Other Details

Tartu International Fellowship (TIF) is the only English speaking, international, bible-based church in Tartu, Estonia. We are a multi-ethnic faith community that loves Jesus and equips one another, as we are sent out to impact the world around us. Although we are a non-denominational church, we are associated with the Estonian Free Evangelical and Baptist Union. We are an ethnically and culturally diverse church with over 10 different nationalities coming from various Christian backgrounds. Tartu is the second largest city in Estonia and has a large university population, consisting of a significant international demographic. Consequently, much of our congregation consists of a transient and energetic student population. The rest of our congregation consists of a varying degree of professionals, retirees, and young families.

All our activities are conducted in English, though most members have English as their second or third language. Average Sunday attendance has recently decreased after TIF helped plant a new Estonian speaking church, which many of our Estonians transitioned to. Currently, about 15-30 adults worship regularly on Sundays and we are looking to rebuild and grow. Our aim is that all who come to TIF receive a warm welcome, experience God’s Love and can grow spiritually to be a blessing to others.

Our Ideal Candidate

TIF is looking for a Head Pastor who has the following:

Skills and experience

• Graduate of seminary or equivalent (minimum – bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Biblical studies or related field).
• Ministry and/or church leadership experience.
• Experience and gifting in preaching and teaching the Word of God (expositional preferred).
• Fluent in spoken and written English with excellent communication skills (Estonian language proficiency is a plus).
• Experience in working in a cross-cultural environment.
• Experience in developing and supporting different ministries within the church.
• Strong ability to lead, delegate, and develop leadership in others.

Personal Characteristics

• Vibrant personal Christian faith, spirit led and called by God for Church ministry.
• Passion for studying and sharing the Word of God with a strong prayer life.
• Possess the qualifications and qualities described in 1 Timothy 3: 1-7, Titus 1: 5-9, 1 Peter 5:1-3.
• Able to give wise, Biblical counsel and discipline.
• Caring and compassionate heart for people.
• Team player with the ability to encourage and motivate others.
• Organized and a self-starter.
• Agree to teach and minister, publicly and privately, in line with TIF’s statement of faith (https://www.tif.ee/services-7).

Key Responsibilities

The Head Pastor would be the only full-time position in the church, supported by lay volunteers and conduct the following:

Coordinate and lead weekly worship

• Sermon preparation and preaching.
• Coordinating volunteers.

Interpersonal ministry

• Pastoral care and counselling.
• Recruiting/advertising for volunteers and attendees.
• Coordinate and oversee ministry leaders.
• Cast vision for relationship building with congregation (church/social events, personal visits, calls, etc.).

Administration

• Meeting with church board and staff.
• Management of facilities.
• Interactions with external organizations (bank, Estonian Evangelical Free and Babtist Union, church network, etc.).

Finances

• The Head Pastor must be self-supported through raising their own financial support or other self-funded options.

What TIF Has

• A tight-knit family community feel.
• Good volunteer base for congregation size.
• Lay based, volunteer ministry leaders for small group bible studies, men’s and women’s ministry, children’s ministry, worship team, evangelism, and IT.
• A congregation that loves the Lord and needs a leader.