Job: Minister for Congregational Care & Outreach

Position Description: Minister of Congregational Care & Outreach
Community of Faith: Metropolitan United Church, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Position Summary
The Minister of Congregational Care & Outreach is a full-time member of the Ministry Team, working alongside the Minister of Worship & Faith Formation and the Minister of Music. This role is dedicated to leading and supporting the congregation in pastoral care, outreach ministries, and engagement initiatives, with the overarching goal of fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and faith-driven community. The minister will collaborate with staff, laity, committees and the Church Board to advance the church’s mission and vision.
Key Objectives

• Provide compassionate pastoral care and support to members and adherents.
• Animate and grow outreach ministries, responding to community needs with faith-based action.
• Strengthen congregational engagement and volunteerism.
• Participate in worship leadership and faith formation.
• Contribute to effective governance and administration.

Equity Commitment:
In thankful recognition of the diversity of members and gifts within the Body of Christ, Metropolitan United Church is committed to filling this position with any qualified person whose skills and gifts best match this Position Description. We are committed to making accommodations that are requested and reasonable, including those listed under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2005).

Principal Responsibilities & Time Allocation
1. Congregational Care (30%)
•  Lead and coordinate pastoral care, including crisis support, counselling, and visitation (e.g. homes, hospitals, nursing homes).
• Support and develop the Met Care Team (lay pastoral care), fostering capacity and responsiveness.
• Prioritize care for groups needing special emphasis (e.g. young adults, LGBTQ2S+, seniors, those facing life challenges).
• Guide the congregation in building a supportive, faith-based community through events, programs, and workshops.

2. Outreach Ministries (30%)
• Support and grow outreach committees (e.g. Narthex Greeters, Peace and Social Justice, Refugee Support, Community Meal Program).
• Encourage volunteer participation and animate committee initiatives.
• Strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities and other partners.
• Lead discernment and action on poverty, addiction, and homelessness in the neighbourhood.
• Build partnerships with local organizations and service providers.
• Guide the congregation in developing a faith-based response to community needs.

3. Worship Leadership & Faith Formation (20%)
• Plan and participate in Sunday worship services, including preaching once/month and presiding on other weeks.
• Facilitate special services (e.g. National Truth and Reconciliation Sunday, Peace and Social Justice Sunday) including engagement of lay members in planning and implementation.
• Officiate weddings, funerals, and baptisms as required.

4. Congregational Engagement & Development (10%)
• Identify and share members’ skills and gifts for engagement.
• Welcome and onboard newcomers, connecting them to programs and volunteer opportunities.
• Recognize and support volunteers.
• Collaborate on tools and strategies to enhance engagement (e.g., volunteer database).
• Strategically plan for congregational intra-connectedness, long-term engagement and faith in action.

5. Administration, Governance, & Professional Development (10%)
• Maintain regular onsite/office hours and actively participate in governance (e.g. Official Board, Annual General Meeting, other congregational meetings, committee meetings, senior leaders and all-staff meetings).
• Engage with the wider United Church of Canada, including Shining Waters Regional Council, and ecumenical activities.
• Pursue ongoing professional development and self-care.

Decision-Making & Collaboration
• The minister has autonomy within the scope of this position, collaborating with the Church Board and Ministry Team.
• Annual workplans are developed with the Ministry & Personnel Committee, aligned with the church’s mission and vision.
• The minister may be granted authority for specified budget lines. Total annual expenditures of more than 10% above the budget line requires approval of the Official Board.
• Ministers are expected to review and balance responsibilities collaboratively, ensuring key needs are met.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Eligible for call or appointment within the United Church of Canada.
• Significant pastoral care experience and training.
• Demonstrated outreach skills, especially with vulnerable populations.
• Strong communication and program development abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to preach effectively.
• Collaborative and interpersonal skills; ability to engage all ages.
• Planning, organizational, and basic digital literacy skills.
• Knowledge of community development and demonstrated skill in community partnership building.

Preferred Assets
• Balance of reverence for tradition and openness to diverse faith expressions.
• Commitment to outward-facing mission and engagement with the broader world.

*A full description of Metropolitan United’s governance and programs can be found in the Living Faith Story, attached here as a PDF.