What is the congregation’s or organization’s vision for ministry? Additionally describe how this vision is lived out.
We seek to heal ourselves by entering a healing season of fellowship, spiritual nourishment, working together, and nurturing members in times of need and joy. We want to practice cooperation, compassion, love, and trust within our congregation. We will work to keep our eyes looking forward so we can move forward. While this vision is short term, it is essential so that we can allow a new era, anchoring ourselves as a family of faith with fruitful gatherings, and strong foundations. From this foundation, we will be better equipped to discern how to go out in the world in our current reality. Once we make progress with our short-term goals, we will be able to turn to a community need that matches our abilities and resources. Our priority is a healing season as this will best equip us to move forward.
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How do you feel called to reach out to address the emerging needs of your community or constituency?
First Presbyterian currently opens our doors to local cultural non-profits such as Staunton Music Festival, Heifetz, the American Shakespeare Center, and Mary Baldwin. We sponsor a local Boy Scouts of America troop. We provide refreshments and shelter during the Staunton Christmas Parade. We support one another with food, cards, phone calls, and visits. In this season, we feel called to address the needs of our congregation and our church if it is to survive. Specifically, we need to heal. Within our community, we feel it is essential to assess needs before addressing them. Everything is different now-in our community and our church.
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How will this position help you to reach your vision and mission goals?
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.
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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 interim/transitional pastor must have:
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- 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.
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What specific tasks, assignments, and program areas will this person have responsibility?
The Interim Pastor will serve as the spiritual and administrative leader of the congregation, session and staff during the pastoral transition.
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- 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
- provide pastoral care as needed
- 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
- demonstrate for the staff and congregation a model of healthy self-care, study, spiritual care and prayer.
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