Community of Faith & Pastoral Relations Support (Term Contract)

Shining Waters Regional Council is seeking an individual to fill the role of Community of Faith and Pastoral Relations Support on a two-year term (35 hours/week).

This position represents a current, active vacancy within our organization. For all applications received through The United Church of Canada’s Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and all publicly advertised positions, AI might be used to support certain applicant evaluations. However, all applications are manually reviewed by our hiring team to ensure a fair and thorough evaluation of all candidates. All decisions are made solely by the hiring team.

The Shining Waters Regional Council is composed of all ministry personnel within its geographic bounds, ministers of denominations within mutual recognition agreements while under appointment or call, and lay members elected by the communities of faith, respecting the balance of lay and ministry personnel where possible. The Regional Council supports 172 congregations and communities of faith, and numerous other ministries including camps, youth and young adult work, leadership development and new ministry initiatives. We focus on providing services that assist church personnel in maintaining good relationships between congregations and personnel. We also provide staff, property and financial advice, and advocacy support to communities of faith to enhance their work. The Shining Waters Regional Council also supports the work of General Council and General Council priorities. The Shining Waters Regional Council Mission statement: Encouraging and Connecting Communities of Faith.

Position Purpose:

Reporting to the Staff Lead and Support to Communities of Faith (CofF), the Community of Faith and Pastoral Relations Support Minister assists in building the capacity of communities of faith to engage in ministry and mission. The incumbent nurtures the relationship between the regional council and communities of faith by providing support and resources. They also provide transitional support, encourage visioning, and support Ministry personnel, with a primary focus on the quarter of Shining Waters Regional Council, south of the 407 and east.

Primary Areas of Responsibility

1. Community of Faith Support (50%):

• Provide support and advice to communities of faith: in their discernment of ministry options including but not limited to innovative ministries, ministry sharing and transitional ministry; dealing with an emergency such as flood, fire, or other tragedies; support emerging communities of faith; assist in fulfilling the requirements of a pastoral charge review (The Manual 2025 Section J8) and dealing with congregational property;

• Resource CofF and Identify their need for and work of an interim ministry; articulation of their call and ministry, and the completion of their profiles describing the same; in the faithful reporting and use of their assets within regional policies; during changes in the life cycle: pastoral charge realignment, amalgamation, disbanding; on local governance requirements and best practices for improved congregational health and vitality, including early intervention where governance practices are leading to conflict; and, foster compliance with both church and government requirements;

• Assist the region with oversight of communities of faith; to support communities of faith without regularly called or appointed ministers; and work collaboratively with the other regional staff along with the Stewardship and Gifts Officer to integrate the work of these portfolios whenever possible.

2. Pastoral Relations Support (50%):

In partnership with current Pastoral Relations Ministers and Community of Faith and Pastoral Relations Support Ministers:

• provide support to ministry personnel or refer ministry personnel to the Office of Vocation; 

• support ministry personnel toward health, joy, and excellence in ministry;

• support in conflict resolution; pastoral relationships policy; and resources for transition times; sick leaves. transitional Ministry;

• work in partnership with the Office of Vocation and serve as staff resource to regional structures focused on this portfolio, including the Intention Interim Ministry Committee and the Pastoral Relations Commission.

Qualifications:

• Four years post-secondary education and preferably with a theological degree from an accredited university with 3-5 years of related experience
• Knowledge of life and work of The United Church of Canada or experience working in a similar faith community is an asset;
• Ability to develop strong working relationships working collaboratively within a diverse intercultural community with cultural sensitivity and awareness;
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate with others in a respectful and sensitive manner and articulate concisely and clearly;
• Good judgement, discernment and analysis skills as responsibilities can be difficult and complex and recommendations can have long-lasting effects; openness to consulting with other supervisor when no clear advice available;
• Ability to articulate the link between faith and ministry practice and to reflect theologically and interculturally;
• Strong administration, time management, planning, organizational, and implementation skills;
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively and collegially with other members of the staff team and with volunteers;
• Solid computer skills in the use of various software applications - Office 365, Dynamics, SharePoint, One Drive, Teams, Zoom, and other social media and online platforms;
• Willingness and ability to travel throughout the region.
• Ability to speak a language other an English is an asset.
• Alignment with the vision and values of The United Church of Canada – respect, integrity, passion and diversity;
• Motivated self-starter capable of identifying needs; Initiative, good judgment, tact, discretion, resourcefulness, and creativity in problem solving;
• Recognition of personal and professional boundaries.

As part of our ongoing commitment to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Human Rights Code, The United Church of Canada will provide reasonable accommodations to employees with human-rights related needs.

Working Conditions

The United Church of Canada has adopted a hybrid workplace model, providing flexibility for this position, working both off-site and from the Shining Water Regional Council Office. The incumbent will be provided, for work purposes, use of secure devices and must be available by email, phone, teams or zoom during regular office hours Monday to Friday. Sitting and viewing a computer screen for long periods, keyboarding/using assistive devices or software, intermittent physical activity including sitting, standing and being on the phone for long periods of time. Occasional additional hours may be required and travel, with the approval of the supervisor, will be required at times.

Compensation

The target hiring range for this position is $79,455.46 to $90,556.25. This is based on category 8 on our salary range. Placement on the salary range will be based on factors such as internal equity, candidate experience skills and qualifications relevant to the role.

The United Church of Canada is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants, including those with disabilities. If you are contacted regarding a job opportunity, please advise us of your accommodation needs at that time.

Closing Date for Applications: September 13, 2026