Senior Pastor

OVERVIEW

Central Presbyterian Church’s next Senior Pastor/Head of Staff will be responsible for shepherding the congregation, organizing and leading the ministerial team, and serving as the Moderator of Session.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Worship

• Plan and lead worship services that are inspiring and responsive to the needs of the congregation. Worship should point to the church’s long-term vision and mission, be thoughtfully curated for the congregation, and remain welcoming to visitors.
• Prepare and preach sermons that are Biblically sound, thought-provoking, and inspiring, while remaining clear, relevant, and accessible.
• Administer the sacraments of baptism and communion.
• Maintain ongoing study in theological, cultural, and ethical disciplines to help keep the congregation informed on essential issues.

Pastoral Care and Discipleship 

• Build and nurture relationships with members, attendees, and visitors, with particular focus on the spiritual formation of regular attendees and covenant partners.
• Oversee care and counseling ministries that address congregational needs, including pastoral counseling, one-on-one discipleship, ministering to the sick and bereaved, connecting with homebound members, end of life counseling, hospital visitations.
• Officiate weddings (with pre-marital counseling) and conduct funerals, providing care and comfort to grieving families.
• Provide staff and volunteers with guidance, resources, and oversight for the spiritual formation of children, youth and adults in line with our denomination’s core tenets and beliefs.
• Promote spirit-led ministries of love and mercy that seek the welfare of the Merced community.

Organizational Leadership 

• In partnership with Session, and through discernment of God’s will, establish a long-term vision for the future of CPC while providing pastoral oversight and leadership to execute that vision.
• Align all covenant partners, leaders and staff to the vision of the church, ensuring that each person’s work is in line with the core mission and vision of CPC.
• Moderate Session meetings, setting agendas that focus on key priorities; Session will be led to grow spiritually in its leadership of the Congregation; deliberations and decisions by Session and commissions will reflect nurturing oversight of the Pastor.
• Promote an emotionally and spiritually healthy culture within the staff of the church — directing and encouraging each team member to a standard of excellence.
• Ensure the church’s resources are wisely stewarded for their highest and best use, while promoting the long term stability of the organization.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Committed Christian faith in the Reformed Tradition adhering to all of ECO’s Essential Tenets
• Strong expertise in Biblical and theological matters
• Effective planner and leader of worship, responsive to the needs of the congregation
• Deeply relational and encouraging of spiritual development
• Visionary leader and strong administrator
• Clear vision for cultivating a hospitable, missional church
• Participant in denominational activities including Presbytery and Synod

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Master of Divinity
• Ordination in or eligibility for ordination in the Evangelical Covenant Order of Presbyterians