the State Office Team to source and provide training for current and emerging leaders for CoC SANT employees and church
    leaders

  • Positively represent CoC SANT to affiliated churches, the wider Churches of Christ network, ecumenical bodies, and the broader community.

2. Key Working Relationships

Internal

  • State Board

  • General Manager

  • State Office Team

  • Ministers and leaders of affiliated churches

External

  • Leaders of Christian Churches in SA

  • Council of Churches in Australia and its agencies (e.g. GMP, ACOM)

  • State Offices of other Churches of Christ jurisdictions

  • CoC SANT agencies (e.g. CareWorks SA, LifeCare)

  • Key community, government, and ecumenical partners

 

3. Key Responsibilities

3.1 Leadership

Main Activities:

  • In consultation with the State Board, establish the vision and mission for CoC SANT

  • As a key member of State Board, exercise vision, strategic governance, and due diligence that furthers the vision and mission of CoC SANT

  • Clearly articulate CoC SANT vision, mission and strategic matters to local churches to inspire hope, faith, unity and growth

  • Ensure the organisation and its identity is consistently represented and celebrated in the public arena, including to other churches, state conferences, other denominations and ecumenical bodies.

  • Provide spiritual, pastoral, missional, and strategic leadership to CoC SANT to promote vitality of faith across the churches and grow the Movement

  • Seek, lead, and foster strategic initiatives that strengthen the State Office Team and local churches

 

3.2 Communication & Relationships

  • Model Christ-centred leadership, demonstrating high ethical standards, humility and integrity

  • Demonstrate exemplary communication and negotiation skills, including responsive listening, conflict resolution practices, openness, transparency, and the ability to manage consultative processes inclusive of diverse groups

  • Demonstrate the capacity to connect with a diverse range of people including Board, staff, stakeholders, and local churches

  • Inspire trust and confidence within and outside the Movement

  • Serve as a passionate advocate for Churches of Christ, representing the movement’s values and perspectives in ecumenical, social, and community forums

 

3.3 Strategic Planning

  • Partner with the Board and General Manager to set, implement, and be accountable to the strategic plan

  • Monitor and report progress on vision, mission, strategic objectives and organisational health to the board and to the Movement

 

4. Delegated Authority

The State Minister operates within authority delegated by the State Board.

 

5. Competencies

Leadership & Influence

  • Ability to inspire and unite diverse and at times resistant stakeholders around a collaborative vision

  • Proven ability to lead organisational change and transformation, demonstrating wisdom and pastoral sensitivity in the process

  • Ability to make sound, timely decisions aligned with vision, mission and Christian values

  • Ability to lead calmly and wisely through seasons of uncertainty, conflict, or rapid change, maintaining unity and future mission focus

 

Strategic Capability

  • Think and plan long-term, anticipating future challenges and opportunities.

  • Build external relationships that advance the mission of CoC SANT

  • Mobilise resources to achieve strategic goals.

  • Strong governance and Board engagement skills.

  • Effective time management, delegation, and problem-solving skills

 

6. Qualifications and Experience

Essential

  • High level of commitment to, and understanding of, the Churches of Christ movement

  • Postgraduate ministry/theological qualifications

  • At least 10 years Christian Leadership experience, including pastoral ministry experience

  • Proven track record in leading a Christian faith- or mission-focused organisation

  • Experience in collaborative planning, team leadership, and organisational change that achieves agreed outcomes

  • Experience in supporting effective church governance

  • Proficiency in biblical & missiological reflection

 

Desirable

  • Qualifications in leadership, management, or related disciplines.

 

7. Attributes

  • Endorsed (or eligible for endorsement) as a Churches of Christ Minister and membership of, or willingness to join, a Churches of Christ congregation in South Australia.

  • Deep commitment to the values and diversity of theological practice within Churches of Christ

  • Spiritual maturity, prayerful, and biblically grounded

  • Demonstrates a commitment to personal discipleship, ongoing theological learning, and leadership development

  • Commitment to biblical Christian ethos, values, vision & mission

  • Ability to lead with a “non-anxious” presence, humble and courageous

  • Experience developing healthy/vibrant church culture

  • Relational, collaborative, and approachable

  • Resilient and adaptable in complex environments

  • Passionate about mission, evangelism, and church health

  • Committed to ecumenical and community engagement

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