Other Details

Southwest Harbor Congregational is a small, graciously reformed congregation on the coast of Maine. We are seeking a man after God’s heart as our senior pastor. Compensation is competitive and includes parsonage, generous paid time off, travel, retirement, and utilities.

Pastor: Job Description

Shepherd the Flock:

• The Senior Pastor is called to be a shepherd for the flock. In 1 Peter 5:2-4 (ESV), it says: “Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.”

Worship Services and Preaching:

• They prepare and deliver sermons. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV), it says: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”The Pastor’s primary duty is to proclaim the gospel and teach the Bible. In 2 Timothy 4:2 (ESV), it states: “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.”
• The Pastor will actively participate in the teaching ministry of the church. It is expected he will regularly teach, or participate in Sunday School and participate in a home group ministry.
• The Pastor plans and conducts worship services. In Hebrews 10:25 (ESV), it emphasizes the importance of gathering: “Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

Evangelism and Caring Ministry:

• The Pastor oversees and helps direct an effective evangelism program. In Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV) (the Great Commission), Jesus instructs: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
• They engage in a caring ministry. In Galatians 6:2 (ESV), it says: “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

Pastoral Care:

• The Pastor visits sick and shut-in members. In James 5:14 (ESV), it encourages prayer and anointing: “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.”
• They conduct counseling sessions, perform funerals, and officiate wedding ceremonies. In Ephesians 5:31-32 (ESV), marriage is described as a profound mystery: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.”

Church Administration and Leadership:

• The Pastor collaborates with the Deacon and the Missions Board. In 1 Timothy 3:1-13 (ESV), qualifications for overseers and deacons are outlined.
• With the elders they plan, organize, direct, coordinate, and evaluate all church programs and ministries. In 1 Corinthians 14:40 (ESV), it says: “But all things should be done decently and in order.”

Qualifications:

• Must be licensed and ordained (or ordained within 6 months of hire). In 1 Timothy 4:14 (ESV), it speaks of the laying on of hands: “Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you.”
• A minimum of an associate degree and 5 years of ministry experience (or a combination of education and experience). While specific qualifications are not explicitly outlined in scripture, faithfulness, integrity, and sound doctrine are essential.
• Attributes include a personal relationship with Jesus, integrity, passion, vision, humility, fiscal responsibility, and effective communication skills. In Titus 1:7-9 (ESV), it describes the character of an overseer: “For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard.