Job Opening
Job Description – Senior Minister
Job Summary: The Senior Minister shall be the spiritual leader of the congregation as well as the administrative head of the Church’s staff. As a Congregational Church, we emphasize par- ticipation by our members on boards and committees to oversee the operations of the Church in conjunction with the Senior Minister and other Church staff. The Senior Minister will be an ex-officio member of each board and committee (without a vote).
Reports to: Executive Council. The Senior Minister and Church staff are subject to the provisions contained in the Personnel Policy Handbook.
Required Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree from a regionally accredited and/or Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) institution
- Master of Divinity or similar Master’s Degree from an institution accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS)
- Prior experience in parish ministry (minimum five years preferred)
- Continuing education and training beyond the Master of Divinity (preferred).
Principal Responsibilities:
Preaching and Worship
- Regularly preach and teach the gospel and administer the sacraments to the congregation
- Plan and lead worship services in conjunction with the Church’s Worship and Diaconate
Ministry Boards
- Officiate at special services such as weddings, funerals, senior living facility services, etc.
- Work with the Director of Music to develop and maintain a music program for all ages and to integrate music into worship services
- Ensure availability of online worship options through livestreaming, live recording/pre-recording, and subsequent posting of recorded services in conjunction with Church technical staff and existing infrastructure
Pastoral Care
- Provide pastoral care to the congregation and others through visitation, phone calls, coun- seling and prayer
- Assist people in their journey to develop or enhance their spiritual lives
- Quickly respond to crisis situations which arise in the congregation and make appropriate referrals when necessary
- Maintain a high level of confidentiality in all aspects of pastoral care. Serve as counselor in situations such as pre-wedding and marriage guidance, family counseling, illness, and life passages within the congregation
Church Membership and Development
- Oversee efforts to maintain and increase Church membership, with a special focus on younger members and families; regularly report to Executive Council on results of growth and retention activities
- Facilitate recruitment of new members while ensuring adherence to the Church’s mission, vision, and values
- Plan and lead programs to advance the Church and its mission (Bible Study, retreats, long range planning, etc.)
- Oversee digital marketing and social media programs in conjunction with the Communications Committee
- Work with the Stewardship Committee to promote, educate, and advocate responsible stewardship by congregation members and friends
- Encourage and promote participation by all members of the congregation in Church programs and governance.
Christian Education, Mission, and Service
- Promote exploration of the Bible through sermons and development and delivery of Chris- tian education programs for adults and children
- Develop and enhance programs for children and youth through Sunday School and Pilgrim Fellowship
- Support the Church in its financial and physical commitment to local, national and world missions and community service in conjunction with the Missions Ministry Board
- Promote fellowship programs and activities within the Church and its community in con- junction with the Fellowship Ministry Board
- Actively participate in national, state, and regional Congregational Associations
Administration
- Oversee the administration and management of all areas of the congregation’s ministry and operations in consultation with the Executive Council and appropriate boards, committees and staff
- Provide facilitative leadership to committees, boards, and groups to integrate and harmonize their activities
- Direct the day-to-day operation of the Church
- Supervise Church employees, including contractual staff and services
- Perform periodic and annual performance reviews of direct reports
- Assist the Executive Council, Assets and Resources Ministry Board, Treasurer, and Church staff with financial matters of the Church
Personal Attributes
- Understands and promotes the mission, vision, and values of North Church
- Exemplifies the highest standards of honest, ethical, and respectful behavior
- Demonstrates empathy and sensitivity
- Communicates effectively, both orally and in writing
- Demonstrates skills in planning and leading programs and groups
- Has the ability to articulate personal faith and its integration with pastoral practices
- Demonstrates leadership and mediation skills across a wide variety of situations and points of view
- Recognizes and promotes diversity and inclusion
- Seeks and accepts feedback from Church leadership and the congregation when proposing and evaluating changes to Church services, programs, and operations
- Demonstrates comfort with social media, livestream services, and other technology to en-sure worship services and meetings can be conducted in-person, online, or a hybrid of both
- Demonstrates commitment to the Congregational way