Job Description – Pastor/Teaching Elder EPC

Summary:

The pastor is called to lead the congregation in collaboration with the session, deacons, staff, and ministry leaders, as described in the vision statement. The primary responsibility of the pastor is to provide spiritual leadership serving as a shepherd, nurturing faith, encouraging spiritual growth, and fostering community within the church. He is accountable to the session, congregation, and Presbytery.

 

Key Responsibilities

 

Preaching and Teaching:

Deliver engaging, biblically sound sermons and teachings grounded in Reformed theology, inspiring the congregation to seek the Holy Spirit’s direction.
Proclaim the gospel clearly and passionately, lead membership and confirmation classes, and oversee Christian education for all ages.

Pastoral Care:

Provide compassionate care and support, including counseling, visitation, and prayer ministry.
Officiate weddings and funerals.
Lead and direct elders, deacons and gifted members in providing pastoral care.

Leadership Development:

Equip and empower lay leaders and volunteers for ministry.
Foster a culture of discipleship and service within the church community.
Guide the congregation in spiritual growth, aiming to be a church where disciples train disciples.
Lead by example with spiritual maturity, integrity, and humility.
Develop and implement initiatives to grow the church spiritually, numerically, and in outreach.

Ambassador & Community Engagement:

Purposefully engage with and serve the local community, demonstrating Christ’s love through compassion and evangelism, including following up on connections made.
Foster relationships outside the church and share the Gospel within the wider community.
Foster relationships with other area churches.

Administration and Governance:

Oversee administrative functions of the church and lead staff meetings.
Administer staff and church leadership training, equipping and encouraging growth.
Support ministries including children’s, youth, and adult programs.
Oversee and participate in Session (act as moderator).
Regularly engage with board of deacons.
Keep standard office hours.

 

Worship:

Coordinate with the worship leader to ensure alignment between worship and teaching.

Sacraments:

Serve communion regularly and arrange to serve shut-ins as needed with elders.
Perform baptisms.

Self-development:

Pursue ongoing personal and professional development through study, training, and conferences.
Invest in personal spiritual, mental, physical, financial, and emotional health.
Maintain a mentor relationship and participate in Presbytery activities.

Communication:

Communicate effectively and often with the church leadership.
Encourage members to share prayer requests, feedback, and concerns; hold regular congregation meetings and gatherings.
Maintain open, honest, and frequent communication with the congregation about church activities, vision, and care needs.

 

Qualifications

Deep personal faith in Jesus Christ and a strong relationship with Him.
Ordination or eligibility for ordination in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC).
Graduate-level theological education from an accredited seminary or theological institution.
Strong oral and written communication skills; ability to communicate biblical truths with wisdom and compassion to diverse audiences.
A shepherd’s heart for pastoral care and ability to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds.
High ethical standards and a commitment to integrity in ministry.

Preferred:

Pastoral experience and proven leadership in a congregational setting.
Proficiency in pastoral counseling and conflict resolution.
Strong interest in church health.

Website

www.tabernacleepc.org