What is the congregation’s or organization’s vision for ministry? Additionally describe how this vision is lived out.
First Presbyterian is a community of faith. In everything we do, we strive to fulfill our vision to be a church where engagement with God’s Word shapes us into faithful and committed disciples of Jesus Christ. We joyfully unite in worship, missions, and fellowship, inspired to minister for justice and peace. By sharing the Good News in transformational and sacrificial ways, we hope our example encourages others to follow Christ.
We fulfill our mission by a committed focus on our Reformed theology shared through meaningful and relevant worship experiences, inspiring music and engaging sermons. Our congregation is focused on the needs of others, both in our community and the world. Our priority is to use our time and efforts to reach out to others through acts of service, meeting each where they are and opening our doors for the greater service to which we are called. We nurture our congregation through Christian education that helps to feed the mind, body and spirit. We support engagement through active ministries, discipleship opportunities and vibrant programming where purposeful, direct and personal connections are possible.
We have substantial skills, capabilities and resources and we continually learn together how best to use them for God’s purposes. We welcome collaborative leadership to help us focus our vision for God’s church.
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How do you feel called to reach out to address the emerging needs of your community or constituency?
Within our calling as a large church in its local sphere, we must continually identify emerging needs and emphasize ministries to let our members engage their faith in loving and charitable ways. Spiritual health is a dominant goal for church members of all ages and those who are served by our outreach. Our congregation is committed to using its individual gifts of time and treasure, providing service and leadership in numerous community mission endeavors, including Habitat for Humanity of Gaston County, Rise Against Hunger, Boys and Girls Clubs, and school mentoring programs. We strive to meet the needs of individuals, families, children, youth, and older adults, both within our congregation and in our community, acknowledging the challenge to embrace diversity and to reach the unchurched. FPC has a long history of allocating more than 10% of its annual congregational giving to benefit local and foreign missions including the homeless, underserved schools, and our Guatemala and Malawi partnerships. In addition, our church endowment uses 4% of its value each year to fund grant requests. The missions of our church will continue to be nourished and adapted to meet changing needs while grounded in Christian faith and love.
We will continue to reflect on our passion, evaluate our efforts, and look more at our changing community. We will evaluate where we focus our outreach and financial support and proudly declare our efforts to the glory of God.
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How will this position help you to reach your vision and mission goals?
The Associate Pastor will work closely with the Senior Pastor in serving, guiding and teaching the congregation, as well as helping the congregation to engage in meaningful mission work, often partnering with mission organizations. The Associate Pastor will provide resources to the Deacons as they serve and love the congregation. The Associate Pastor will preach once a month on average, delivering thoughtful prayers and engaging sermons. Coordinating pastoral care, the Associate Pastor will do some of the hospital and retirement community visits, as well as reaching out to visitors and members who have not attended recently.
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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.
First Presbyterian Church is an intergenerational church seeking an Associate Pastor who has a gift for pastoral care and can maintain a web of care that actively covers the entire congregation. We seek a person who is compassionate, empathetic, personable, and outgoing and is authentic in his/her faith and relationships. One of our strengths at First Presbyterian Church is our commitment to missions both in the church and the greater community. We seek an Associate Pastor who will further help in organization and guidance of our congregation in engaging in mission work and partnering with different mission organizations. As a self-starter, it is important that our next Associate Pastor bring energy, hope and enthusiasm for Christ’s ministry to our church activities and as an active participant in the programs.
We seek a person who will engage and inspire generosity in giving of resources and time through creative ways and can think outside the box. The Associate Pastor will coordinate the Pastoral Care ministry, ensuring the staff and ministry volunteers are aware of the care needed and how it will be provided to members in need assuring they remain connected with our church.
Most importantly, we want an Associate Pastor who is joyfully led by the Spirit with the desire to engage our members in living out our mission as a community of faith.
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What specific tasks, assignments, and program areas will this person have responsibility?
Preaching and Worship
- Plan and lead formal Traditional and informal Thrive worship services, including preaching the Word of God on occasion as directed by the Senior Pastor. Perform weddings and funerals in collaboration with pastoral staff.
Pastoral Care
- Work with the Senior Pastor and Pastoral Care Committee in providing pastoral care and provide pastoral counseling where appropriate and supervise the Minister of Visitation
Missions and Community
- Work with the Missions Committee, providing leadership and resources to help provide opportunities for the congregation to engage in relevant mission work
Session and Diaconate
- Serve as a member of the Session and serve as staff liaison for the Diaconate and support the Deacon Moderator
Leadership and Administration
- Directly supervise the Minister of Visitation and the Director of Communication and Information Specialist
- Serve as Staff Representative to the Diaconate, Pastoral Care Committee, and the Missions Committee
- In absence of the Senior Pastor, lead weekly staff meetings
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Optional Links
Provide below any links to online information that may help call seekers understand your congregation or organization. (e.g. organization or community websites, online newsletters, demographic information) Please note the CLC system does not warehouse links. (Limit characters to 500)
Chamber of Commerce: www.gastonchamber.com
County Schools: www.gaston.k12.nc.us
CaroMont Health: www.caromonthealth.org
Schiele Museum of Natural History: www.schielemuseum.org
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden: www.DSBG.org
Crowders Mountain State Park: www.ncparks.gov/crowders-mountain-state-park
US National Whitewater Center: www.USNWC.org
Gaston YMCA: www.gastonymca.org
United Way of Gaston County: www.unitedwaygaston.org
Gaston Community Foundation: www.cfgaston.org
Gaston County Museum: www.gastoncountymuseum.org
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