Other Details

Alhambra True Light Presbyterian Church (ATLPC) is a Bible-believing, evangelical congregation with a membership of over 300 people. We are strongly committed to teaching Scripture as the authoritative Word of God, to sharing the gospel with those in our immediate geographical area, and to sending and supporting missionaries worldwide. We have three ministries in different languages: English, Cantonese, and Mandarin. While a majority of our members are of Chinese descent, and roughly half speak a dialect of Chinese as their primary language, the church nonetheless is committed to embracing people of all cultures. Our church is multi-generational with some families that have three generations actively participating in congregational life. Ministry to children and youth is a high priority; there are many dedicated people serving as teachers, leaders, and counselors, a large number of whom are graduates of our children and youth ministry.

ATLPC was established in May 1996 through the merger of First Presbyterian Church of Alhambra and True Light Chinese Presbyterian Church, both with rich histories exceeding a century in proclaiming God’s word and serving locally and abroad. This union was initiated to enhance ministry effectiveness in the West San Gabriel Valley of greater Los Angeles, CA, combining the predominantly Caucasian congregation of First Presbyterian with the multigenerational, primarily Chinese congregation of True Light.  In 2008, ATLPC expanded its outreach by introducing a Mandarin-speaking ministry, complementing its existing English and Cantonese services. In 2020, the church transitioned from the Presbyterian Church (USA) to the Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians (ECO), reflecting its commitment to evangelical principles. Today, ATLPC continues to serve a diverse, multilingual community, striving to glorify God and make disciples of all nations.

We look for leadership that can help us take our mission to – “glorify God, love one another, and to teach and bear fruit in making disciples for Jesus Christ from all nations” and determine how best to fulfill that mission. We wish to grow in our love for God, to be one church with three languages, and to share our spiritual and material blessings with the world, all to the glory of God.

Primary Responsibilities for the Lead Pastor include:

• To oversee worship services that glorify God, lead us to a renewed sense of His Presence, and send us out to bring others to Him. Elements of the English worship service in particular would include:

1. • Most of the congregation praying regularly both individually and together for the Holy Spirit to work powerfully during our worship services
   • Biblical sermons that are inspiring, engaging and helpful
   • Music that leads to God-centered, authentic worship
   • The seamless use of technology to glorify God—music lyrics, sound system, streaming, videos and lighting
   • Regular testimonies of God’s work in our midst
   • A warm welcome and follow-up ministries where every newcomer receives appropriate attention and invitations
   • Up-to-date facilities and signage where guests perceive that we are expecting them and ready to serve them well
   • Inviting new people both through personal interaction and social media

• To promote welcome and evangelism by leading and training the congregation in a consistent, effective evangelism process.
• In addition to growth by evangelism, collaborate on and oversee goals for growth in each of the three language ministries with the pastors and Session.
• To provide a consistent, effective discipleship process through which most of the church perceives that they are being transformed and becoming more like Jesus.
• To oversee all staff, especially those providing children’s (infant – 5^th grade) and youth ministry (grade 6-12) programs that support parents in discipleship of their kids.
• To provide wise, inspiring leadership for the church, Session, paid staff and volunteer staff so that the church is fulfilling its mission.
• To develop a prayer culture in which more than half of the congregation pray together in groups on a weekly basis.
• To develop a spiritual community in which a majority of the congregation is involved in small Bible study groups.
• To develop a generous culture in which generosity and giving are part of the biblical, transformative discipleship process.
• To ensure through delegation or personal involvement that the congregation is ministered to in areas like biblical teaching, fellowship groups, counseling, visitation, personal crisis, physical needs, etc.

Accountability

• The Session monitors the Lead Pastor’s faithfulness and progress toward accomplishing the mutually agreed upon goals of the Lead Pastor.

Qualifications

• Faith: deep, strong faith and commitment to Jesus Christ; passionate love of God.
• Conviction: strong conviction that the Bible is God’s authoritative word to us; that faith in Jesus Christ is the only way of salvation; that the Holy Spirit is active in the world and that God answers prayer.
• Character: godly and increasing in Christ-likeness; loves people and interacts wisely with them; demonstrates a high degree of emotional intelligence; has come through trials and grown in faith; has demonstrated perseverance.
• Strengths: strong preaching abilities in English; excellent leadership skills.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree with ECO’s Commissioned Lay Pastor (CLP) training, or (preferably) a Master of Divinity degree.
• Ministry experience: Has had a leadership role in a ministry that saw significant growth; has served in a culturally diverse setting
• Experience: 5 years of experience in ministry.
• Theology: In agreement with ECO’s Essential Tenets.
• Language: Primary language is English; the ability to speak Cantonese or Mandarin is not required but would be highly desirable.
• Proficient in the use of computers, social media and various mobile phone apps.

Terms of Call

• Salary and housing commensurate with experience.
• 4 weeks vacation.
• 2 weeks study leave.
• 10% of salary and housing for retirement (403b).
• Health insurance includes pastor’s spouse and children under age 26.
• Ministry expenses.
• Professional development funds.
• Moving expenses.