First Parish Congregational Church (Pownal, ME) Pastor

First Parish Congregational Church (Pownal, ME) Pastor

The Big Picture

First Parish Congregational Church (pownalchurch.org) is an Independent Evangelical church seeking a full-time Pastor. 

Qualifications

Experience
Our preferred candidate should have a fair amount of experience. Our pastoral team consists of a head pastor only due to the size of our congregation. While the pastor is advised by the Diaconate and Trustees, the ideal candidate needs to be ready to assume full leadership responsibilities. 

Education
Our preferred candidate should have at a minimum of some kind of degree from a bible college or seminary. 

Emphases or Special Abilities
We are looking for a pastor who can develop a long term vision for our church and can bring ideas on how to grow our church and outreach. We need a pastor who can help us develop a vision for a youth program. 

Style of Pastoral Leadership
We are looking for a pastor with the heart of a shepherd who will build effective relationships with our congregation, colleagues, and surrounding community, to meet people where they are. We need a pastor who can partner with church leadership (our diaconate and trustees) and be adaptable. 

Preaching Style (expository - textual - topical - etc.)
The most important aspect of preaching in our church is that is based in the Bible. We don't have a specific preference of style. 

Special Challenges at Our Church
Our congregation is mostly comprised of older people. We see the need to bring younger people into the church, especially younger people with children. We struggle to build a youth program because we have so few children in the church. 

Our congregation is small and there is a lot that needs to be done. We have many committees and activities and most of these things are performed by a small number of people in the congregation. 

Our Community 

Pownal is a small, rural town in southern Maine, with a population of approximately 1,500. Originally settled when Maine was part of Massachusetts, Pownal was originally part of North Yarmouth and Freeport before being incorporated in 1808. The church was established in 1811 and sits in the center of town. 

Our Congregation 

Our church has a lot of ties to the Pownal community and its history. Many of the members of our congregation are related and there are 3 main families in the church - the Litchfield's, Blackstone's, and Vosmus's. Many of our members are older, which creates concern for the future of our church. We have some grandparents who bring their grandchildren to church but not many young couples with children. 

The Area Surrounding Pownal 

Pownal is next to Freeport, the home of L.L. Bean. Many of our members either work at or are retired from L.L. Bean. Portland is 20-30 minutes south of Pownal and Brunswick is about 20-30 minutes north. Pownal is approximately 75 minutes from the Maine-New Hampshire border and 2.5 hours from Boston. Portland and Brunswick have hospitals. South Portland is home to the Maine Mall (120 stores). Pownal has an elementary school and is part of RSU5 which encompasses Pownal, Durham, and Freeport. Upon graduation from elementary school, children are sent to Freeport High School. 

The Compensaiton

$35,000 plus parsonage/utilities and $500 per month for Health Insurance

Please look over this job description and the church website. Along with your resume please answer these questions:

Why do you believe that you might be a good fit as the Pastor at FPCC?

Describe your experiences in ministry and how you may be qualified to serve as the Pastor of FPCC?

In just a few sentences please give a summary of your theology and how that is in line with the doctrine of FPCC?