Vocation Minister Standards and Accountability
The Theology and Ministry Leadership (TML) Unit is seeking an individual to fill the role of Vocational Minister Standards and Accountability on a full-time basis (35 hours per week). The anticipated start date for this position is June 1, 2026.
The Theology and Ministry Leadership Unit brings together all the pieces relating to leadership, taking seriously the understanding of the ministry of the whole people of God. The unit includes the Office of Vocation, which is responsible for the assessment, candidacy, Admissions, and accreditation of ministry personnel, the standards of practice and ongoing oversight and, when necessary, discipline, of ministry personnel, and Pastoral Relations. The unit also includes Member Engagement (including nominations for national committees, boards, and task groups), the work of the Theology and Inter-Church Inter-Faith Committee (TICIF), and United Church theological schools.
Position Purpose
The Vocational Minister Standards and Accountability is responsible for the fulfillment of continuing education standards, and the formal processes for oversight and discipline of accredited ministry personnel in their assigned region(s). This position works across five Ontario regional councils of the United Church: Shining Waters, Canadian Shield, Horseshoe Falls, Western Ontario Waterways and Antler River Watershed. They are a resource to other Vocational Ministers in the areas of standards and accountability.
Primary Areas of Responsibility
1. Standards and Accreditation for Ministry Personnel (20%): Support the fulfillment of compliance with denominational requirements for accredited ministry personnel; Follow up on issues of non-compliance of standards and denominational requirements, like mandatory training and annual declarations; Support the fulfillment of continuing education standards; Provide staff support to the Standards Committee of the Board of Vocation; and Provide expertise to resource ministry personnel issues, and co-ordinate with regional council staff as invited.
2. Creating Safe and Respectful Environments Policy and Procedures (20%): Ensure any formal complaint about ministry personnel under the Creating Safe and Respectful Environments Policy goes to the relevant Office of Vocation Program Coordinator, participate in any administrative leave conversations and be the local resource for the ministry personnel; Resource formal complaints procedures to ensure that they are carried out in a consistent, just and equitable manner across the church; and Work with ministry personnel when remedial work is required.
3. Effectiveness of Ministry Personnel (20%): Ensure any formal complaint about effectiveness of ministry personnel goes to the relevant Office of Vocation Program Coordinator, participate in any administrative leave conversations and be the local resource for the ministry personnel; Resource formal complaints procedures to ensure that they are carried out in a consistent, just and equitable manner across the church; and Work with ministry personnel when remedial work is required.
4. Support for Ministry Personnel (15%): Establish and maintain relationships with candidates and ministry personnel in regions served, including but not limited to, through attendance and participation in regional council meetings and gatherings; Support ministry personnel in vocational discernment, sabbaticals, and retirement; and when invited, work with regional council staff to create and lead gatherings for ministry personnel for retreat, renewal, and ongoing learning.
5. Strategic Plan and Special Projects (15%): Participate in developing and leading activity streams and initiatives in the General Council Office strategic plan related to the development and support of faithful, effective, well-equipped ministry personnel; Provide leadership for special projects (typically time-limited) as determined by your supervisor and the needs of the denomination.
6. Pathways Policy Liaison (10%): Liaise with the regional councils served about accreditation and issues of standing with respect to the pastoral relations covenant process; Provide expertise for continuing education standards, and the formal processes for oversight and discipline of accredited ministry personnel, and co-ordinate with regional council staff as invited; and Liaise with the appropriate regional staff about response and remedial processes.
Qualifications:
- Post-secondary education, a minimum of four years; University Degree, Theological Degree (undergraduate/graduate or equivalent informal theological education training), Human Resources training.
- 5-7 years of related experience;
- Knowledge of the life and work of The United Church of Canada with a demonstrated understanding of the various perspectives on ministry within the church;
- Appreciation for and commitment to the vision of becoming an intercultural church and the Indigenous Calls to the Church;
- Working knowledge of The Manual, together with experience working within the courts, policies and ethos of The United Church of Canada;
- Highly developed communication skills (both verbal and written) together with superior human relations and interpersonal skills;
- A commitment to maintain confidentiality and appropriate boundaries at all times;
- Ability to develop strong working relationships, working collegially and constructively within a staff team, with cultural sensitivity and awareness;
- Strong administration, time management, planning, organizational and implementation skills;
- Ability to relate policies and procedures to faith and to reflect theologically on policy;
- Proven ability in education/leadership, mediation training would be an asset;
- Good judgement, discernment and analysis skills;
- Solid computer skills in the use of various software applications - Office 365, Dynamics, SharePoint, One Drive, Teams, Zoom, and other digital communications and social media platforms;
- Willingness and ability to travel extensively within the regional councils; and
- French, Indigenous or other language skills would be a definite asset in the context of some regional councils.
- Alignment with the vision and values of The United Church of Canada – respect, integrity, passion and diversity and Member of The United Church of Canada.
Working Conditions:
This position works remotely off-site or from a regional council office within one of the regional councils served by this position. 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 technologies, intermittent physical activity including sitting, standing and being on a call for long periods of time will be required. Attendance at occasional evening and weekend meetings together with travel within the regional councils and within Canada will be required. Occasional additional hours may be required.
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.
Compensation
The target hiring range for this position is $79,455.46 to $90,556.25 with the ability to progress to a maximum of $105,941.07. This is based on category 8 on our salary range. Placement on the salary range will depend on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and the candidate’s experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role. Pension and group benefit plans coverage and annual vacation round out this compensation package.