Senior Pastor/Head of Staff - Hickory, NC
Listed: 02-28-2022
Employer: First Presbyterian Church of Hickory - 237 2nd St. NW, Hickory, NC 28601 | (828) 322-6343 | http://hickoryfpc.org/
Location: Hickory, NC
Type: Full-time
Download: Job Description - Head of Staff
1. How will this position help you to reach your vision and mission goals?
Our next pastor comes at a time of great opportunity as our church looks to embrace dynamic change while respecting our traditions, balance competing desires for worship services, connect with all generations, and help us reach out to members (and future members). We seek an energetic person who can share our current vision and help us focus that vision! This would include offering inspiring sermons that will motivate us to serve God’s will in our community (and the world), attracting younger members (and neighbors), and helping us innovate while respecting our heritage.
Our pastor will help us grow by equipping us to reach out to those not currently part of a Christian community. We will continue to offer ourselves in faithful, lov- ing service to God and to all people. Together, we will look to deepen our faith and discipleship through selfless service, worship, study, prayer, innovation, enthusiasm, and love.
We seek a pastor who can help us continue to be a beacon in a darkened world. This will be accomplished by affirming an inclusive faith community rooted in our Presbyterian beliefs and biblical understanding while learning and growing spirit- ually in lifelong discipleship. Our pastor will help further develop our church’s cul- ture of generosity. Our culture is established through fellowship opportunities that result in transformational relationships.
(Our new pastor must also get comfortable saying “sesquicentennial.”)
2. Describe the characteristics needed by the person who is open to being called to this congregation and/or organization.
Like most churches, we’re seeking a unicorn. We would accept a workhorse, but we’re hoping for a Thoroughbred.
We seek:
• an energetic pastor whose sermons inspire us and make us excited about coming to church, then resonate with us as we go into the world;
• a spiritual leader who helps us grow in faith and in number;
• a “people person” able to connect with every age group, listen carefully, and express opinions honestly with compassion for others;
• someone flexible enough to adapt when necessary, demonstrating diplomacy, self-awareness, and a good humor;
• an open-minded minister willing to engage in diverse dialogue without judg- ment, actively involved in the lives of individual members and the larger com- munity.
This person motivates and challenges others with new ideas, shepherding from the pulpit and through action.
As Head of Staff, our minister will need to further our church vision, collaborate with staff to maximize their talents, serve as an effective motivator, show the courage to recognize new opportunities, make changes where needed, and lead us in a sustainable future. The same qualities apply to working with our larger community, because our pastor should always lean toward collaboration.
We want a pastor who will honor the trust and credibility our church has earned over our 149-year heritage as we embrace our dreams and aspirations of the future. We hope that our next minister feels God’s call to join our church family and is excited by that call!
3. For what specific tasks, assignments, and programs areas will this person have responsibility?
FPC Hickory seeks a lead pastor with a deep passion for the Lord and for the Bible, a personal ministry, and doctrinal views consistent with those of the Pres- byterian Church (USA). The lead pastor, as a minister of the Gospel, shall be devoted to the service of Christ and the church, preaching and teaching the Word of God, administering the sacraments, and faithfully devoted to pastoral work.
The lead pastor will:
preach at most worship services;
lead the congregation in worship;
lead the church to discern God’s vision;
work with the Session;
lead in the Presbytery;
supervise our staff’s spiritual and ministry development;
provide pastoral care for the congregation; and
partner with lay leadership to direct church ministries.
Despite the attendance challenges many churches currently face, FPC Hickory wants the new lead pastor to help grow our congregation.
We encourage our next pastor to be part of the Hickory Area Ministers to connect with fellow religious leaders across denominational and racial lines to make a large and positive impact on the community. HAM sponsors many important events in Hickory, including the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. service, Wednesday Lenten services, a Good Friday community service, and Thanksgiving service. Other opportunities for involvement include the Racial Justice and Reconciliation Discussion Group and the Greater Hickory Interfaith Council.
Minimum Effective Salary: $95,000
Housing Type: Housing Allowance
To Apply:
Submit your resume to Nat Auten at nata@ymcacv.org
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