Designated Pastor, Washington, DC

Listed: 07-30-24

Employer: Western Presbyterian Church, 2401 Virginia Ave NW, Washington, DC, 202-835-8383

Location: Washington, DC

Position: Full-Time

Webpage: https://www.westernpresbyterian.org/

Contact: info@westernpresbyterian.org

POSITION: Solo Pastor

Essential duties and responsibilities:

Western is a courageous community living into God's love and justice.

We are a congregation devoted to promoting social justice - caring for the poor, disenfranchised communities and being good stewards of the earth. The instruction to “love one another” (John 15:17) within Jesus’ teaching leads us to practice compassion and promote social justice. We seek to do what Jesus would have us do in Foggy Bottom, the community and the world.

We know it can be difficult to find a place to call “home” in Washington. As siblings on our own faith journeys, we grow together in God’s spirit.
Our ministries focus on encouraging spiritual growth, nurturing and developing the gifts individuals possess, and being a constant presence in God’s service. Our Christian Education program provides both children and adults opportunities to explore questions of faith, our traditions, and how the Bible is relevant to our modern lives.

We welcome all to worship with us, no matter their social or economic circumstance, gender, race or sexual orientation. We are a member of the More Light movement. 

Tasks, expectations, duties, supervision, assignments, and responsibilities for the position:
We are hiring for a Designated Pastor, defined as "...a temporary installed position for a designated period of time. After a minimum of two years, the pastor is eligible to continue to serve for an undesignated period by mutual agreement of the pastor, the presbytery, and the congregation."

Worship
● Design, develop and lead our worship services
● Coordinate and collaborate with the music ministry director

Discernment and Governance
● Help us clarify our vision and discern our future
● Moderate the Session
● Be an ex officio member of ministry teams

Leadership
● Serve as head of staff. Build a “team” with the staff; discern what staffing is needed for
the future; help recruit and retain the types of staff we will need to move forward
● Participate in the local Presbytery
● Represent Western in the community, social justice organizations and in the city
● Coordinate with Miriam’s Kitchen and others using our building

Congregational Care
● Provide congregational care, including pastoral counseling
● Conduct weddings and funerals for members of the church (and as requested)
● Moderate the Deacons

Fellowship, Hospitality, Education and Mission
● Lead/guide activities in the church calendar
● Lead spiritual formation and help members to identify and share their spiritual gifts
● Engage with families to determine their children’s needs
● Develop a hospitality plan and engage folks to participate

Growth
● Help us grow and sustain the congregation
● Support our stewardship efforts
● Follow up with new visitors to welcome them and gauge their interest in the church