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Profile of Darlington Congregational Church

Pawtucket, Rhode Island

1908 – Present

Nestled on the corner of Central and Downes Avenue, Darlington Congregational Church is a beacon of light in both the local neighborhood and throughout the world.  In a world that says truth is relative, the cross on the top of our steeple declares the absolute truth that Jesus is the only way to heaven.  In fact, since we are located between a mosque and a catholic church, we have a mission field right in our backyard!

We weren’t always located here, however.  In 1877, John Irving saw new families moving into the area, bought a nearby lot, built a two-story building and began a Sunday School for 25 children.  In 1881 a small chapel was built and by 1900, there were 230 members. Open-air meetings for religious services soon began.  Due to this tremendous growth, a larger chapel needed to be built to accommodate both the growing Sunday School and provide a more permanent place for church services.  In 1907 the “Little Brown Church” was erected; and in 1956 the church with the “tall white steeple” that we see today, was built.

Today our congregation may be small (54 members), but we serve a great God.  We believe in the “irreducible core”; that is, we must love God, love others and make disciples. To that end, we provide Sunday School for all ages, a traditional Sunday morning worship service, Bible studies, and prayer meetings for the purpose of knowing who our God is and, as a result, loving Him more intimately.

Not only do we love God, but we serve Him by our love and compassion for others.  People are warmly greeted as they step through the front doors into the sanctuary.  Throughout any given week, phone calls, cards, and prayers encourage church members, friends, family, and neighbors who are struggling in this fallen world.  We also have a Deacons’ Fund which assists those with financial needs.

Our love and service to the broader world includes supporting eight different missionaries/organizations to China, Africa, the Middle East, and the United States.   Not only do these groups share the gospel message, but they also provide theological training, church planting, medical clinics, and humanitarian aid. In addition, DCC provides monetary support to anyone in our congregation who wishes to go on a missions trip.  Local Light, our neighborhood outreach, is when we invite the community to join us for free events such as a barbecue, warm soup, live bands, or Christian movies.  All these provide opportunities for neighbors to get to know us and the God we love and serve.  It also lets us know their needs and concerns as we talk together.  Sound Biblical literature is provided as well.

Our church government consists of our Pastor, as well as our Deacons, Christian Education, Trustees, and Mission Boards, as well as a church council consisting of one member from each of these boards.  All board members are elected by church members, with the exception of the Deacons’ Board who choose their own.  We anticipate and eagerly await what God will do using the church on the corner with the tall white steeple.

Pastor Profile

Darlington Congregational Church

685 Central Ave., Pawtucket, RI 02861

Man After God’s Own Heart

We have a long history of faithful ministers who have shepherded our flock of believers since 1908, and we are eagerly anticipating the arrival of our future pastor.  First and foremost, this person must be a man after God’s own heart and have a deep, abiding relationship with Him.  In his everyday life, he must serve as a model for us on how to love and serve God faithfully.  He will have a passion for not only leading others to Christ, but also for making them disciples of Christ

Scripture Minded

Our new pastor must believe that all Scripture is God-breathed; therefore it is inerrant, infallible and has authority over us.  He will be well-versed in Scripture, embrace the truth that is found within, and articulately expound on it during Sunday morning worship services.  In addition, he will be able to lead Bible studies, teach adult Sunday School classes, and minister to the needs of the congregation, which includes Biblical counseling. To protect us from false teachers, he will know theology well, in order that we will not be led astray, but stay on the path of righteousness.

Mission Minded

Presently we support eight missionaries and organizations throughout the world.  We believe in more than simply evangelizing, but also support the building of churches in formerly unreached people groups and making disciples.  Therefore, our ideal pastor will foster a love of missions, both locally and globally.

Qualifications

A master’s degree in a theological field from an accredited postsecondary institution is required.  In addition, he must have a reformed theology.

Church Governance Structure

We have a congregational model of governance which consists of four main boards:  Deacons, Missions, Trustees, and Christian Education.  All those serving on these are members of the church.  Two meetings (fall and spring) are held in which we review the various ministries and finances of the church and vote on new business.  We employ a part-time organist, secretary and custodian.  Our new pastor will provide support and encouragement to each of these boards.