What is the congregation’s or organization’s vision for ministry? Additionally describe how this vision is lived out.
Believing that God’s gift of new life is realized by embracing it, our vision is to engage all people in active discipleship by helping them experience, explore and express God’s love in Christ in their lives, community, and broader world. We believe Christ is revealed through the work of His Body as it is engaged in ministries of grace and love. Therefore, we seek to foster a community of active discipleship through intentional activities of radical hospitality, passionate worship, intentional faith development, risk-taking service and extravagant generosity. We look forward to reflecting on our heritage and mission with the Transitional Pastor to live into the future to which God is calling us. The session will support the Transitional Pastor by taking on additional roles and responsibilities in the congregation as we do this important work. |
How do you feel called to reach out to address the emerging needs of your community or constituency?
We believe our call is discerned through the voice of the Holy Spirit, as together we listen to the needs of those around us. Those needs are fluid, complex and pervasive, and so we look forward to discerning new calls during this transitional time. Our call is to be the Body of Christ in the world and so our response must be communal and utilize the expansive gifts found in the greater community. Currently, we live this out through a partnership with our neighborhood elementary school, providing weekend food bags and tutoring. We have a partner church in Cuba, the Presbyterian Church of San Nicolas, sharing mission through visits, prayers, and cards. We welcome various support groups to have meetings in our building and host a preschool that serves local families. We support Angel Tree with Christmas gifts, as well as other local organizations as needs arise that align with our mission. We know we are better together. As we engage in Christ’s work together, we not only share God’s love with others but also find ourselves embraced in its grace.
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How will this position help you to reach your vision and mission goals?
This position is one of creative, entrepreneurial partnership and leadership. The Transitional Pastor should be trained in the five process areas of Heritage, Mission, Leadership, Connections, and Future, and will work with all the various groups of the congregation, and the congregation as a whole, to discern the type of pastor God is calling to the church. In addition, the Transitional Pastor will participate with the Session and other leadership in discerning, envisioning, developing, and implementing engaging ministries that exhibit God’s claiming love to others. Mindful of our call to share the Good News of Christ with all, the Transitional Pastor will reach out to involve the rich diversity in our church and community. With a focus on broad participation and faith development, the Transitional Pastor will participate in a dynamic environment of programs and activities at various times leading, recruiting, training, equipping, monitoring, and supporting the same.
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Provide a description of the characteristics needed by the person who is open to being called to this congregation and or organization.
Empowered by the Holy Spirit, the Transitional Pastor will have the gifts to inspire the leadership and members of the congregation to:
- Discern God’s vision for the future of the Shepherd of the Valley Presbyterian Church and its ministry;
- Identify the working of the Holy Spirit within the life of the congregation for its revitalization and transformation;
- Plan for the current ministry of the church, using the full resources of time, talent and money that God has provided through the people of the church;
- Promote the clear and open communication necessary for the ministry of the Church of Jesus Christ.
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What specific tasks, assignments, and program areas will this person have responsibility?
The Transitional Pastor, along with the Associate Pastor and church leadership, will be responsible for:
Sunday Worship:
- Coordinates preparation of the worship service with Music Director and Associate Administrator for Communications.
- Preaches in partnership with the Associate Pastor and administers the sacraments
- Coordinates delivery of the service virtually on YouTube
- Given Covid concerns, there will be some flexibility in terms of physical presence and how worship may be provided
Staff Supervision:
- Serves as head of staff for church employees and volunteers
- Coordination with Shepherd of the Valley Pre-school
- Leads weekly staff meetings
Session
- Moderates meetings and supports committee leadership as required
Pastoral Care:
- Coordinates with Associate Pastor, Parish Associates, and Deacons to ensure hospital/home visitation and/or communion
- Performs weddings, funerals and other special services as needed
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Optional Links
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