What is the congregation’s or organization’s vision for ministry? Additionally describe how this vision is lived out.
Vision: FPC’s vision for ministry is to create a place of worship which provides dynamic and meaningful worship for all participants, and a continuing education of the responsibilities of a Christian in today’s world, not just in our sanctuary. We strive to create a welcoming and joyful environment which invites anyone to experience the grace and bounty of a life given to followers of Jesus Christ. We want to grow the body of Christ--not just in numbers, but by broadening the knowledge of existing members. We believe that there is a synergistic, interdependent relationship between the four areas listed above.
Lived out: We work to make our worship services relevant and energizing for our members and those who visit. We welcome visitors and long time members and encourage all who are willing to take an active role in the life of our church. Sunday School and small groups such as Womens’ Circles and our Men’s group foster relationships with God and connections with each other.
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How do you feel called to reach out to address the emerging needs of your community or constituency?
Our church family has felt called to address food insecurity in our community through its ongoing food pantry mission. This pantry serves more than 350 families a month. In addition, we are looking at ways in which to broaden our mission work in our community and beyond.
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How will this position help you to reach your vision and mission goals?
A strong visionary pastor will help guide and motivate us to deepen our relationship with Christ which will encourage us to go beyond our current level of engagement in worship, ministry, mission outreach, stewardship, and Christian Education. We want to increase our mission reach to our college age community members. Chipola College is in close proximity to our church. We want to develop programs that would be inclusive of the students.
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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.
We expect our pastor to be dynamic in the pulpit. Sermons and interpersonal relationships should reflect personal depth, spiritual grounding, and compassion. Our ideal preacher should walk the talk. We expect our pastor to be good at communication. We want someone who enjoys teaching. We need a collaborator with good decision making and organizational skills. We want someone comfortable advising the congregation in a group or personal setting. We need someone who is a strong motivator.
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What specific tasks, assignments, and program areas will this person have responsibility?
Head of staff, Sunday morning worship leader and planner, pastoral care including homebound and hospital visitation, Wednesday night lesson with covered dish, teaching special classes during seasons such as Advent and Lent, Moderator of Session, committee participation, community involvement, Sunday School participation, Confirmation class facilitation |
Optional Links
Church website: https://www.firstpresmarianna.org
Our church is part of a vibrant college town. Chipola College is a state college that provides opportunities for education, opportunities to enjoy wonderful arts and theater, and opportunities to watch nationally ranked basketball, baseball, and softball. https://www.chipola.edu
Outdoor recreation opportunities are abundant in Marianna. We are home to the Florida Caverns State Park. The Chipola River runs right through the middle of Marianna, giving paddlers and fishermen the perfect spot to play. We are only an hour away from the worlds most beautiful beaches.
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