Pastor/Head of Staff

Job Posting: Pastor / Head of Staff

First Presbyterian Church – Cherryville, North Carolina

Presbytery of Western North Carolina (Will consider other Presbyterian affiliations)

About First Presbyterian Church Cherryville

First Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) is a warm, faithful, multigenerational congregation located in

Cherryville, NC. With an average worship attendance of 105 and an active membership of 101–250.

Our core vision is to Gather, Grow, and Go: gathering in a faithful community, growing in Christ-

centered discipleship, and going into the world in loving service to the glory of God.

Cherryville is a close-knit, faith-based community undergoing growth and demographic shifts. We

are actively involved in local and global outreach through our CARE Team, Presbyterian Youth

Connection (PYC), Vacation Bible School, solid partnerships with Cherryville Area Ministries, and

support for our sister church in Guatemala.

Position Overview

● Position Title: Pastor / Head of Staff

● Employment Status: Full-Time

● Experience Required: 5 to 10 Years

● Minimum Effective Salary: $70,000 (plus Housing Allowance)

We are seeking a visionary pastoral leader with a heart filled with love, compassion, and a deep

desire to guide our church into its next season of ministry. The ideal candidate will bring renewed

energy to our congregation, honoring our rich traditions while helping us evolve to meet the needs of

a growing community.

Key Responsibilities

● Worship Leadership: Prepare inspiring, spiritually enriching sermons and lead regular

worship services.

● Pastoral Care: Provide faithful visitation to homebound members, shut-ins, and hospital

patients; offer pre-marital and baptismal counseling; pray for those in need; and support

families through all seasons of life.

● Head of Staff & Administration: Moderate the Session, appoint committees, prepare

agendas, and serve as Head of Staff, providing leadership and direction as we work to fill key

roles like our Director of Youth and Family Ministries.

● Christian Education: Teach classes across age groups, including Adult Bible Study, New

Member classes, Confirmation, and participation in the Friendship Club.

● Evangelism & Youth Outreach: Meet with prospective members and partner with lay

leadership to expand youth involvement, summer programs, and initiatives for young

families.

● Community & Ecumenical Engagement: Represent the congregation in the Cherryville

Ministerial Association, build relationships with local leaders and schools, and participate in

community enrichment.

● Denominational Participation: Share in the work of the Presbytery of Western North

Carolina, Synod, and broader PCUSA initiatives.

Qualifications & Expectations

● Master of Divinity (or equivalent required for PCUSA ordination) with a required Statement

of Faith.

● 5 to 10 years of ordained pastoral experience is preferred.

● Strong preaching, teaching, and interpersonal communication skills.

● A collaborative leadership style that empowers lay volunteers and staff rather than trying to

"do it all".

● A passion for youth ministry, multigenerational connection, and community revitalization.

How to Apply / Self-Referral

Interested candidates can reach out directly to the Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC):

● PNC Co-Chair: Susie Lewis

● Mailing Address: c/o First Presbyterian Church, 107 W. Academy St., Cherryville, NC

28021

● Phone: (704) 616-4460 or Church Office (704) 435-6064

● Email: sblewis@beamconstruction.com or jchampion@fpccnc.org

● Website: www.fpccnc.org

● Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FirstPresbyterianCherryville/