Canadian Shield and Shining Waters Regional Councils are seeking an individual to fill the role of Faith Formation Minister on a Permanent Full-time basis (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 Canadian Shield Regional Council (CSRC) and Shining Waters Regional (SWRC) are composed of all ministry personnel within their 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. They support congregations and communities of faith, and numerous other ministries including camps, youth and young adult work, leadership development and new ministry initiatives. They focus on providing services that assist church personnel and maintain good relationships between congregations and personnel. They also provide staff, finances, advice, advocacy, and program resources to ministries to enhance their work, and support the work of General Council.

Position Purpose:

The Faith Formation Minister is part of the staff team supporting Canadian Shield Regional Council (30%) and Shining Waters Regional Council (70%).  They assist each region in living out its mission through giving support to the region and communities of faith in the areas of faith formation, intergenerational and youth and young adults’ ministry, and camping ministries.  They act as a liaison between the Regions and the General Council in the areas of work outlined above.

Primary Areas of Responsibility 

First Third Ministry (Children, Youth, and Young Adults) – 30%

• Develop, support, and lead gatherings, programs, and events that create safe, affirming, and authentic spaces for children, youth, and young adults.
• Foster leadership development opportunities for youth and young adults through mentorship, regional and national engagement, and justice-focused initiatives.
• Build relationships and collaboration among congregations, campus ministries, and regional and national faith formation partners.
• Support participation in national youth and young adult programs, councils, and events.
• Strengthen engagement and leadership opportunities for Indigenous and racialized youth within the regions.
• Manage the Faith Formation budget, including grants and funding opportunities for youth and young adult initiatives.

Intergenerational Ministry – 25%

• Support regional committees in implementing strategic priorities for intergenerational ministry in alignment with regional and national church objectives.
• Develop and implement initiatives that encourage faith formation and meaningful engagement across all generations.
• Promote programs that strengthen community, belonging, and shared faith experiences.
• Provide resources, guidance, and best practices to support volunteer recruitment, screening, training, and care for ministries serving vulnerable populations.

Faith Formation with Adults – 15%

• Create and support opportunities for adults to engage in community building, spiritual growth, and faith formation.
• Collaborate with learning communities, ministry networks, and organizations to promote educational programs and events.
• Support and encourage Licensed Lay Worship Leaders (LLWLs) through networking, education, mentoring, and resource development.
• Resource regional committees and teams responsible for worship leadership and faith formation.

Communications – 10%

• Develop and implement communication strategies that effectively engage families, youth, young adults, and faith communities.
• Utilize digital platforms, social media, and other communication channels to increase awareness of regional and national programs, events, and opportunities.
• Collaborate with regional and national communications teams to ensure consistent and effective messaging.

Consultation and Support for Communities of Faith – 10%

• Partner with Communities of Faith to understand local needs and strengthen ministries for children, youth, young adults, adults, and intergenerational groups.
• Curate, develop, and share faith formation resources aligned with the theological framework and priorities of The United Church of Canada.
• Support worship planning and resource access, including alternative liturgical approaches, copyright guidance, and connections for music ministry leaders.
• Equip Communities of Faith with tools and resources that foster inclusive, affirming, and anti-racist ministry practices.

Camping Ministries – 10%

• Support United Church camps in delivering faith formation programming that promotes spiritual growth while respecting diverse faith experiences.
• Coordinate camp accreditation processes to ensure compliance with governance, programming, theological, and health and safety standards.
• Strengthen relationships between camps and congregations by encouraging collaboration and ongoing engagement.
• Promote regional camping initiatives, including Camping Sunday, and support congregations in welcoming and connecting with campers and their families following camp experiences.

Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, education, experience and ability required.

• University degree, theological degree preferred, with 3-5 years 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;
• Solid computer skills in the use of various software applications - Office 365, Dynamics, SharePoint, One Drive, Teams, Zoom, with the knowledge of and ability to use various forms of digital communications and social media platforms;
• 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;
• Ability to articulate the link between faith and ministry practice and to reflect theologically and interculturally;
• Strong administration, time management, planning, organization, facilitation and implementation skills;
• Good judgement, discernment and analysis skills as responsibilities can be difficult and complex and recommendations can have long-lasting effects; 
• Ability to manage a wide range of administrative responsibilities, including the development and management of financial budgets;
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively and collegially with other members of the staff team and with volunteers;
• Willingness and ability to travel throughout the region; and Language skills in addition to English are 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, tact, discretion, resourcefulness, and creativity in problem solving; and 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.

The United Church of Canada has adopted a hybrid workplace model and thus providing flexibility for this position. The incumbent will work from both remotely and from the Regional Council Office. Sitting and viewing a computer screen for long periods, keyboarding/using voice recognition software, intermittent physical activity including sitting, standing and being on the phone for long periods of time will be required. Occasional evening and weekend work will be required.

Compensation

The target hiring range for this position is $71,004 to $80,924. with the ability to progress to a maximum of $94,672. This is based on category 7 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. Pension and group benefit plans coverage and annual vacation round out this compensation package

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:  October 7, 2026

JOB CODE: 64