Pastor

Merritt’s Chapel is a small protestant church of the Methodist tradition in a mixed rural and suburban growing community seeking a dedicated and passionate Pastor. We are looking for a servant leader who is committed to delivering meaningful sermons, providing compassionate pastoral care, and offering spiritual guidance to our congregation through a period of change. This position offers an opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of a congregation whose members are dedicated to Biblical truth and tradition, and equally interested in outreach, mission work, community building, and sharing the love of Christ with all.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Leader of Worship:

Deliver compelling and spiritually enriching sermons during Sunday services, engaging congregants with relevant biblical teachings and practical applications for daily life. This includes coordinating worship content with music and liturgists that foster opportunities for spiritual growth.

Administer, with a sense of reverence and unity, the sacraments of holy communion and baptism during designated services.

2. Spiritual Leadership:

Provide pastoral care and support to church members, offering guidance, counseling, and prayer as needed, both to those able to attend church and to the home bound (shut-ins).

Foster discipleship with children, youth, and young adult members through interactive teaching, small group discussions, and fellowship opportunities.

Lead by example in demonstrating a firm commitment to church ministries, personal spiritual development, growth of pastoral skills, and deepening an understanding of spiritual issues which affect the congregation.

3. Community Engagement & Outreach:

Build relationships with the local community and foster outreach initiatives to serve and support those in need.

Collaborate with church leadership to identify opportunities for children and youth involvement in outreach, allowing them to develop spiritually through these experiences, as well as make a positive impact on our community.

5. Administration:

Collaborate with lay leadership and our church family to articulate a clear vision rooted in Christian values and principles, as well as recommend and assist in implementing appropriate strategies to meet church goals.

With utmost integrity, oversee administrative duties related to church operations, coordination with internal committees, and communication with the congregation. Maintain effective communication channels through verbal, physical, and digital means.

Qualifications:

1.   Qualified Minister: An ideal candidate would be ordained in the Methodist tradition or hold equivalent credentials that include theological education (e.g., master's degree or equivalent in divinity or theology from an accredited institution).

2.   Pastoral Experience: Demonstrate a minimum of 2-5 years of experience in pastoral ministry, with a proven track record of effective preaching and pastoral care.

3.   Spiritual Gifts: Exhibit gifts of teaching, preaching, and leadership, along with diligence and a genuine passion for serving others and nurturing spiritual growth.

4.   Communication Skills: Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate biblical truths in a relevant and engaging manner.

5.   Team Player: Collaborative spirit with the ability to work effectively within a team environment, fostering unity and cooperation among staff and volunteers.

6.   Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and navigate the challenges of leading a small, but stable and growth-minded congregation with grace and wisdom.

This position will require availability on Sundays for worship services and additional hours as needed for pastoral duties, events, and meetings. Compensation will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Specific expectations for hours worked per week can be negotiated to fit the needs of the church and the candidate.

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and statement of faith outlining your theological beliefs and ministry philosophy to Annette Adair, Staff-Parish Relations Committee Chairman at [email protected] . We look forward to welcoming a compassionate leader who shares our commitment to spiritual growth, community engagement, and sharing the love of God.