Ministry Information Form Query

We strive to be empowered by the Holy Spirit, renewed in heart and mind through prayer and study, with open mind and energy, representing Christ in this community and the world. Our members are faithful, compassionate, dedicated, friendly, caring, generous, talented and supportive. These qualities contribute to the stability and success of our programs.

We engage in a mission program in our community, in Baja Mexico, and elsewhere. We support active mission fundraising with benefit meals prepared by members, car wash, yard and bake sales, food booth, cake auction, silent auction, and musical events to support these missions.

 Mission supported include Habitat for Humanity, Rebuilding Together, Kingsway (clothing closet and food pantry), Weekday Religious Education, Boy Scouts, Young Life, Community Vacation Bible School,  Augusta Free Clinic, Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, Staunton Augusta Church Relief Association, ICARE, Massanetta Springs, Presbyterian Children’s Home of the Highlands, Volunteer Fire Department, Riverheads High School Chemical People, Valley Mission, Valley Pastoral Counseling, Operation Christmas Child, Bethel Emergency Relief Fund (BERF), Souper Bowl of Caring, One Great Hour of Sharing, Links of Love, Joy Gift, Salvation Army Christmas Gift Program.

We are a tight knit community and we care for our neighbors in the church, the community, and around the world.

In the Church: Frequent religious and fellowship activities, care-giving, and communication. We communicate congregational news and needs by email, website, and Facebook. Provide transportation when needed.

In the community: Our community, established and experiencing moderate growth, includes a broad mix of families and individuals with different needs, interests and abilities. We see a need for spiritual growth and fellowship for all ages, as well as support for the needy. We collaborate with local churches and enjoy frequent fellowship with the many friends of Bethel and friends of its members. Through our Men’s, Women’s, Youth, Social, and Scouting activities, we get to know our neighbors, interact with them and show them Bethel’s hospitality. We actively support Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts, college students (communications and Student Loans), local service organizations, and those needy neighbors who are aided through our charities.

The interim /transitional pastor will lead through a crucial time in the life the congregation, helping us evaluate our ministries and staffing model, while challenging us to find innovative ways to deepen our service to God and our community.

The interim/transitional pastor must have:

• training, experience and commitment to intentional transitional ministry

• strong administrative skills
• a collaborative leadership style
• proficiency in identifying and adapting to local culture
• a commitment to the Reformed faith and Presbyterian polity

The Interim Pastor will serve as the spiritual and administrative leader of the congregation, session and staff during the pastoral transition.

• • function as Head of Staff, keeping regular office hours
  • moderate session and facilitate the work of session committees.
  • plan and lead worship, in collaboration with staff.
  • administer the sacraments in coordination with the Session.
  • provide pastoral care as needed in coordination with the Session.
  • support the various educational ministries of the church, teaching as appropriate and as time allows.
  • membership and active participation in Shenandoah Presbytery.
  • close coordination with the Committee on Pastoral Transition.
  • integration of the Church Assessment Tool (CAT) results into their work with the session and congregation.
  • demonstration for the staff and congregation a model of healthy self-care, study, spiritual care and prayer.