Hillhurst United Church
Lead Minister Role
Hillhurst United Church
Calgary, Alberta
March 2025
Hillhurst United Church is on the lookout for a new leader to join our community. We are in search of an additional minister who will collaborate with our current lead minister, staff, and congregation. You are expected to succeed our present lead minister soon. This transition will be facilitated and coordinated by our Transition Team. We are very excited about this mutual opportunity for community.
We are gathered around the core values of Hospitality, Spirituality, Social Justice, and Risk.
You will be called and welcomed to:
Join and lead this vibrant, values driven community of faith
Bring your gifts in leadership, preaching and teaching to encourage and enliven our church both in person and online.
Work with the staff and volunteers to provide a depth of leadership that is authentic, relevant and grounded in faith.
You will work with key leads in Congregational Care, Social Justice, Affirming Ministry and our Staffing Team to ensure our congregation is served and supported in its ministry.
About Hillhurst United Church (HUC)
At HUC, our mission is to embody a progressive, faithful, and biblically based expression of healthy religion. We recognize that there are numerous examples of unhealthy religion in the world, both presently and historically.
We seek to live out healthy religion.
At Hillhurst, we encourage both action and reflection, believing that by deepening our spiritual connection with God, we are compelled to work towards a more just and compassionate world.
HUC is an affirming congregation seeking a candidate who fosters an inclusive community of faith, welcoming the ministry and participation of all individuals regardless of age, gender identity, health, race, sexual orientation, differing abilities, religious or ethnic background, or economic circumstance.
We seek a candidate who embraces the core values of HUC: Radical Hospitality, Social Justice, Spirituality, and Risk-taking. We are looking for someone who demonstrates openness and compassion for seekers, questioners, and those who come to HUC to heal from negative religious experiences.
Duties and Responsibilities
Leadership
Provide vision and leadership in ensuring that HUC continues to be a progressive, inclusive and life affirming community of faith within the United Church of Canada.
Demonstrate a strong and collaborative leadership approach with staff team, i.e., build relationships and alignment, encourage collaboration, delegate and share responsibilities appropriately.
Inspire and encourage lay leaders to develop and share their own gifts for ministry.
Work alongside the Board to ensure the ongoing HUC vision and mission are inspiring and relevant and align with the 4 core values.
Ensure implementation and delivery of vision and plans in accordance with the goals and policies set by the Board.
Worship and Pastoral Care
Present relevant, theologically progressive and transformative sermons, setting the same high standard for all spiritual programming, whether for adults, children or youth
Establish and implement a comprehensive worship program for a progressive congregation.
Ensure the creative development of worship services, including liaising with musicians, worship planning team and staff.
Conduct weddings, funerals, baptisms and other special services as required.
Ensure the provision of religious and spiritual counselling and pastoral support for the congregation, its members and its leaders.
Facilitate community engagement through ritual around significant community/world events.
Faith Formation and Christian Education
Collaborate with volunteers and staff to ensure spiritual programming for adult and youth education (i.e., spiritual nurture groups, book studies, and other spiritual practices).
Community Outreach and Social Justice
Inspire and equip staff and congregants to live out HUC values with congregational Care, Social Justice, Affirming Ministry programming.
LEAD MINISTER JOb Description
Responsibilities to the Board
The board is a policy governance board and as such the lead minister is responsible to engage with the board in casting a vision for the ongoing well-being of HUC, implementing their directions and giving them the information, support and leadership to meet its governance responsibilities.
Autonomy in decision making: In accordance with the policy governance model, the lead minister is accountable to the Board, and will:
Support the board to build and maintain an effective and faithful governance function, including effective meetings, policy creation and adherence, strategic planning, risk/reward discernment and regular performance evaluation.
Provide executive leadership through creating and maintaining appropriate relationships and communication with and between board members and the wider congregation and its teams.
Assist the board to recruit and retain qualified board members in accordance with governance policies.
Assist the board to coordinate and organize the annual general meeting.
Act as an ex-officio member on the board except Ministry and Personnel
Work with the board and membership to establish and maintain open lines of communication.
Provide a monthly report to the Board, highlighting progress on established goals, ministry priorities, ongoing plans
Self-Care
Set goals for ongoing self-care by maintaining a healthy balanced physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being that includes rest, recreation, and professional development.
Continuing Education
Ministers are encouraged to take their study leave time for both reflection and skill development. Every 5 years, a sabbatical provision is observed by HUC as outlined by the UCC.
Administration
In collaboration with appropriate staff and volunteers (music directors, communications, and office administrators), prepare Sunday order of service.
Write and submit updates on upcoming worship services and events for the weekly e-newsletter.
Works alongside the Operations Manager in oversight of fiscal and building operations.
Qualifications
Ordained Minister within the United Church of Canada
Recognized by the UCC office of vocation for ordered ministry in the UCC
10 + years experience in congregational ministry, with some time spent in a similar sized congregation an asset.
Skills and Attributes
Demonstrated ability to relate the Gospel to all ages and create content that serves to engage and inspire congregants.
Proven ability to present relevant, theologically progressive and transformative sermons.
Possesses excellent communication skills in both written and oral form.
Inspires spiritual growth and engagement and helps congregants connect one’s lived faith to relevant and current societal issues.
Has proven pastoral and spiritual care skills.
Seeks to live the core values of HUC in professional/personal life.
Possesses collaborative leadership and team building skills.
Adept at building strong working relationships with congregants, ministry team leads and staff team.
Experience and knowledge of policy governance operations in a church/non-profit setting.
Experience connecting with leaders in the broader community and building bridges and opportunities for engagement with HUC.
Knowledgeable about current resources, writing, and research in congregational spiritual and faith development.
Demonstrated ability to develop programs appropriate to the needs of the congregation.
Compassionate, caring leadership and relational style.
Non-judgemental and able to create a safe, nurturing space for all to explore what good religion looks like as individuals, the church and in the world.
Committed to building community, connection and inclusion in all aspects of congregational life.
Curious and open style.
Gets excited about “outside the box” thinking.
Open to and encourages others to take risks and try new things.
Our Story
Over a 100 years ago, members of the Hillhurst community in Calgary, Alberta, established a faith-based community just beyond the fledgling city centre. This dedicated group raised funds to construct a church building, acquire an organ, pews, stained glass windows, and a pulpit. They envisioned their role as a central figure in their community. In a newspaper article written at the time, it was said that this church would be a “seven-day-a-week church.”
Situated on Treaty 7 land in Calgary, Alberta, Hillhurst United Church (HUC) is a progressive Christian community that values diversity. Hillhurst United Church endeavors to embody its core values of radical hospitality, social justice, spirituality, and risk-taking. These values serve as both the compass and foundation of our story. Hillhurst United Church welcomes seekers—individuals whose relationship with faith is defined more by questions and uncertainty than by dogma and certainty.
Hillhurst United Church offers a range of opportunities: a vital congregation representing a healthy, evolving expression of religion; an affirming congregation; a progressive community; a safe environment for children; a place for comfort and challenge; a space for spiritual growth; a platform for social justice advocacy; a participant in reconciliation efforts; and a grounding presence. Our congregation is diverse, encompassing various ages, socio-economic levels, educational backgrounds, gender identities, and sexual expressions.
As an Affirming church, we strive to be an inclusive and supportive faith community that follows the teachings of Jesus. We welcome the ministry and participation of all persons, regardless of age, gender identity, health, race, sexual orientation, differing abilities, religious or ethnic background, or economic circumstance.
In all our endeavors, we aspire to ensure that God's unconditional love is experienced.
Beliefs
Our mission is to embody a progressive, faithful, and biblically grounded expression of positive religion. We acknowledge that many instances of unhealthy religion exist in the world, both past and present.
We seek to live out healthy religion. At Hillhurst, both action and reflection are encouraged. We believe that through spiritual growth and connection with God, we are driven to contribute to a more just and compassionate society.
We interpret Jesus’ path as one that includes respect for creation and honours all of God’s people, emphasizing the importance of creating heaven on earth rather than focusing solely on salvation in the afterlife.
Love guides our commitment to care for everyone. Our vision is to help lead a social movement rooted in love. We place our trust in this hope.
Worship
Our Sunday gatherings are designed to be welcoming and engaging, blending spiritual matters with reflections grounded in scripture. They incorporate humour, storytelling, and encourage questioning to explore the message the Spirit offers to individuals and the community.
HUC’s weekly worshipping community averages 300 attendees for Sunday morning services. HUC also has an online community where approximately 75 congregants attend Sunday worship services via livestream and another 200 congregants view the service during the week. Many in-person workshops and ministry programs are accessible to online congregants. Living Spirit Centre is a campus of Hillhurst United Church, expressing Hillhurst United Church’s core values and desires of promoting healthy religious practices. Services at Living Spirit Centre started in February 2024. (See full report in Living Spirit section)
Board Of Directors and Ministry & Personnel
The congregation is governed by a unified board. The eight-member board provides oversight, as well as offering insight and guidance on the health and future of Hillhurst United Church, to both the staff and the community.
Hillhurst United Church belongs to the Chinook Winds Region of the United Church of Canada.
The Ministry and Personnel (M&P) functions similarly to a Human Resources department. It provides support for employees while fostering positive relationships between staff and congregants. Members of the church who wish to offer praise or raise concerns about staff may contact the M&P.
Staff Team
Lead Minister
Operations Manager
Office Administrator and Volunteer Engagement
Congregational Care Lead
Community Impact and Social Justice Lead
Affirming Ministry Lead
Student Minister - Living Spirit Centre
Choral Director
Choir and Worship Accompanist
Accompanist and Band Lead
NextGen-Youth and Family Lead
Audio/Visual Tech/Communications Lead
Online Sound Tech
Audio/Visual Tech
Audio/Visual Tech
Kidspace Teacher
Kidspace Teacher
Kidspace Teacher
Caretaker
Maintenance
Finance – Bookkeeper
Except for the Lead Minister all other staff positions presently are part-time.
HUC’s Ministry & Personnel committee are in the process of adding an additional part-time staff member in the role of Human Resources Lead to support staff and volunteers in their work.
Administration
The office administrator is responsible for volunteer engagement and office administration. Volunteer engagement primarily involves coordinating volunteers for Sunday worship and special events. The administrator manages the database system, calendar system, general emails, and fillable forms. They handle funeral, wedding, baptism, and rental inquiries, and make necessary preparations. Additionally, the administrator provides support to the minister in communications, technology needs, and other administrative tasks such as printing or bookings. They are also responsible for ordering supplies for the building, events, and worship services as needed and provide administrative support to small ministry leaders, which may include technical assistance and event setup.
In terms of task allocation, approximately 75% of the administrator's time is dedicated to administrative duties. This role is currently part-time, with the office open 5 hours a day, 4 days a week. The administrator also attends Sunday services to assist with worship facilitation. During worship, the administrator engages with new guests and performs various tasks to ensure the service runs smoothly. They are available to assist the congregation and staff with a variety of tasks or address concerns.
Ministries:
Contemplative Ministry
The Contemplative Ministry provides opportunities to learn and engage in spiritual practices within a community. Participating in these simple practices can enhance our presence in daily life as we strive to deepen our spiritual journey.
This ministry offers regular sessions. Morning Meditation and Mindful Movement are offered online in the mornings. Day Break is an in person meditation offered on Wednesday morning at Hillhurst United Church and The Wisdom Journey is a weekly evening meditation and teaching, conducted in person at Living Spirit Centre, the Hillhurst United Church South Campus. Additionally, we offer referrals for spiritual direction.
Spiritual Nurture
Spiritual Nurture meets on Monday evenings to provide opportunities for connection, content, and conversation aimed at enhancing spiritual development. Activities may include book studies, film reflections, or guest speaker sessions. Themes are often explored in various ways over multiple weeks. This gathering is intended for thoughtful, playful, and deep discussions on spiritual topics.
Congregational Care
Congregational Care is an essential ministry of Hillhurst United Church. We believe that caring for one another is a fundamental aspect of our collective life in Christ and represents both an opportunity and a responsibility for the entire congregation. A dedicated team coordinates various groups engaged in providing care and support to both the congregation and the wider community. Congregational Care encompasses a prayer ministry, pastoral care and counselling, a prayer shawl ministry, pet loss support, meal provision during times of crisis, as well as visitation for homebound, hospitalized, and bereaved individuals. As a welcoming and inclusive church, we strive to be responsive to individuals at all stages of life. We regularly host learning opportunities designed to enhance our care practices and expand our vision for reaching more people through a purposeful approach to congregational care.
Living Spirit Centre
Living Spirit Centre is a campus of Hillhurst United Church, operated in partnership with the Chinook Winds Region, who owns and manages the building. Living Spirit represents Hillhurst United Church’s core values and aims to promote healthy religious practices. Services at Living Spirit Centre began in February 2024.
Living Spirit Centre emphasizes contemplative ministry and practice, recognizing their role in fostering spiritual depth and personal transformation. Contemplative ministry provides a counterbalance to modern life's distractions, nurturing the inner life through silence, prayer, and reflection. This deepened spiritual awareness can strengthen relationships, inspire compassionate action, and provide resilience during challenges.
At Living Spirit Centre, contemplative practices are both personal and communal, shaping the community's ethos. They cultivate a shared rhythm of prayer and reflection, drawing people into deeper relationships with God and each other. This focus on contemplation supports the Centre’s mission of hospitality, spiritual growth, and service, forming a cornerstone of the community's life and ministry.
The Gathering
The Gathering is a weekly Wednesday evening worship that is gentle, intimate, and welcoming. Worship takes place in a circle, allowing time and space for connection and reflection. After worship, participants share a simple and delicious meal prepared by community members, with attendance ranging from 30 to 40 people each week.
The Wisdom Journey
The Wisdom Journey is a weekly volunteer-led group focused on learning, meditation, and connection. It explores New Monasticism with an emphasis on prayer practices and ethical living in a supportive community. Approximately 15 people attend each session.
One Drum
One Drum is a drumming circle that meets monthly and typically has 25-30 participants.
Additional activities include occasional weekend workshops, silent retreats, community yoga, plans for a community garden and labyrinth, and emerging groups for men’s spirituality and youth drumming. In 2024, over 130 people participated in worship or programming at Living Spirit Centre.
Music
Our worship services include diverse music to inspire faith, reflect congregation diversity, connect with culture, enhance worship, and promote inclusivity. This creates a welcoming environment for people from various backgrounds. Using different genres rooted in United Church hymnody expresses our values of social justice, environmental care, and inclusivity. Music builds community, fosters belonging, and enriches our collective worship experience.
Our Music offerings include:
Children’s choir - Kindergarten through grade 5
Adult choir
Worship band
Christmas concert
Coffee House music nights
Guest musicians - vocal and instrumental
Community events - carol singing, Remembrance Day
Preschool Music
During an eight-week period in the fall of 2024, preschool children (from birth to age 5) and their caregivers were invited to join a music program at Hillhurst United Church. The program provided opportunities for participants to play instruments, interact with peers, acquire fundamental music skills, and partake in various activities.
Social Justice
There are several social justice groups active at HUC, led by lay leaders and supported and resourced by our Coordinator of Social Justice. The goal of all social justice leadership circles is to have at least two leaders working together to support the members and event attendees in their related area of ministry. Social justice leaders are also supported through social justice leadership gatherings, held three times annually. Here are the current areas of ministry:
Affirming
We are a 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming church and proud members of the Affirming Network of faith communities in Calgary, dedicated to promoting the full inclusion of all individuals.
Our Affirming Statement:
We are an inclusive and supportive community of faith that follows in the Way of Jesus. We welcome the ministry and participation of all persons regardless of age, gender identity, health, race, sexual orientation, differing abilities, religious or ethnic background, or economic circumstance. We hope that in all we do, God's unconditional love is experienced. Because the need for Affirming churches in Canada emerged as a response to the exclusion of 2SLGBTQIA+ people, this is where much of affirming work has been focused. We know that the work of inclusion is never done, and we’re committed to living out all parts of our Affirming statement.
The church participates in the annual Pride parade and works throughout the year to promote safe space and inclusion. This involves hosting regular meetings for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, providing educational opportunities, and organizing congregational events. The values of the church are stated at every public worship and event.
Parents+ of 2SLGBTQIA+ Peer Support Group
Parents, guardians, caretakers, and grandparents of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals are invited to join our online group. Share stories, connect, ask questions, and support each other in a casual, peer-led setting. All identities and backgrounds are welcome, both religious and non-religious. You do not need to be a member of Hillhurst United Church or any faith community to participate.
Calgary Alliance for the Common Good
The City of Calgary's Alliance for the Common Good (CACG) is a grass-roots organization comprised of faith communities, non-profits, and unions. Its members work together to listen to constituency members, identify common concerns, develop collaborative projects, and seek to influence municipal policy and initiatives. The Alliance is affiliated with the Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF) and represents 40,000 Calgarians. Hillhurst United Church hosts a core team of congregational members who participate in this citywide effort and collaborate with the Social Justice Coordinator to support HUC's social justice ministries at leadership gatherings.
Right Relations
The Right Relations Circle aims to support individual and HUC’s efforts toward truth and reconciliation. It also focuses on integrating Right Relations into HUC’s central planning and various ministries, as well as participating in Indigenous events in Calgary and nearby areas. The circle meets monthly to share resources, build cooperation, and determine ways to assist HUC in its reconciliation journey.
Refugee Support
Since 2015 this ministry team has sponsored several applicants and their families through the UNHCR refugees’ sponsorship program in partnership with federal immigration policies. Newcomers arrive in Canada without Permanent Residency status and are helped to settle in Calgary. HUC provides financial support for one year following their arrival and the ministry team assists in finding housing and connecting to local resources, such as doctors, dentists, schools, and community programs and in building a social network.
ELL (English as a Learned Language)
As a continuation of our previous work with Ukrainian war evacuees, HUC provides online conversational language learning for individuals whose first language is either Ukrainian or Russian. These classes are offered three times annually in eight-week sessions. The courses are led by a qualified language teacher and supported by dedicated language volunteers.
Asylum Seekers Support Group
Started in 2023, this ministry assists African 2SLGBTQIA+ asylum seekers persecuted in their home countries. So far, 37 individuals have sought help from HUC and stay connected to the congregation. Unlike refugees, asylum seekers arrive without status and must attend immigration hearings while finding means to support themselves. HUC offers legal aid connections, assistance with income support, transportation, and other municipal benefits, and provides social support. All work is confidential to protect this vulnerable group.
Climate Justice
The Climate Justice circle is being established under the guidance of our Coordinator of Social Justice, drawing on the research and scholarship of Ayana Elizabeth Johnson. The primary objective of this circle is to assist individuals in identifying and committing to personal climate action plans that align with their skills, passions, and necessary climate work. Additionally, this circle aims to facilitate the development of a congregational climate action plan for HUC.
Participation in citywide justice and interfaith events has positioned this group as a prominent faith leader in social justice. Calgary organizations frequently seek collaboration and support from HUC for public social justice initiatives.
Recently, activities such as film screenings, public discussions, and prayer events have emerged from a 15-month partnership with Justice for Palestinians and Independent Jewish Voices, following the Gaza attacks. Furthermore, a recent collaboration with the United Network for Justice and Peace in Palestine and Israel on the creation of a Palestinian Land Exercise has heightened awareness of justice issues in the region. These initiatives are typically organized and promoted by our Coordinator of Social Justice and are accessible to both the congregation and the public.
NextGen Ministries - Children, Youth and Families
NextGen Kids
On Sunday mornings, children aged 9 months to 11 years are invited to participate in engaging activities such as games, books, crafts, and more. This is a safe and welcoming place for kids of all ages, gender identities, and abilities. Our programming is offered year-round during Sunday in-person services. About halfway through the service, children are invited to go to the gymnasium for their activities.
NextGen Youth
This group is for youth in grades 6 through 12, focusing on spiritual growth through conversation, social justice, service, and recreational activities.
Youth group meets Sundays during church and regularly for group activities including board game nights, escape rooms, zoo outings, and more.
NextGen Young Adults
The young adult ministry (ages 18-35) attends worship and seeks community integration. They have met for a dinner series called “Feed Your Soul,” featuring food, fellowship, and deep discussions about purpose, community, and navigating life. Topics also include deconstruction journeys and understanding God. Being with others who share similar experiences helps deepen faith exploration, reminding us that "we are not alone."
Community Programming
Yoga
Two HUC congregants who are trained yoga teachers provide several weekly yoga classes for congregants and community members. These classes include opportunities for movement, embodied spirituality, grounding, meditative space, and community building.
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In a recent survey gathering feedback on what congregants’ value about being part of the Hillhurst United Church community, several key themes emerged. Words that best capture the essence of who we strive to be and what matters most include:
Community, Connection, Affirming, Belonging, Inclusive, Spirituality, Progressive, and Contemplative.
In summary, Hillhurst United Church is a progressive Christian community rooted in spirituality, radical hospitality, social justice and risk. For over 100 years, it has welcomed seekers and provided worship, spiritual nurture, and congregational care. Hillhurst actively engages in climate action, advocacy for vulnerable populations, and community partnerships. Through its programs, events, and outreach, the church continues to embody its commitment to progressive values and spiritual growth.