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Senior Pastor - Seward Congregational Church

Job Description

JOB TITLE: Senior Pastor

Full time position

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Pastor serves as the primary spiritual leader and shepherd of the congregation. The Pastor is responsible for preaching the Word of God. Leading worship, providing pastoral care, equipping believers in the ministry, and guiding the church in fulfilling its mission. The Pastor provides spiritual leadership to help the church grow in faith, discipleship, and community impact.

Qualifications

Education

            Bachelor’s degree in theology, Ministry, or a related field.

            Master of Divinity (MDIV) or equivalent theological training preferred.

Experience

            Previous pastoral or ministry leadership experience preferred.

            Experience preaching and teaching.

Personal qualities.

            Strong personal faith and commitment to Christian doctrine

            Excellent communication and teaching skills.

            Digital ministry and social media engagement.

Compassionate pastoral heart and emotional intelligence.

Strong leadership, team building, and organizational abilities.

            Conflict resolution and counseling skills.

Community networking.

Strategic planning and forward vision.

Work Conditions

            Full or part time role with flexible hours

Requires evenings, weekends and holidays

            Includes public speaking, counseling, and community involvement

ADMINISTRATION and RESPONSIBILITIES

The Pastor is the chief administrator of the life and programs of Seward Congregational Church, a member of the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference, and will represent all bodies of the congregation. Responsibilities include, but not limited to:

Serves as ex-officio member of all committees and organizations of the church, assisting, advising, attending as many as possible, (as time permits).

            Works with the music director to design the music program.

            Youth Group leadership.

Works with the church secretary to ensure the secretarial duties are carried out.

Communicate with volunteers and lay people to ensure the workload is organized and tasks are carried out.

Maintain accurate records of baptisms, deaths, and new members and submit to the church clerk.

Maintain accurate records of all pastoral duties and submit as appropriate monthly (or as called for) reports to the trustees and diaconate.

Unlock the church by 8 a.m. on Sunday morning and lock, or delegate that job if conflict arises, after fellowship hour. Unlock or lock as needed on weekdays and when special occasions dictate. Consider unlocking by 7 a.m. if there is a funeral.

Ensure the marquee is changed on a weekly basis

Inform bereaved families of funeral expenses i.e.: organist, sound people, pastor, soloist fees and fees paid to women’s fellowship and other rental fees. (see the event use policy and funeral expenses and distributions forms in the operations manual).

Spiritual Leadership

Preach and teach biblically grounded sermons that encourage spiritual growth each Sunday except during vacation.

            Lead weekly worship services and special services (Christmas, Easter, etc.).

            Administer ordinances such as baptism and communion.

            Promote discipleship among members, family situations, etc.

            Provide pastoral counseling as a priority regarding weddings, funerals, baptisms.

Pastoral care

            Provide counseling, prayer, and spiritual guidance among members.

Make regular visits to nursing homes, the sick, elderly and homebound, offering communion at least twice a year.

            Make hospital visits to members/ family who are hospitalized.

            Officiate weddings, funerals, and dedication services.

            Call on members in their homes when invited or as needed.

            Support members through crisis, grief, and major life transitions.

Leadership and Church Vision

Participate with congregation members in the development of the church mission, vision, and strategic goals.

The Pastor will seek in all ways to be Christ-like in attitude and conduct.

Attend church leadership meetings such as diaconate and trustees.

Foster a healthy church culture rooted in biblical values.

Ministry Development

            Act as a resource for small groups, bible study and Sunday school programs.

            Support youth programs of the church and conduct confirmation classes.

Lead prospective members in the process of becoming a member of the church with educational classes as needed.

            Support members to use their spiritual gifts in the ministry of the church.

The Pastor will, with the assistance of the church secretary, prepare the monthly church newsletter, the CHIMES.  The Pastor will share a devotion for the monthly newsletter.

The Pastor will serve as a delegate to the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference.

Community Engagement

Represent the church in the local community and participate in community activities and school functions as time permits.

Reach out to people that are new to the community and follow up with visitors attending services or events.

Build relationships with community leaders and organizations.

Cultivate new members through outreach.

            Assist with outreach programs and events, service projects, and evangelic efforts.

Evaluation and Growth

The Pastor will meet quarterly, or as mutually agreed, with the pastoral relations committee, comprised of one member from each the trustees and the Diaconate, and a member of the congregation selected by the pastor. A minimum of three will serve on this committee.

The Pastor will meet with one member of the trustees and one member of the diaconate for a yearly evaluation. The evaluation form will be completed by a designated member of the trustees and diaconate and the results compiled by a designated member of the trustees for presentation to the Pastor. The Pastor will also complete the evaluation form for the review at the evaluation meeting.