What is the congregation’s or organization’s vision for ministry? Additionally describe how this vision is lived out.
Relying on God’s love and grace made known through Jesus Christ, CHPC is a worshiping community called to live out that love and grace with one another and the world. We aim to be partners with Christ as an open, growing, faith-filled community, developing authentic relationships and cultivating a passion for justice and mission. We desire to be an inclusive church, welcoming all people, regardless of race, nationality, class, gender, age, ability, sexual orientation, or previous condition of life. We encourage all members, including children and youth, to recognize their own talents and to find their part in our mission. Likewise, we value lifelong learning for our pastor and provide opportunities for spiritual and professional growth and development. What does this look like? (All of the following are important to us, so the list is in alphabetical order.)
- care for sick and homebound members
- developing older adult ministries
- earth care initiatives
- intentional inclusion of people with varying physical, emotional, and intellectual abilities
- intergenerational community and activities
- mission on local, regional, national, and international levels
- potlucks, picnics, and other forms of fellowship
- pray-ground for children in worship
- Sunday School classes and study groups for all ages
- support for youth and young families
- vibrant worship with a strong music program
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How do you feel called to reach out to address the emerging needs of your community or constituency?
There are many ways we are connected to the community; the following is a list of some of these ways. (All of the following are important to us, so the list is in alphabetical order.)
- connections and proximity to Louisville Presbyterian Seminary (1.9 miles) and the PC(USA) national offices (4.3 miles)
- English Language Learners program
- participation in community events addressing hunger, homelessness, racism, and LGBTQ+ issues
- participation in local ecumenical and denominational ministries
- refugee and immigrant sponsorship and support
- summer garden camp open to children from throughout the city
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How will this position help you to reach your vision and mission goals?
We are looking for a pastor who will inspire, lead, teach, encourage, and walk with us as we celebrate and live out God’s love and grace for one another and the world. We need someone to help us discern our gifts and calling as individuals and as a congregation and to empower our discipleship. We seek someone who knows how and when to delegate. We desire a pastor who will build relationships of trust and cooperation both inside and outside of our congregation. We seek someone comfortable shepherding and providing spiritual support for theological professionals who make up approximately 18 percent of the congregation. We seek an individual who can prompt and challenge us towards risks in ministry while honoring some of our treasured customs and traditions. |
Provide a description of the characteristics needed by the person who is open to being called to this congregation and or organization.
The Leadership Competencies we selected reflect well the characteristics we seek in a new pastor (All of the following are important to us, so the list is in alphabetical order.):
- someone who is approachable, compassionate, and who displays spiritual maturity
- someone who knows how to foster collaboration and motivate broad congregational participation
- someone who possesses a genuine interest in and affinity for youth work as well as embracing and supporting older adult ministries
- someone who recognizes personal strengths and limitations and practices self-care
- someone who welcomes and is energized by cultural and theological diversity
- someone who will make planning and leading Sunday morning worship a priority
- someone with a clear theology of financial stewardship who is willing to regularly discuss money
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What specific tasks, assignments, and program areas will this person have responsibility?
Pastors have a number of responsibilities as detailed in the scriptures and in the PC(USA) constitution. Below are some assignments particularly important to us. (All of the following are important to us, so the list is in alphabetical order.)
- collaboration with the Director of Music, Administrative Assistant, and Faith Formation staff, and Parish Associates (if any)
- collaboration with the work of the deacons
- mentor seminary interns
- oversight, with the session, of church councils (Nurture, Outreach, Stewardship, and Worship)
- oversight, with the session, of education and spiritual development ministries
- pastoral care
- thoughtful sermons that enhance the spiritual development of the congregation
- work with the Generosity Team to encourage members to share their gifts
- worship preparation and leadership
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Optional Links
Website: www.crescenthill.church
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CrescentHillPres/ |