Community Chaplain

About Us: Anglicare Sydney is a leading and highly regarded community NFP organisation in Australia.
Our vision is to see Jesus Christ honoured, lives enriched and communities strengthened.
To achieve this, we are looking to attract the most capable and mission aligned people to join us.
For over 160 years Anglicare has been serving people in need- providing care to older people and services to the vulnerable.
We began because of people who saw a need in the community and who were compelled to make a difference.
People motivated by Christian love and a passion to serve.
If this describes you, we would love to invite you to join us
The Community Chaplain is an Anglicare initiative.
This Maximum Term part-time, 3 days per week (22.8 hrs) position is a two-year contract ( with an option to renew ).
About the role: CONTEXT / CHURCH VISION: Chester Hill and Villawood host a highly diverse and socio-economically disadvantaged population.
The socio-economic challenges include a median weekly household income far below the Sydney average and a high proportion of social housing.
Cultural diversity is significant, with 67% of Chester Hill residents and 77% of Villawood residents speaking a language other than English at home.
These factors present both challenges and opportunities for gospel outreach.
The Chester Hill Anglican Church congregations reflect this diversity, with members from over 40 cultural backgrounds and a strong willingness to welcome the wider community.
The church has developed connections, particularly with the Kenyan migrant community and migrant mothers with young children and aims to deepen these relationships through a dedicated Community Chaplain.
Our Vision is to see communities from every nation, tribe, people and language transformed by Jesus to the glory of God.
This role, in line with Anglicare's vision, seeks to provide 'Help for today and Hope for tomorrow'.
The Community Chaplain will focus on gospel-centred care and practical support for marginalized community members.
Working with the Rector, the chaplain will build relationships, facilitate partnerships with Anglicare and other services, and create opportunities for gospel ministry in Chester Hill, Villawood and the surrounding suburbs.
This role is outward-focused, engaging with the community outside the church.
It will have particular (not exclusive) focus on Kenyan migrants and migrant mothers of other nationalities who have a range of challenges as they integrate into Australia.
Where possible, the chaplain will utilise existing outwardly focussed ministries at Chester Hill Anglican Church and help the congregation grow in its ability to welcome and care for these groups.
Key responsibilities, not limited to: Build relationships within the Kenyan migrant community and among other migrant mothers, listening and seeking to understand their challenges, providing pastoral care, love and practical support.
Initially attend the weekly play group, and weekly Kenyan fellowship gatherings to build relationships and understand the context, cultures and challenges faced.
Together with church members develop other initiatives such as community picnics, visitation, 1:1 meetings etc as contexts for creating connection, opportunities for care and Gospel friendship.
Equip church members to effectively partner with the ministries the chaplain is involved in.
Work with current leaders in training from the target communities, equipping them to teach out to their own communities in a meaningful way.
Help shape current evangelistic ministries (e.g.
Christianity explained, play group, evangelistic bible studies, door knocking), to make them more effective in reaching these marginalized groups.
Work with church leadership to create a welcoming, multicultural community culture both during the Sunday church services and during the fellowship time following the service Collaborate with Anglicare and other agencies to enhance community access to support services.
As the need arises, facilitate programs such as new migrant orientation, parenting courses, financial counselling etc.
Attend staff meetings and meet regularly with the Rector.
Must be willing to attend Chester Hill Anglican Church.
Under the Community Chaplaincy Manager, participate in Community Chaplaincy team meetings, retreat as may be required.
About you: Character A humble, teachable, diligent, trustworthy and servant hearted leader.
Someone who is creative, innovative, and able to implement ideas.
Skilled at assessing interpersonal dynamics Someone who loves other cultures and is eager to learn from them.
You must currently hold or be willing to obtain a Working with Children Check clearance to be considered for the position.
Convictions Have theological convictions that are reformed and evangelical.
Willing to respect the values, aims, and beliefs of Anglicare and the Anglican Diocese of Sydney.
Have a philosophy of ministry that is gospel-centred, Bible based, and relationally focused.
Has a heart for all-ages and cultures and intergenerational ministry and mission.
Competency Has a sound theological understanding and ability to communicate the gospel, especially cross culturally.
Have, or be working toward, theological qualifications from a Reformed, Evangelical bible college.
Demonstrated competency and experience in pastoral ministry with a range of individuals and cultures.
Have completed, or be willing to undertake, pastoral care training with Anglicare.
Demonstrated ability to work well in a team context, including recruiting, equipping and leading volunteers in ministry.
Excellent leadership, communication, relational, and administrative skills.
Anglicare Requirements & Support Attend regular professional supervision sessions provided by Anglicare Attend Anglicare professional development days Complete mandatory Anglicare training modules on Cornerstone Monthly meeting/phone call with the Community Chaplaincy Manager Quarterly meetings with other Anglicare Community Chaplains Attend annual Anglicare Chaplaincy Day Provide a quarterly written report to Anglicare Supervisor and Chester Hill Anglican Parish Council.
For more information about the position contact the Rev.
Paul Webb, Chester Hill Anglican: ****** Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are encouraged to apply Anglicare - Jesus Christ honoured, lives enriched, and communities strengthened Anglicare is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children and young people and has zero tolerance of child abuse.
Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as applications may be reviewed prior to the closing date; Closing date is subject to change without notice.
Application Close Date: January 06, 2025