Urban Grace is seeking an experienced spiritual leader to guide the church through this important time of transition. Please review the church info and job description before applying. Priority application deadline is February 24, 2023. Job is open until filled.

Please send the following to [email protected]:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Statement of Faith
• Narrative Question Responses (details found at https://www.urbangrace.org/staff/#JOBOPENINGS)
• References
• Links to relevant video and/or audio resources (sermon recordings, webpage, etc.)

Position: Transitional Pastor
Department: Pastoral
Reports To: Church Leadership Council
Type of Position: Full-time, exempt

Basic Summary

The Transitional Pastor will be a spiritual leader and communicator of the Urban Grace mission and values to staff, congregation, and the community at large.  He/She/They (They) will lead Sunday morning worship and provide pastoral care and counseling. Additionally, they will lead Urban Grace through the pastoral search process. This is an interim and transitional position, whose term will be completed when the newly designated lead pastor of Urban Grace assumes their duties. The Transitional Pastor is not eligible to apply for the lead pastor position.

Essential Job Functions

Pastoral Search

• Lead Pulpit Committee, Church Council, and congregation in the pastoral search process.
• Assist congregation in processing grief and loss in order to bring reconciliation and healing.
• Facilitate process for congregation to reflect on its history, recognize its strengths, and create a vision for the future.
• Support congregation in preparing for new leadership, encouraging the people to envision and plan for a new future.

Worship & Preaching

• Responsible for coordinating Sunday morning worship services with the staff; executing the vision, content, and direction for worship at Urban Grace.
• Provide leadership during worship services, including preaching and administering the sacraments.

Pastoral Care, Discipleship, and Mentoring

• Reengage congregational life as we emerge from the pandemic and pastoral transition.
• One on one or group discipleship and theological development for congregation.
• Provide pastoral care and counseling to individuals and the congregation.
• Provide premarital counseling, perform weddings and funerals for both the congregation and the larger community, as requested.

Head of Staff

• Provide leadership, pastoral care, support, and development opportunities for church staff.
• Set the agenda and lead staff meetings.
• Organize and execute opportunities for team and morale building.
• Co-supervise and evaluate primary church staff.

Leadership

• Assist in setting the agenda and moderating the Church Leadership Council and Board of Trustees meetings along with the Co-Moderator (Council) and President (Trustees).
• Provide leadership and facilitation of congregational meetings and leadership retreats.

Community Outreach and Partnerships

• Continue to strengthen strategic relationships, partnerships, and connections with other community organizations, churches, and individuals that serve the Urban Grace mission and ministry.

Preferred Qualifications

• Seminary educated (M.Div or equivalent) and ordination in a recognized denomination
• Energy and enthusiasm for the challenging work of leading a church through transition
• Experience with mediation, church leadership in anxious times, and conflict resolution
• Experience in pastoral leadership in a progressive urban context
• Exhibits high cultural and social awareness with a commitment to anti-racism, equity and diversity, and full inclusion
• Experience overseeing church staff especially in working with staff and lay leaders, in a collaborative manner
• Comfortable working in both in-person and virtual contexts
• Theologically aligned with Urban Grace values

Work Environment

• General office working conditions, the noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
• The Urban Grace facility is a large four-story building without an elevator. Church offices are on the 2nd floor.
• Worship services are livestreamed on Facebook and various meetings are held both in person and by Zoom.
• Proficiency in basic computer skills needed including word processing, email, electronic presentation and file management skills (e.g. Google Drive, Microsoft Office suite, Canva, etc.).

Women, Persons of Color, and LGBTQ+ persons are encouraged to apply.

Website

www.urbangrace.org