Pastor of Discipleship/Associate Pastor

The Pastor of Discipleship/Associate Pastor will share in the general pastoral ministry of First Reformed Church while providing primary leadership in discipling and developing high school students and young adults (approximately ages 18–28).

For more information or to apply directly, visit: https://www.rukesgroup.com/inwood

PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Personal & Spiritual

• A maturing disciple of Jesus Christ with a clear love for the Lord, His Word, and His Church.
• A call to serve an established rural congregation in the Reformed tradition.
• A theological conviction and practice compatible with the Reformed tradition.
• Evident integrity, humility, and teachability.
• Committed to prayer, Scripture, and ongoing spiritual growth.

Relational & Temperamental

• Strong social skills.
• Able to function as a highly relational, visible pastor in a rural context.
• Flexible, adaptable, and able to “juggle” multiple responsibilities in a growing church.
• Comfortable partnering with a highly relational Lead Pastor and sharing ministry in a way that supports, complements, and extends his pastoral work.

PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES

Ministry Gifting

• Demonstrated gifting as a:
• Pastor/Shepherd – loves and cares for God’s people; is present in their lives and “knows the sheep by name.”
• Discipler/Mentor/Coach – invests in spiritual formation and leadership development, especially among youth and young adults.
• Communicator – able to preach biblically faithful, clear sermons and teach effectively in student and young adult contexts.

Core Competencies

• Biblical Preaching & Teaching – handles Scripture faithfully and communicates clearly to both adults and younger audiences.
• Pastoral Care – able to provide spiritual support in times of transition.
• Discipleship & Leadership Development – able to identify, invest in, and develop emerging leaders among high school and young adults.
• Teamwork & Collaboration – works well with the Lead Pastor, consistory, staff, and volunteers; open to feedback and shared discernment.
• Communication Skills – able to use tools such as PowerPoint, outlines, and basic technology to support preaching, teaching, and ministry communication.
• Organizational Ability – able to plan, prioritize, and follow through on multiple ministry responsibilities in a growing church setting.

Education & Experience

• Ordained or ordainable by the Alliance of Reformed Churches.
• Formal theological training (seminary degree or meaningful progress toward one) is strongly preferred.
• Some experience working with youth and/or young adults and some exposure to broader pastoral or church ministry are preferred.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

1.  Pastor of Discipleship for High School & Young Adults

• Provide pastoral oversight and leadership for:
• High school students.
• Young adults (approximately 18–28), including college students, early-career adults, and young singles/married couples.
• Disciple, mentor, and coach students and young adults toward mature faith and active participation in the life and mission of the church.
• Develop, equip, and encourage volunteer leaders who serve in high school and young adult ministries.
• Design and/or support gatherings, small groups, studies, and leadership development environments appropriate to these age groups.
• Help integrate students and young adults into:
• Corporate worship.
• Service opportunities.
• Leadership roles consistent with the church’s polity and practice.
• Maintain a visible, relational presence in key environments such as:
• The West Lyon School District (where appropriate and possible).
• Community activities connected to youth and young adults.

2.  Associate Pastor

• Preaching & Worship Leadership
• Preach 10–12 times per year.
• Assist in leading worship.
• Pastoral Care
• Share in pastoral care of the congregation with the Lead Pastor, including:
• Hospital and home visitation.
• Crisis care.
• Weddings, funerals, baptisms, and other pastoral functions.
• Participate in the general shepherding of the congregation, seeking to know the sheep by name and be actively present in the relational life of the church.

3.  Gift-Based (“Wild Card”) Ministry Contribution

• Bring and develop unique gifts and strengths to enhance the ministry of First Reformed Church. The church would currently benefit from leadership for its Life Groups, participation in worship, and a go-to person for technology but, in time, there may be other opportunities.
• Work with the Lead Pastor and Consistory to discern, define, and refine this portion of the role over time, so that the Associate Pastor/Pastor of Discipleship is serving where he is most gifted and where the church most needs strengthening.

EXPECTATIONS

Reporting Relationships

• Reports to: Lead Pastor.
• Works closely with:
• Ministry Team and Consistory.
• Volunteer leaders in high school and young adult ministries.

Workload & Presence

• Full-time pastoral position.
• Active, visible presence in:
• Sunday worship and the broader congregational life of First Reformed Church.
• High school and young adult ministry environments (both church-based and, where appropriate, school/community-based).
• The community life of Inwood and the West Lyon area, as an extension of the church’s witness and relationships.

Growing with a New Role

• This is the first time First Reformed Church has called an Associate Pastor. While the core focus is clear, specific patterns, boundaries, and structures will be shaped over time as the ministry team and consistory discern what works best.
• A willingness to grow with the role as the church continues to develop and as the ministry team takes shape over time.

For more information or to apply directly, visit: https://www.rukesgroup.com/inwood

First Reformed Church of Inwood is a young, growing congregation known for sermon-centered worship, deep relationships, and an extensive reach into the community. Organized in 1911 and affiliated with the Alliance of Reformed Churches, this multigenerational congregation includes a growing number of young adult couples and their children.

The new Pastor of Discipleship/Associate Pastor will join a Ministry Team led by Pastor Rob Hortsman, who has served the church since 2011. The team also includes Anita Van Veldhuizen, who has served for eight years as the 30-hour-a-week Director of Youth Ministries and Family Life Ministry Care Provider. A Support Team of several part-time staff serves in media, finances, and property maintenance.

On September 27, 2026, the congregation broke ground on a new sanctuary that will seat over 500. The project, which also adds classrooms, is expected to be completed by the fall of 2027.