What is the congregation’s or organization’s vision for ministry? Additionally describe how this vision is lived out.
The congregation of the FPCHS is a body rooted in a rich history with eyes gazing to transformation. FPCHS has a 250-year tradition of bringing the word of Christ to our neighbors and providing outreach to the local community and beyond. We acknowledge that today’s Christian church is at the apex of great change and for the Church to continue to grow and remain relevant in the 21st century we must be ready to embrace this change. We believe that as disciples of Christ we must be forward thinking agents of transformation. We must continue to witness and share the power and love of Christ Jesus and to grow our missional outreach while retaining many of our cherished congregational ministries.
We are a church led by the Spirit through missional and attractional components in the way we live and serve the Lord. The ministries of our church are steeped in tradition and are a large part of who we are as a church family. For them to flourish we want to attract new families with children and youth. We do have active mission and outreach but see opportunity for growth by going out into the community to serve others and by keeping our doors open to local groups and programs. As our neighborhood changes and becomes more diverse, we must reflect that in our membership, ministries, and service. For, as a missional church, we endeavor to further connect with our community and find innovative ways to serve, extend our reach, and give greater witness to the love and peace of Christ. |
How do you feel called to reach out to address the emerging needs of your community or constituency?
The Christian Church’s future is in spreading God’s Word with community outreach. Our members are involved in many missional opportunities, both in and out of our immediate community. Some mission opportunities include serving at the soup kitchen, mission trips for both youth and adults, and supporting a local homeless organization. FPCHS is also focused on food donations to the community, including co-creating a local food bank service.
Our building hosts multiple events to invite the public to engage with our members. We want to not only serve but to also develop relationships. FPCHS became sponsors of the Young Wonders Preschool which reaches new families while fulfilling a need of the community. During the ongoing pandemic, we purchased tents to facilitate safe, social-distanced gatherings of church and non-church groups. Our members give not only financially to local programs, but they also give their time and gifts. Our pastors, choirs, and lay members bring worship to outside organizations.
We see more opportunities to think outside the box for worship and community outreach programs. Worship doesn’t have to be only Sunday mornings or in the church building. Serving the community with new programs and outreach is the future that we envision for our congregation and beyond. We not only want to go out into the community, but also invite the community into the church for worship and for community use. FPCHS is considering the Matthew 25 initiative. |
How will this position help you to reach your vision and mission goals?
As FPCHS begins to build a bridge from the past to the future, the candidate will guide us in creating a new worship and missional vision. The candidate will be the strongest advocate of our vision within and outside of FPCHS while seeking mission opportunities to leverage our strengths for the community. In doing so, the candidate will help us manage the pace, focus and scope of change. The methods utilized to achieve our vision and mission will constantly change.
The arrival of FPCH’s 250th Anniversary is imminent. The timing of this event is an ideal opportunity to publicly launch our future narrative, celebrate our faith and our heritage with the community while revitalizing the congregation to meet the future. Some anticipated elements of our future include:
• Engage local governments and religious, community and education leaders to identify opportunities where FPCHS may partner or serve as a resource for our neighbors.
• Formulate new methods and strategies to engage the next generation of worshippers.
• Shine new light on scripture in the context of today’s issues and provide truth applicable to the reality of our daily lives.
• Develop plans and means to improve written and electronic communications to all generations within FPCHS and to the community at large.
Some setbacks are expected throughout our journey and the right leader will be able to perform any needed course corrections and guide us as we continue to move forward. |
Provide a description of the characteristics needed by the person who is open to being called to this congregation and or organization.
Our Hamilton Square congregation is transitioning from an attractional to a missional focus in the wider context of declining church attendance, 21st century technological possibilities and challenges, and shifting local demographics as laid out in our Mission Study report. We have a rich history of embracing traditional and non-traditional worship styles, and have shown as a congregation a willingness to embrace change when that change has captured the spirit of our members.
Our collaborative and team-building Pastor, in providing leadership through our transformation, must exhibit empathy for the needs of those in the church and local communities through active listening and involvement, including the delivery of pastoral care. Our pastor must be adept at networking and building relationships with others in the church and in the community, and have a solid vision of how the church can live out Christ in today's world. Critical is the ability for our pastor to communicate that vision clearly to others, demonstrating flexibility in the leading of the Spirit and being open to ways in which God's work can be accomplished. Our pastor must also be an effective and inspiring communicator, including 1:1 communication, written communication, preaching, and have the ability to understand the possibilities afforded through employment of technology. |
What specific tasks, assignments, and program areas will this person have responsibility?
We expect our Senior Pastor to:
• Preach Biblically, approachably, and topically to a family ranging from the unchurched to the mature in faith, relating the Word to the current world, from local to national to global social needs.
• Lead varying styles of worship, supported by assistants and music teams.
• Explore new worship models with us, stretching beyond the sanctuary to other rooms, outdoors, informal gatherings, and online.
• Develop relationships with potential partners in local government, schools, hospitals, eldercare communities, and nonprofit organizations.
• Inspire, motivate, and equip the church family to act as the face of Christ to the community.
• Link with local churches, Presbytery, and Camp Johnsonburg to strengthen our Christian presence in the community through partnerships.
• Provide pastoral care to church members, preschool students, and their families, encouraging their participation in education and ministry.
• Foster excellent communication among Session, Deacons, staff, congregation, and community. Bring familiarity with current and emerging media and branding.
• Continue updating the leadership structure to meet the needs of an emerging missional church, equipping elders, deacons, and church leaders for active roles.
• Serve on the church preschool board, providing advice on its administrative decisions.
• Oversee pastoral, administrative, and music staff.
• Advise and support the Resource Management Commission as it administers facility and property care. |
Optional Links
https://hamsquarechurch.org
https://www.facebook.com/hamsquarechurch
http://theyoungwonders.com
https://sites.google.com/a/christchurchhamilton.org/www/ginnys-pantry
https://www.homefrontnj.org
https://www.trentonsoupkitchen.org
https://www.mobilemealshamilton.org |