What is the congregation’s or organization’s vision for ministry? Additionally describe how this vision is lived out.
For more than 225 years, we have been #forMorganton. We support our local businesses, professionals, students, and schools. We want the people of Burke County to know, love, and follow Jesus. We want our neighbors to know we are for them, that God is for them, and that the message of Jesus Christ is still good news!
We are for Burke County. We support local businesses, restaurants, and ministry partners with our time and talents, and provide free resources and services to our neighbors in need. FPC members regularly serve our community through state and local councils, boards, and committees. Our recently-refreshed facility with its enhanced technology is available to community groups and organizations to utilize free-of-charge.
We believe God is for them, too. We look for God’s presence in our community and join God’s work in Jesus’ name. We offer different worship opportunities, and actively seek to reach people who may not know Jesus and also those who have followed him for years. We are intentionally present in our community to show representative support from our congregation.
The message of Jesus Christ is still good news! Our worship services are intentionally friendly to newcomers. We offer opportunities for spiritual formation for across age and stage. We host neighborhood gatherings on our campus and partner with organizations that meet real needs. |
How do you feel called to reach out to address the emerging needs of your community or constituency?
Our community is growing and thriving. The population is rapidly changing as artisans and musicians, entrepreneurs, advanced students, state employees, and those looking to retire are moving into our beautiful community. Meanwhile, shortages of affordable housing, food insecurity, drug addiction, and homelessness are emerging challenges to be addressed. Members of our congregation have seats at tables of influence that seek to empower holistic and systemic changes.
Like most of the country, we have struggled with the impacts of the pandemic - economic downturns, loneliness, heightened awareness of social and systemic injustices, and political polarization. We have linked arms with others - congregations and community organizers - to engage in meaningful dialogue. We are a Matthew 25 church; although we are still seeking clarity and learning how to participate well in this long-term vision.
While we have done an admirable job ministering to an older demographic, their needs are varied and persistent. We struggle to engage younger generations. Our location in the region and proximity to the arts, concert venues, and outdoor recreation pose a challenge to in-person attendance for worship and programs. A year ago, we started a worship service on Saturday evenings to offer a compelling alternative in style and schedule. We offer spiritual formation classes and worship services online and on-demand to provide more options for participation from those outside the walls of the church. |
How will this position help you to reach your vision and mission goals?
We long to encourage and equip younger generations to know, love, and follow Jesus. This position will help us engage kids, students, and parents with the good news of Jesus Christ in meaningful ways. It will help increase their participation in the life of our congregation and community.
This position will help our church foster Christian faith and discipleship in kids and students by equipping parents and caring adults with the tools to grow faith at home. It will also help us nurture learning and growth opportunities across developmental age and stage, and empower volunteer leaders - both eager and reluctant - to invest in the lives of others inside and outside our walls. Ultimately, this position will help increase the odds that our students and families will stick around after Confirmation and carry their faith beyond high school into early adulthood.
We need help to re-launch programs for kids, students, and parents. This position will give us the chance to nurture faith by resurrecting familiar programs and leading us into unfamiliar territory with new methods and strategies. Above all, this position will equip young disciples with the tools to lead a sustainable life of faith.
Furthermore, this position will give our congregation pastoral capacity. It will allow us to multiply our efforts, expand our demographic reach, provide space for clear and creative thinking, and enable shared ministry responsibilities on staff and in the congregation.
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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.
The person God calls to serve alongside us is a good listener, one who can appreciate our rich history while also guiding the congregation into its future. This person needs to be passionate about building community, loving the people in this congregation, and devoted to nurturing and sharing their faith in Christ. This person should be a life-long learner, apt teacher, willing to learn and grow, and try new ideas even if they fail.
This person will need to be patient and kind, having the long game of congregational health and vitality in mind. This person will need to be flexible and resilient, willing to serve and assist with needs that arise - whether they involve youth and young families or not. This person will be humble, a great teammate who looks to serve others before being served. They will know trust is not given, but earned, and will put effort into establishing good relationships with fellow colleagues, staff, committees, and congregation members.
This person will be a leader; self-directed and self-motivated, taking initiative to organize and move things forward. Yet, this person will be able to take direction and align with objectives and strategies. This person will have an uncommon work ethic while taking pride in shared ministry - recruiting, motivating, and empowering volunteers - celebrating the success of others as their own. They will be tech-savvy, communicate well in writing, and be conscientious and responsible across any and all social media platforms. |
What specific tasks, assignments, and program areas will this person have responsibility?
- Responsible for all ministry, programming, outreach, and events aimed at youth and young families.
- Resurrect or birth programs for youth, young families, young adults, and their parents.
- Recruit and equip caring adults who will volunteer to lead youth and young family programs.
- Serve on committees or councils, as assigned.
- Participate in the life of the church through regular worship leadership.
- Assist in providing pastoral care along with the senior pastor, deacons, and other staff.
- Preach 6-8 times a year, as assigned.
- Other duties as assigned by session and the senior pastor.
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