Position Available: Encounter (Sunbury) | Senior Minister
* March 24, 2026
Who is Encounter?
Encounter is a local church in Sunbury, Victoria. We are a small but committed church community with approximately 40 regular members and attendees who are enthusiastic in worship and give generously with both time and tithe. Our ministries currently include: Sunday worship services that feature creative arts, testimonies and the most recent contemporary worship songs, regular prayer gatherings, well‐attended weekday connect groups, and children's ministry. The church is led by a Board and Eldership, and the various ministries are run by passionate and active volunteers.
We are affiliated with the Churches of Christ in Victoria and Tasmania and believe and practise all the foundational Christian doctrines.
* We are Bible‐believing and Spirit‐led in our Church community life and worship.
* We believe in the power of regular prayer, both personal and corporate, to bring about God's Kingdom on earth.
* We believe incollaborative leadershipwith accountable decision making.
* We believe in a disciple‐making process through life‐relevant teaching and training, to equip, nurture and release believers.
* We have a strong evangelistic heart for the greater community, and welcome people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life.
We are seeking a pastor whocan shepherd our existing congregation while helpingus grow in spiritual maturity, deepen our discipleship, and reach the growing Sunbury community with the message of Jesus Christ.
Where is Encounter?
Sunbury is situated38km northwest of Melbourneat the foot of the Macedon Ranges, surrounded by a green belt, with vineyards, undulating hills and valleys, and Jackson's Creek winding through beautiful parklands. We have a rich Indigenous history prior to English‐speaking colonisation beginning in the 1850s. The first cricket match between Australia and England on Australian soil was played in Sunbury, at the Rupertswood Estate, during the 1882‐83 England tour series, giving rise to the traditional rivalry that we now know as the 'Ashes'.
Once a rural township, Sunbury is now rapidly growing as part of Melbourne's metropolitan expansion.Many enjoy living here because it has easy access to both country and city lifestyles and locations. Sunbury is the terminus of the metropolitan train line,but on the country line to Bendigo and beyond.
The population is currently over 40,000 and projected to reach over 70,000 by 2036. Many young families are moving into new housing estates, creating significant opportunities for community engagement and outreach.
Educationally, Sunbury is well serviced with 10 primary schools, 2 government secondary schools and 2 Prep to Year 12 schools covering state, private and catholic education, including a Christian school.
Sunbury has an active network of churches who work together through the Sunbury Ministers' Fellowship and the Sunbury Combined Churches to facilitate community events such as Carols at Rupertswood and a Good Friday service.
Who are we looking for?
A Pastor who:
* Understands that all ministry is under the headship of Jesus and recognises the need for humility, servant‐hearted leadership, and active accountability within the church.
* Is dependent on the Holy Spirit's guidance in worship, prayer, the arts, and direction for ministry.
* Demonstrates deep love for Christ and commitment to Scripture.
* Has a vision for Kingdom growth, incorporating spiritual maturity, community engagement, andmissions.
* Values team ministry and collaboration and can facilitate and oversee teamwork within the church in governance, worship services, pastoral care, administrative operations, leadership training, and children, youth, and connect group ministries.
* Can disciple people and coordinate equipping them in their area of spiritual giftedness.
* Has a heart for evangelism and can actively encourage community outreach and relationships, via planned programs and intentional, informal relationships that further the communication of the gospel grace.
* Is relational and approachable.
Position Description
Position:
* Permanent 4 or 5 days per week, to be discussed with short‐listed applicants.
* Maintain monthly supervision sessions (through CCVT).
* Model and communicate the Good News of Jesus Christ, fostering a community of love, healing, and reconciliation
* Oversee engaging worship experiences for the congregation, preaching and teaching God's Word
* Encourage a culture of Bible study, prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit
* Practise Christian ministry within the church and local community
Pastoral Care
* Provide pastoral counselling as needed
* Care for the sick and infirm, including hospital visitation
* Officiate at baptisms, weddings and funerals
Leadership Development
* Disciple and equip members to develop and use their spiritual gifts
* Develop and mentor ministry leaders, providing advice and resources
* Motivate members to be active in all aspects of church life
Governance and Administration
* Work collaboratively with the Board and Eldership
* Demonstrate an understanding of responsibilities relating to finance, compliance issues, Occupational Health & Safety, Child Safety and Safe Churches
* Provide oversight of administrative and operational aspects of church life.
Community Engagement and Mission
* Encourage outreach and evangelism in the local community
* Build relationships with other churches and local ministry leaders
* Develop and implement initiatives to grow the church numerically by engaging with the local community
Note: It is expected the successful applicant will relocate to Sunbury within three months of appointment.
Applications
Interested Applicants should contact the CCVT Communities Team Leader Michael Vanderree at mvanderree@churchesofchrist.org.au along with their resume and any other relevant information. Applications close on 31 May 2026.
#J-18808-Ljbffr