What is the congregation’s or organization’s vision for ministry? Additionally describe how this vision is lived out.
The vision is based on the narrative movement of Acts 1-5: Encounter, Worship, Community, and Service. This is lived out with hospitality; worship; fellowship and ministry to each other; and moving beyond the walls of PSC into active participation in and service to local congregations, the university community, and Athens. |
How do you feel called to reach out to address the emerging needs of your community or constituency?
The Presbyterian Student Center at UGA provides a welcoming place for a diverse student population to gather for worship, fellowship, and encouragement to face personal student challenges, including vocational discernment, mental health, new freedoms, and stressful responsibilities. PSC@UGA provides students the opportunity for growth in their faith and discipleship. Opportunities for support and leadership development are available through this ministry as students navigate young adulthood and life’s challenges in a very chaotic and complex secular world. More particularly, the Waddel Fellowship, a student vocational discernment project funded by a grant from the Lilly Endowment, encourages PSC participants to explore calls to Christian ministry and prepare for church leadership. These goals are achieved by placing Waddel Fellows in part-time, paid leadership positions in local congregations and nonprofit agencies. In addition, they can visit seminaries and participate in a vocational discernment weekend at Columbia Theological Seminary. |
How will this position help you to reach your vision and mission goals?
This person will:
- Provide a welcoming environment for student growth in faith and leadership
- Develop and empower student ministers
- Promote PSC@UGA on the University of Georgia Campus
- Coordinate worship, fellowship, mission/service projects, and student retreats
- Provide pastoral care and support to students in the UGA campus community
- Work to encourage ecumenical and interfaith relations
- Ensure the programs are consistent with the tenets of the Presbyterian Church (USA)
- Oversee planning, implementing, and leadership of all ministry programs for PSC@UGA, including weekly worship and fellowship suppers, retreats, service, and Waddel Fellowship
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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 are seeking a campus minister/executive director of the PSC who will embody the love and grace of God. We desire someone with a vibrant faith that is well-grounded in the Reformed tradition and open to ecumenical and interfaith cooperation. Due to the nature of the student community, the pastor must be open-minded, nonjudgmental, knowledgeable about the needs of young adults, approachable, and able to provide a non-anxious presence. Fundraising and continued engagement/outreach to local Presbytery congregations are vital to the continued success of this ministry. Time management, flexibility, and organizational skills are key for the campus minister, who will be working with students, alumni, fundraising, communications, social media, facilities management, local churches, and the PSC board of directors. Creativity and energy will be a plus. This individual should be comfortable in an academic environment and committed to intellectual growth and the PSC@UGA mission. Walking on water is optional. |
What specific tasks, assignments, and program areas will this person have responsibility?
- Work with and report to the Board of Directors of the Presbyterian Campus Ministry at the University of Georgia
- Strengthen relations between the congregations of the Northeast Georgia Presbytery and PSC@UGA
- Manage the Waddel Fellowship program and work with grant provider
- Administer ministry budget and manage facilities/property
- Oversee part-time Ministry Assistant (10 hours or less per week), Waddel Fellowship Intern (full-time for 10 months), and two Ministry Associates (local clergy volunteers like Parish Associates)
- Preach and celebrate the Lord’s Supper weekly at student-led worship Service on Tuesday evenings when school is in session
- Coordinate weekly free dinner and program on Sunday evenings when school is in session
- Communicate with all Georgia PCUSA and Evangelical Lutheran Church of America churches regarding their UGA students
- Manage all fundraising events and coordinate fund development activities with current church congregations, alumni, and friends of PSC@UGA
- Maintain website and communications through all media
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Optional Links
http://pscuga.org
www.uga.edu
www.cmtev.org
www.negapby.org |