Other Details

French Camp Presbyterian Church

Minister Profile

Most use the word “home” in their description of French Camp Presbyterian Church (FCPC). Since its founding in 1849 it has been a place of comfort, of challenge, of service, of renewal, of fellowship, and of life for the reformed family of God in this community. We seek a pastor who desires to minister not only to the 80+ members but also to the students and staff of French Camp Academy, a Christ-centered home and school whose campus is adjacent to the church.  Many of the church programs revolve around our outreach to the Academy. We want a man who leads us to meet the needs of the local members and community and to fulfill the Great Commission by building the church universal.

FCPC is a place where the leadership and work of the Holy Spirit is evident in the lives of those who worship there. The traditional worship service is both structured and sound Biblically. We seek a pastor skilled in speaking to a diverse congregation with many mature believers and many young people who have little experience with the church. His preaching must be Christ-centered, gospel rich, and rooted in Scripture.

Ephesians 4:11-12 tells us God gives gifts to accomplish the work of the church in equipping the saints for the work of ministry, building up the body of Christ. At FCPC we are unified in recognizing the importance of proclaiming and applying the gospel locally, of sending and supporting mission works around the world, of gathering regularly for worship, the sacraments, and fellowship, and of using our God-given gifts to glorify Him and serve others well. We seek a pastor who will lead and encourage us in these areas.

The pastor God calls here will find joy by laboring in a congregation and community which loves and honors him and by serving with a session who supports and encourages him. He will have both the opportunity and challenge of pastoring a diverse congregation in terms of age and spiritual maturity. His biggest challenge will be deciding where to focus his effort and energy in this unique congregation, particularly as it relates to coordinating ministry with FCA.

The ideal pastor candidate should be a servant leader displaying humility and caring for the well-being of all church members. He should be a self-starter in terms of leading worship and of exercising pastoral care. He should be able to function as a coach by encouraging and developing others’ gifts for the good of the congregation.  We would expect his doctrinal beliefs to be in line with the Scriptures and the Westminster Confession of Faith’s explanation of the same. As God’s man, he must display wisdom, stability, kindness, openness, and compassion. He must be an approachable and dependable peacemaker.

The characteristics and qualifications needed in a person who would fill this position.

• Love for Jesus and His Word
• Love for people
• Man of integrity in word and action
• Servant leader
• Ability to understand and explain God’s Word
• Humble, teachable spirit
• Good communicator
• Spiritual discernment
• Trustworthy
• Friendly
• Self-controlled

Our community is rural, central Mississippi. The town is adjacent to the Natchez Trace, a national parkway running from Natchez, MS, to Nashville, TN, and is thriving due to the presence of French Camp Academy, a Christian boarding school founded by Presbyterians in 1885. The Academy’s outreach ministries draw Trace travelers and locals to the historical area with Log Cabin Gift Shop featuring crafts by local artisans; Council House Café, a delightful eatery; Children of God Pottery Shop; the Carriage House; the Drane Home, a restored antebellum home; the Bed and Breakfast cabins; the Rainwater Observatory and Planetarium; and Camp of the Rising Son which serves over 1,000 campers each summer. Local businesses that attract area-wide support are Henderson’s Auto Parts and Hardware (whatever you need), Barlow Blue (personalized specialty and gifts instore and online), The Trading Post (Vendor Mall, Cut-and-Dry Salon, LeFleur Nutrition, Bed and Bunk), Leonard’s Three Way (gas and groceries), Double Blessings Thrift Store, the SIP (tea, coffee, and smoothies), and Dollar General.