Job Description
The Church of Scotland, consisting of the Church of Scotland, Geneva, and Scots Kirk Lausanne, is seeking an Associate Minister to lead the life, work, and witness of its historic English-speaking community based in Geneva.
This role primarily serves the congregation in Geneva, while the minister of the linked charge mostly operates out of Lausanne. The selected candidate will be employed locally on a Swiss contract and will work collaboratively within the ministry team alongside the Minister of the linked charge and the Ordained Local Minister (OLM) across various parish ministries and outreach activities.
Position Overview
- Title: Associate Minister of the linked charge of Church of Scotland, Geneva and Scots Kirk Lausanne
- Location: Geneva
- Responsible to: The Minister of the linked charge of Church of Scotland, Geneva and Scots Kirk Lausanne
Main Responsibilities
- Celebration of the Sacraments - the Lord’s Supper (Holy Communion) and Baptism.
- Preaching and conducting worship services.
- Moderating meetings of the Geneva Kirk Session and guiding discussions around spiritual issues within the congregation.
- Conducting funerals and providing pastoral support to individuals facing terminal illness and bereavement.
- Blessing weddings conducted under Swiss law and assisting couples in their marriage preparations.
- Leading confirmation classes.
- Providing ministry and pastoral care to the wider community, beyond church membership.
Outreach and Mission
- Develop strategies to engage new individuals with the gospel and integrate them into church life.
- Build relationships within the wider community through evangelism, engagement, and partnerships.
- Encourage, train, and empower church members in outreach, mission, and personal witness.
- Create pathways for newcomers from initial contact to active membership.
Congregational Revitalisation
- Collaborate with the Minister, OLM, and Kirk Sessions to promote spiritual growth, unity, and a renewed vision within the congregations.
- Foster healthy discipleship through small groups, pastoral visitation, and teaching.
- Support the integration of new members into the church community.
- Identify and develop both existing and emerging leaders.
- Contribute creatively to the revitalization of church life, particularly in pastoral care, worship participation, and community engagement.
- Enhance children's ministry, building upon the existing Sunday School program.
Qualifications & Experience
The ideal candidate will:
- Exhibit a passionate commitment to shepherding people, with a proven history of leading teams and fostering initiatives.
- Demonstrate integrity of faith and life, reflecting Christ-like values and attitudes.
- Be a strong, authentic communicator, able to present Biblical truths in a meaningful, practical, and creative manner.
- Hold a minimum of a university bachelor's degree in theology or divinity from an accredited institution.
- Preferably have at least 5 years of experience in a lead ministry context.
Language Requirements
English fluency is essential, as it is the primary working language. Non-Swiss/EU/EEA candidates must possess a beginner level of French due to work permit requirements.
Approach & Soft Skills
- Gospel-centered communication and humility.
- Relational warmth and integrity.
- Professionalism and collaborative leadership.
- A supportive presence with a missional mindset.
- Faithful adherence to church structures.
- International and cultural sensitivity.
- Ecumenical maturity.
- Adaptable and resilient in growth.
Compensation and Benefits
This full-time position follows the Church of Scotland stipend scale adjusted for the cost of living in Switzerland. Additional benefits include:
- Use of the manse in Geneva.
- Health insurance.
- Paid vacation.
- Support for French language classes.
- Opportunities to minister to the English-speaking Reformed community at the Auditoire de Calvin, where Calvin's teaching took root and influenced the Reformation in Scotland.
Duration of Employment
Three years, with the possibility of renewal.
Job Type
Full-time, Swiss contract.
About Church of Scotland, Geneva and Scots Kirk Lausanne
For more information, please visit the following links:
Note to Applicants
Potential candidates are encouraged to apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.