OMF New Zealand South Island Ministry Leader

Position Type: 30 hours per week 

Compensation: $1000 - $1,100 per week 

Location: Christchurch-based with South Island travel 

Reports to: OMF New Zealand National Director 

Key Responsibilities 

Ministry Leadership & Mobilization 

Inspire & Recruit: 

• Develop and execute strategic mobilization plans targeting 18-35 year-olds and the broader Christian community 

• Screen and mentor potential missionary candidates through OMF's assessment processes 

• Build relationships with churches, Bible colleges, and Christian organizations across the South Island 

• Coordinate promotional events highlighting spiritual needs of unreached East Asian people groups 

• Recruit and train volunteer advocates and prayer mobilizers 

Equip & Train: 

• Resource and train Home Ministry Teams (HMTs), prayer groups, and mobilization volunteers 

• Assist churches in developing effective cross-cultural mission partnerships 

• Support Bible colleges with their missions training programs 

• Facilitate workshops on cross-cultural engagement and mission awareness 

Program Management 

Serve Asia Program: 

• Oversee planning, recruitment, and execution of OMF's short-term mission program 

• Coordinate pre-field training, on-field supervision, and post-field debriefing 

• Manage relationships with field partners and receiving teams 

• Ensure program quality and participant safety standards 

Member Care: 

• Provide comprehensive support for Home Assignment missionaries including debriefing, financial planning, ministry clearances, and future placement 

• Maintain connection with OMF alumni and missionary families 

• Coordinate pastoral care and practical support systems 

Administration 

• Manage South Island office operations, resources, and equipment 

• Supervise clerical staff and coordinate office volunteers 

• Maintain mobilization records in OMF's database systems 

• Prepare reports and participate in national team meetings 

Essential Requirements 

• Theological Education: Bachelor’s degree in Theology preferably with a focus on Christian mission, or

• Leadership Experience: Proven experience of at least 3 years serving in positions of responsibility and leadership in a Christian context

• Cross-Cultural Experience: Personal missionary experience or significant involvement in cross-cultural ministry 

• Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal abilities with diverse cultural groups and age demographics 

• Alignment: Strong commitment to OMF's evangelical, interdenominational, and international ethos 

• Team Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively within larger organizational structures while maintaining personal initiative 

• Experience in sending teams/individuals on short term trips 

Preferred Qualifications/Experience 

• Experience leading short-term mission teams 

• Experience in local church leadership with demonstrated ability to cast vision and develop strategic initiatives 

• Familiarity with East Asian cultures and contexts 

• Established networks within South Island churches 

• Project management and volunteer coordination experience 

• Understanding of missionary candidate assessment processes 

• Experience in preaching/public speaking in churches 

Professional Development 

OMF is committed to staff growth and provides opportunities including: 

• Project Timothy leadership training program 

• Annual professional development allowance 

• Access to mission conferences and specialized training 

• Mentoring relationships with senior OMF leaders 

• Sabbatical opportunities for long-term staff 

Working Relationships 

Direct Reports: South Island volunteers 

Key Partnerships: 

• OMF New Zealand National Coordinators (Personnel, Prayer, Finance, Communications, TCK Care) 

• Regional church leaders and missions pastors 

• Bible college faculty and missions departments (Laidlaw, Otago, Nelson) 

• Christian Student organisations (TSCF, Student Life, ISM) 

• Volunteer team leaders and mobilization advocates 

Success Indicators 

• Increased missionary candidate flow from South Island churches 

• Growing network of engaged church partners and individual supporters 

• Effective Serve Asia program outcomes and participant satisfaction 

• Strong member care feedback from Home Assignment missionaries 

• Active volunteer teams and sustainable prayer movements 

Application Process 

Candidates should demonstrate alignment with OMF's doctrinal basis and ministry philosophy as outlined in our OMF International Handbook (2024). 

OMF New Zealand is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all team members can flourish in their calling to see East Asian peoples know Jesus Christ.