Children and Family Minister
Wagga Anglican is a Christian community that is seeking to grow and reach out to the expanding and diverse Regional City of Wagga Wagga. Wagga is the biggest inland City in NSW with a population of 70,000 people and is growing at a rate of 2% a year. Wagga Anglican is committed to mission and is looking to employ a Children’s and Families minister, either lay or ordained. We are an inclusive parish with no preference in regard to gender. We are looking for someone who is call by God to this key ministry. Please visit www.waggaanglican.org.au for further information on the parish.
This is an exciting new and key ministry with many opportunities for someone called to serve in this city. The person will report directly to the Rector of the Parish. The position is for an initial two-year period with possible options at the end of the contracted time.
Description of Ministry:
This position has two parts: half time in our preschools and half time in evangelism and outreach with young families in the wider community.
To minister part-time (half a week) as Anglican Chaplain to the children, parents and staff of our two Anglican preschools – St Luke’s with 59 children each day and St Mary’s with 30 children each day, and 24 staff across both sites. In this work the chaplain comes under the direction of the Preschools Manager. Christian ministry and mission in our preschools is at the centre of what we do at Wagga Anglican. The chaplain’s role is to reach out in a sensitive and an appropriate manner to this community, working with the children, sharing the message of the Gospel, as part of the preschool program. Pastoral care for the children, staff and parents is of high importance.
There are many opportunities for mission and evangelism in this context. The preferred candidate for this ministry will have the ability to contextualise the Gospel in this setting, be a person who can work in a team environment and minister in a pastoral and sensitive way.
The second part of this ministry (half a week) is to reach out to young families and children in the parish.
It is our desire to grow the existing 4pm Sunday family service, developing a children’s program in the context of that service and to minister to the young families who attend.
Wagga Anglican conduct between 40 and 60 Infant Baptisms each year, and we operate a playgroup two days a week. There is great need to follow up with these families, bringing them to the life and Gospel of Jesus and our worship and fellowship.
The Riverina Anglican College – primary and secondary education – lies within the parish, and we hope to strengthen our partnership with them through collaboration with the College chaplain and Confirmation. Being flexible in taking opportunities as they arise, to reach out and pastorally care for the college community.
Selection Criteria:
Essential:
- A committed Christian from the Anglican tradition, or willing to commit
- Formal theological training with a recognised college or school
- Deemed qualified and able to be licenced by the Bishop for this ministry
- A background in education or has gifts and abilities (experience) working with children
- A NSW Working with Children Check and a Safe Ministry Training
- Ability to work unsupervised with enthusiasm and passion for this mission
- Committed member of team ministry
- Flexible in working across formal and less formal church settings
- Excellent organisation and communication skills
Desirable:
- Outgoing and at ease with all ages
- Enjoys entertaining and connecting
- Involved in the life of community
- Experience in regional settings
Applications are to be emailed to office@waggaanglican.org.au