Pastor

Senior Pastor – Port Community Church, Port Republic, New Jersey

 Overview

Port Community Church, located in the heart of Port Republic, New Jersey, is seeking a Senior Pastor to lead its congregation with spiritual guidance, vision, and care. Founded with a rich history of faith and community engagement, the church is poised for its next chapter of growth and ministry. We are prayerfully search for a pastor who aligns with our mission to foster a loving, biblically grounded community. 

 The Opportunity

The Senior Pastor will serve as the spiritual leader of Port Community Church, guiding the congregation of 100-120 worshiping on Sunday morning with a deep commitment to biblical teaching and pastoral care. This role offers the chance to build meaningful relationships, lead diverse ministries, and inspire a congregation eager for continued spiritual development. The ideal candidate will embrace the unique culture of Port Republic and contribute to the church’s legacy of faith.

 The Ideal Candidate

- Spiritual Leadership: A man called to preach, with a proven track record of delivering sermons rooted in the Bible, filled with the fruit of the Spirit, and reflecting a love for God, children, and music.

- Character and Qualities: Must be friendly, approachable, sincere, trustworthy, kind, humble, and possess a good sense of humor. A strong marriage and good family life are highly valued.

- Experience: Preference for someone with leadership experience, ideally with significant pastoral experience. Familiarity with Port Republic’s community is a plus.

 Key Responsibilities

- Preaching and Teaching: Deliver biblically sound sermons weekly and leading the church in prayer ministries.

- Pastoral Care: Provide counseling to families, visit the sick/hospital calls, and build relationships to know the congregation’s individuals and personalities.

- Community Engagement: Serve the community as a whole, encouraging and maintaining young families, and fostering outreach and evangelism.

- Leadership: Oversee church operations with strong organizational skills, though leading church meetings is less emphasized.

 Opportunities to Anticipate

- Following a well-loved previous pastor who is retiring out of state, requiring sensitivity to the congregation’s emotional transition.

- The church wishes for the pastor to focus the first year on preaching Biblical messages, getting to know the congregation deeply, memorizing names and establishing yourself and your family in the community.

- Encouraging and maintaining young families and community-wide service.

 Church Profile

Port Community Church is a welcoming congregation with a diverse membership seeking a pastor who will uphold biblical values while addressing growth areas. The church values monthly communion, follow-up with new members, and enhancing children’s ministry and young family programs. With a commitment to its community, the church offers a supportive environment for a pastor willing to invest long-term. Pastors generally stay ten or more years at the church. 

Community Description

Port Republic is a charming small town nestled in Atlantic County, New Jersey, known for its serene environment and rich historical heritage. With a population of approximately 1,100 residents, this quaint community offers a peaceful retreat just a short drive from the bustling Atlantic City, yet retains a rural, family-friendly atmosphere. Founded in 1695 and incorporated in 1905, Port Republic boasts a legacy tied to the American Revolution, early shipbuilding and farming roots, with landmarks like the historic Mullica River adding to its scenic appeal.

Why It’s a Great Place to Live

Port Republic is ideal for those seeking a tight-knit community with a low crime rate and a slower pace of life. The town features well-maintained parks, such as the Port Republic Wildlife Management Area, perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and bird watching. The Harry Bowen Community Complex directly across the street from the church offers a baseball field, shelter houses, gazebos near the water, boat launch, fishing, swimming beach, ice skating pond, playground, pickleball, tennis, basketball and waterside walking trails. This area is also favored by cyclists and is the home to the Jersey Genesis Triathalon. Each June the City celebrates “Port Day” with food, music, activities and culminating with fireworks over the water. Its proximity to the Jersey Shore provides easy access to world class beaches and shore towns including Ocean City (30 minutes away), while local schools and a supportive community foster a safe and welcoming environment. Nearby Pilgrim Academy and Atlantic Christian provide K-12 Christian education opportunities. 

Why It’s Great for Raising a Family

The town’s family-oriented culture is evident in its emphasis on community values, as reflected in the preferences of Port Community Church congregants who prioritize pastors with strong family life and child-friendly qualities. Port Republic offers a safe setting with a strong sense of neighborly care, ideal for raising children. Local schools are highly regarded, and the community’s focus on youth involvement ensures ample opportunities for family engagement. Affordable housing, the availability of a parsonage and a close-knit social fabric further enhance its appeal for families looking to grow in a nurturing environment.

Financial Package

Competitive Salary, Health Insurance, Three Bedroom Two Bath Parsonage and Utilities

How to Apply

If you sense this position is a good fit, please submit your resume, including a link to a hosted video or audio teaching sample, to search@portcommunitychurch.com Do not contact the church directly.

Port Community Church is excited to welcome a pastor who will lead with faith, love, and a heart for service, shaping the future of our ministry together.