About the Role

The First Third of Life Ministry Coordinator (FTLM) is a Lay Specified Ministry role within the Uniting Church in Australia. The FTLM Coordinator will work equally across both Bangalow Byron Bay and Alstonville Uniting Churches to facilitate, lead, and grow ministries for people in the first third of life. This includes leading the existing Growing Young groups, creating community connections, and developing new ministry programs aligned with local needs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Pastorally lead and coordinate the Growing Young groups at both congregations, facilitating collaboration, discipleship and shared learning.
• Develop and implement new ministry initiatives focused on engaging and discipling young people and families.
• Facilitate intergenerational and intercultural connections, exploring fresh expressions of church.
• Collaborate with both congregations' leadership and ministry agents to ensure strategic alignment and resource sharing.
• Organise family engagement events and community connection activities.
• Identify and respond to local community needs through faith-based programs and activities.
• Mentor and equip volunteers and church members for First Third of Life Ministry involvement.
• Maintain effective communication and reporting with both congregations and the Strategic Reference Group.
• Foster the development of potential young leaders.
• Following policy and procedures in relation to workplace health and safety
• Participating in maintaining a safe working environment for both yourself and others in the workplace
• Undertaking additional dues as directed

EVANGELISM OR SERVICE BEYOND A GATHERED CONGREGATION

• Explore ways of enhancing or implementing community outreach programs.
• Explore ways of better connecting and working with existing community groups beyond the church.
• Developing stronger connections with more local advertising and publicity.

IN ADDITION TO THOSE OUTLINED ABOVE, SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES ALSO INCLUDE:

• Reading and understanding the Basis of Union, and having a preparedness to work within the polity and ethos of the Uniting Church in Australia.
• Abide by the discipline processes as set out in the Constitution and Regulation of the Uniting Church and the Code of Ethics and Ministry Practice adopted by the National  Assembly as they relate to ministerial practice.
• Abide by the requirements of the Uniting Church Regulations in relation to the specified Ministry of Pastor.
• Having a genuine willingness to embrace challenges as they arise and to work flexibly in support of the overall key objectives of the Uniting Church in Australia
• Work within the guidelines of the Culture of Safety Unit/Synod Mission Services.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS
INTERNAL:

• Bangalow Byron Bay UC & Alstonville UC Growing Young Teams
• Ministers in Placement
• Strategic Reference Group
• Church Councils

EXTERNAL:

• Local Schools and Community Groups
• Synod Mission Services (UME and PULSE)
• Presbytery and Regional Partnership Representatives

KEY COMPETENCIES

• A strong personal Christian faith and commitment to the Uniting Church ethos.
• Proven ability to lead ministry iniatives and work collaboratively with teams.
• Experience working with children, youth, and families in faith-based contexts.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, including digital communication.
• Ability to develop creative and engaging faith programs.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• A qualification in ministry, theology, or a related eld.
• Eligible for commissioning as a Lay Pastor under the Uniting Church regulations.
• Successful Criminal History Records Check, Working with Vulnerable People Check, Working with Children Check and ‘in good standing with faith tradition’ requirement.
• Experience leading faith-based programs and working with diverse groups.
• Ability to work flexibly across multiple congregations.
• Driver's license.
• The right to work in Australia

NOTE: As this role involves pastoral dues, fringe benefits may be provided to the staff member where the person meets one of the following descriptions:

• Ordained as a minister or deacon (i.e. minister of religion); or
• A student at a theological college undertaking a course in order to become a minister of religion; or
• Listed on the Register of lay ministers of the Uniting Church and admitted/commissioned to hold authority on doctrine or religious practice.

For the full Position Description click here.

To Apply