OVERALL PURPOSE OF POSITION:
The pastor has primary responsibility for providing spiritual and administrative leadership of the church. He/She will use their skills in proclamation of the gospel, growing discipleship and providing pastoral care to meet the needs of the congregation and members of the community.
DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
Preaching the gospel
● Adhere to Directory of Worship of Book of Order (Constitution of the Presbyterian Church, USA) in planning and carrying out worship services and programs. Serve as spiritual leader of the congregation; which will include proclaiming the gospel and leading worship on Sunday mornings and during special services including; communion, baptism, traditional marriage, and funerals.
● A special focus is needed to design/deliver worship services that appeal to long-time members, families, and youth. Provide accessible services for those with disabilities or lack of access and develop ways to involve children and youth in the worship service.
Outreach and Evangelism
● Develop and implement ministry programs - Coordinating, delegating, and overseeing the planning of outreach and charitable activities (assisting with the food pantry) in the surrounding neighborhoods and work with other community churches and organizations to further service and enhance the mission of the church. Inclusive of visitation to shut-ins (to include communion), persons-in-crisis and others as needed. Train Deacons and Congregation members to assist in said efforts.
● Lead the process for new member outreach, training and on-boarding; specifically, by visiting prospective new members, teaching new members’ orientation class, and assisting Session and appropriate committee with assimilation of new and prospective members in the life and ministry of the church.
Leadership and Vision
● Serve as the Head of Staff; provide input and general direction to the staff in their weekly areas of responsibility. Conduct staff meetings as appropriate. Provide input and participate in all staff annual performance reviews with the Personnel Committee. All staff are accountable to the Session through the Pastor, Head of Staff. Recommend and advise on the selection of all church staff.
● Serve as moderator of Session. In this capacity, provide support and training for the Session Committees, Deacons and other church organizations as needed. Work with Session, as well as the staff, to develop and implement programs that shepherd our congregation’s understanding and to practice the Biblical principles of stewardship. Prepare a monthly report for Session that highlights job-related activities. Author regular newsletter messages; including the use of social media posts.
● Administer the Leonard Memorial Fund in accordance with its guidelines for benevolence ministry and service.
● Attend continuing education programs for spirituality and professional growth and for personal health.
Church Ministries
● Help create meaningful education and events for the congregation and maintain the existing programs of the church. Act as a counselor for different situations such as pre-marriage, baptism, confirmation, end-of-life, and difficult life circumstances.
● Develop a vision for youth ministry (in partnership with Session and the Christian Education Committee); demonstrate and practice relational skills with students, parents, and staff. Integrate youth ministry into all phases of church life to enhance the overall vison of the church. Recruit, motivate and train youth and adult leaders for church programs.
Stewardship
● Work with appropriate committees and persons to coordinate, evaluate, train and promote stewardship within the congregation.
Accountability:
The Pastor shall be accountable to The Presbytery of Kiskiminetas for participation in the larger ministry of the church. The Pastor and the Session exercise mutual accountability for the ministry and mission of the congregation.
Education/Experience/Certifications:
**Bachelor’s degree in related field of study, Master’s Degree in Divinity Studies from an accredited college/university
**2-5 years of experience as an Associate Pastor or Solo Pastor preferred; consideration will also be given to candidates with Youth Pastoral Experience and/or ministry experience during college.
**Ordained Minister from PCUSA or full communion partner denominations; Pastors/ministers (candidates) of other Christian Faith denominations will be considered under the Book of Order
G-2.0505 Transfer of Ministers of Other Denominations. Must successfully pass ordination exams.
**Please submit a written Statement of Faith with your resume/CV
Compensation and Benefits:
Minimum Salary: $55,000
Vacation
Retirement Plan
Comprehensive Medical Benefits
Study Leave
Business Expenses
Mileage
Housing
Church Mission/Vision Statement:
“We are a community of believers, called by God, led by the Holy Spirit to know Christ and make Christ known.”
There is a saying – “The church is not a clubhouse for saints, but rather a hospital for sinners.” This congregation is a gathering of people who know, all too well, we have fallen short of what God desires for us. We know that by being found in Christ, we’re given a new beginning. We understand that worship is not only what we do in the sanctuary, but what we do every day to glorify God. We believe that serving others in love is the ministry to which Jesus has called each of us.
We strive to be “a community of believers, called out by God and led by the Holy Spirit, to know Christ and make Christ known.” Our ministry is directed by what has been traditionally referred to as “the Six Great Ends of the Church.” Our Christian walk and witness seek to be faithful to God’s claim on our lives and call to be disciples. Therein, we strive to be about:
o the proclamation of the gospel for the salvation of humankind.
o the shelter, nurture, and spiritual fellowship of the children of God.
o the maintenance of divine worship.
o the preservation of the truth.
o the promotion of social righteousness.
o the exhibition of heaven to the world.
Our Deacon Board activities have continued to be a strong light of faith in our community; however, our youth/children’s ministry and evangelism efforts have fallen short of the vision.
Blairsville, PA is a small town nestled in the SW corner of Indiana County, adjacent to the Westmoreland County line. It is just a short twenty-minute drive North to the college town of Indiana (Indiana University of Pennsylvania) or South to Latrobe, the foothills of the Laurel Mountains. Pittsburgh is just a one-hour drive West to enjoy world class Arts, Entertainment and three professional sports teams.
In 2020, the population of Blairsville was 3,214. The racial makeup of the town at the time of the census was 96% White, 2.6% African American and less than 2% other. The median age was 51 years. The median household income was $46,082. with 18% living below the poverty level. Like many other small-town communities in Western Pennsylvania, this is a major challenge in addition to the prevalence and use of illegal drugs in the community. (Reference 2020 U.S. Census Reporter)
There is a real need in our community to feed many, both spiritually and physically. There are approximately thirteen churches of different denominations in the area. Our church is an active participant in the welfare of this small community with our food distribution by the Deacon’s Pantry and Coat Ministry. We are also a satellite distribution center for the Indiana County Food Bank. This past year, we distributed 53 coats and gave away over 40 meals during the holiday season; not including the hundreds of pounds of canned goods and bulk foods provided to families in need. Our mission to provide for the community is important and vital, and there is still much work to be done to help address drug awareness/dependency and providing youth with faith-based alternatives.
The Presbyterian Church in Blairsville was established in 1822. While the needs in our community may have changed over 200 years, our service work and commitment to God have not.