Ministry Position Description for Oliver United Church

Position Description

Position Title: Half-time Minister for Oliver United Church

Closing Date: November 30, 2026

Position Profile

Start Date: February 1, 2027

The Ministry Position is a half-time position comprising 20 hours a week approved by both the Council and Congregation. The suggested expectations are stated below. The position will commence February 1, 2027.

Position Summary:

Our Community of Faith requires a worship leader who will fulfill the spiritual and pastoral care needs of our congregation. We need a minister who is skilled at adapting to change and who could encourage and challenge the congregation to explore new and different outreach and community service activities. Sunday services delivering meaningful sermons which interpret the scriptures for today are still the main need of our congregants.

The Oliver United Church congregation celebrates the Spirit-led connection with St. Edward the Confessor Anglican Church and the Pacific Mountain Regional Council of the United Church of Canada. This is a joy and a blessing.

Work ahead will involve supporting the congregation as they engage in ministry in a shared space that is new to them while grieving the loss of their historic building that has been home for over 100 years. Oliver United Church is seeking the best way to enter its new relationship with St. Edward's, and life in a new Church building. It may take a year or two to “live into” this new relationship.

Experience in supporting and providing pastoral care to congregation members who are managing change in their lives.

Worship: 8 hrs/week

The minister will lead and enable the exploration and celebration of God's presence through preaching, liturgy, prayer, music in person services every other week and special service to be arranged. Encouraging lay participation in worship services will be important. Familiarity with ecumenical worship and polity would be a significant asset.

Work with the jet (Joint Exploration Team) to set the pattern of worship – initially proposed as alternating between Anglican and United, Sunday by Sunday. The minister will work with the lay leaders of Oliver U.C and the leadership of St. Edward the Confessor Anglican Church as to the set schedule. Coordinating with both church leaders to plan for any months where five Sundays occur.

Work collaboratively with the experienced audio-visual tech for the sermons and worship slides. Work in cooperation with the music ministry team.

Pastoral Care: 5 hrs/week

The minister will aid those needing help with change and/or crisis situations and support in times of bereavement. The minister will conduct funeral and memorial services. The minister will develop and encourage the congregation in training lay volunteers to further their commitment to the Pastoral Care Committee and to initiate or strengthen their Prayer Circles in the future.

Administration/Leadership: 4 hrs/week

The minister will attend all meetings of the Council and display a strong interest in and ability to connect and work closely with office staff and various committees. The minister will lead cooperative worship planning that includes the worship committee and music leader.

Develop, encourage and engage in professional development learning and activities for the Council and Committees. The minister will motivate and support leadership from within the congregation.

The minister has set office hours, currently they are 10 A.M to 12 noon on Tuesdays or Thursdays. This will be discussed and determined with the minister. The congregation is eager to see more of the minister in the community, and perhaps mid-week gatherings. Basic computer skills with word and excel would be an asset. These hours are flexible as the need arises.

Faith Formation and Christian Education: 3 hrs/ week

The minister will be able to organize Christian studies for the adults. The minister will perform baptisms and weddings according to the policy of the congregation.