Search 2026
AN INVITATION TO CANDIDATES
This is an invitation from the Search Committee to candidates seeking a Ministerial Position.
Dear Candidate,
Calvary Memorial United Church in Kitchener, Ontario believes the Church is not fading — it is evolving.
We are a historic congregation ready to write a courageous new chapter. With lower enrolment and underused space, we see possibility: space for innovation, partnership, housing initiatives, community presence, and renewed spiritual vitality.
We are seeking a theologically grounded, justice-minded, and imaginative clergy leader who is ready to honour tradition while boldly reshaping it for today. This is not a maintenance role. It is a call to lead change with faith, humility, and courage.
What You Will Do
• Lead bold conversations about the future of our building and property — including mission-aligned housing initiatives, shared community space, and sustainable ministry models.
• Build partnerships in the wider community that position the church as a vital and visible presence.
• Empower lay leadership and foster a culture of shared ownership and experimentation.
• Lead Sunday worship that is deeply rooted in the life and teachings of Jesus and authentically connected to the realities of modern life.
• Collaborate with musicians and lay leaders to create worship that is reverent, inclusive, and alive.
• Cultivate a welcoming, justice-oriented, intergenerational community of faith.
Who We Hope You Are
• Rooted in Christian tradition — but not confined by it.
• Comfortable preaching both grace and justice.
• Energized by adaptive leadership and thoughtful risk-taking.
• Passionate about community transformation and practical faith.
• Able to hold reverence and relevance in the same space.
• Excited to build something that matters for the next generation.
For more information and to submit your application, please visit ChurchHub.
We look forward to connecting with you soon.
The Search Committee, Calvary Memorial United Church
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THE COMMUNITY OF FAITH PROFILE
To view the profile click HERE
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THE JOB DESCRIPTION
Calvary Memorial United Church, Kitchener
Position Description
Position Title: Minister to the Calvary Memorial Community of Faith
Position Profile: Full-time, Solo position
Position Summary: Calvary is seeking a full-time ordained or diaconal minister to have overall responsibility for guiding the Calvary Memorial Community of Faith by providing meaningful services on Sunday and special occasions, and encouraging and supporting a wide variety of other activities that reflect our Christian values. He or she will establish collegial relationships with other staff and lay leaders, provide spiritual guidance to the entire Calvary Community and pastoral care for individuals in times of illness or crisis.
Autonomy in Decision-Making: This position is accountable to the Ministry and Personnel Committee, the Official Board, the Calvary Memorial Faith Community, and the Western Ontario Waterways Region. All financial decisions that require funds above the annual approved budget will go through the Ministry and Personnel Committee and the Official Board for final approval.
Areas of Responsibility and Associated Duties:
Worship
The minister
● leads regular Sunday Services of Worship that are prepared, organized, and faithful to the teachings in the life of Jesus, and relevant to the daily lives of the people in the congregation
● plans and leads additional services at special times of the year, especially Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter
● conducts baptisms, weddings and funerals according to Calvary Memorial policy
● works with the music team in a collaborative manner to choose a variety of music that enhances the themes of services
● sets a friendly, welcoming tone in worship. Services can be formal, informal or casual depending on what is appropriate for the occasion
● leads the congregation in exploring other ideas and styles of worship
Leadership
The minister
● attends the Official Board and committee meetings as needed, and acts as a liaison between the Official Board and the committees
● works with the Official Board and committees to assure an open and transparent relationship between the leadership of the church and the congregation
● meets regularly with staff
● communicates effectively, is organized, and works in collaboration with the administrator to keep the whole congregation informed via print and the internet
● encourages people to be involved in congregational life and helps volunteers develop leadership skills
● journeys with the people of Calvary providing knowledge, advice and direction, while listening attentively, respecting differing points of view,
and encouraging open discussion among all members of the congregation
● provides strong leadership, to help determine what Calvary’s future will be
Faith Formation and Spiritual Growth
The minister and the Christian Education Committee seek to attract children and their families to Calvary through
● the sharing of new programming ideas
● the minister’s involvement in the children’s special events
● the use of the children’s time in worship to create special relationships with the children
● guidance and support the Youth Group
The minister nurtures and encourages, but does not necessarily lead opportunities for adult spiritual growth through activities such as Bible studies, discussion groups and special events.
Community Outreach and Social Justice
The minister
● encourages the congregation to support the M&S Fund of the United Church of Canada
● supports the Outreach Committee and its projects by increasing awareness of social justice issues and Christian responses to them
● recognizes and promotes opportunities for individuals to be aware of and serve the needs of our neighbours in particular
● engages in discussions and supports outreach activities but is not expected to lead
The ministers of both Calvary Memorial and Trillium Lutheran Churches are invited but not required to attend Management Team meetings of “Community Ministry”
Pastoral Care
The minister
● collaborates with the Pastoral Care committee, the Faith Community Nurse and the Health and Wellness ministry to provide support, guidance, and visits to shut-ins and others confined to their homes, residences or hospitals
● serves communion to people confined to their homes or residence, if requested to do so
● attends Pastoral Care meetings generally once a month
Self-Care
The minister
● sets goals for on-going self-care by maintaining a healthy balance of one’s own physical, emotional and spiritual well-being including rest, recreation and professional development
● collaborates with the M&P Committee to set those goals
Administration
The minister
● works with a half-time administrative assistant and custodial staff, and a treasurer who receives an honorarium
● is responsible for assigning tasks to the administrator and overseeing the smooth-running of the business of the church
● works with the administrator in creating the weekly bulletin which combines the Order of Service and current announcements and the Annual Report
● is supported by volunteers who do various tasks
Denominations
The minister
● is expected to be actively involved in the life of the Western Ontario Waterways Region and/or the General Council of the United Church of Canada
● is encouraged to use the annual educational leave to work towards achieving their goals
● is aware of activities and events currently happening nearby, especially at major institutions, businesses and residential developments
● recognizes opportunities to connect the church with the community
● is aware of current affairs in the news to help make sermons, discussion groups and outreach projects relevant
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
The minister
● has good communication skills with all ages
● is an attentive listener
● is open-minded
● is organized
● has basic knowledge of computers, social media, live streaming and AV technology and its uses in the church
Other Preferred Assets
The minister
● has some training in pastoral counselling
● has experience in fundraising and partnerships
● has a vision of what the church of the future might look like
● has some prior experience in leading a congregation