What is the congregation’s or organization’s vision for ministry? Additionally describe how this vision is lived out.
Our congregation is committed to sharing God’s love in the Church and its extended community. We marshal the talents, energy and commitment of all our members and thankfully welcome participants of all abilities, identities, race and other life situations to serve as God’s hands and feet in this ministry.
We live out this vision through programs that provide food to families in need, an early learning preschool serving over 100 families, tutoring for underserved school-aged children and support to various local charities. We’ve earmarked 10% of our annual budget to support mission outside of FPCB. Our mission trips to the Yucatan Peninsula and Kenya have helped build schools and churches, provide medical services, educational needs and other support. We also raised $50,000 for those in need during Covid.
The 7-year Stephen Ministries program continues to grow and provides individual care, support and guidance for a variety of life’s circumstances. Our All Abilities Inclusion Ministry, serving special needs children and adults, is a successful and growing program and includes our Rejoicing Spirits “No Shush” worship.
The therapeutic arts and recreation program, AA, Samaritan Counseling and other local organizations are offered free space in our facility to conduct their activities. We also provide a week of housing, meals and transportation for the homeless. Fifty years ago, a gift of 156 acres bequeathed to FPCB continues to provide a summer camp for area children.
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How do you feel called to reach out to address the emerging needs of your community or constituency?
We desire to sustain and grow our vision. A progressive church, we believe God’s love calls us in Luke 10:24-27 and Matthew 25:35-40 to respond to requests for assistance.
The church values continuing education as vital for discerning God’s will. Many offerings are available, and are well-attended by both church members and the community.
The robust Senior Adventures program provides educational trips and fellowship. We do anticipate a return to the popular monthly Lunch and Learn program.
The future of any church lies with young families, a majority of our new members. Programs include Crosswalks Sunday School and Vacation Bible Camp. Children also participate as worship leaders, choristers, liturgists, and in the communion call. Older youth lead an annual worship service, participate in retreats, mission and session. In 2022 we confirmed 9 young people. Community families are invited several times throughout the year for activities.
Member support comes from many areas, including the prayer group, Good Friday Vigil and prayer jar. The reflective Advent by Candlelight focuses on God’s great Gift. Visits to shut-ins, including the celebration of communion, phone calls, and transportation are important.
Our wonderful music program excels in many areas. During worship, it magnifies the Word, lifting the congregation spiritually. Several offerings reach to the outside community as in the meditative compline service In the Presence of the Holy.
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How will this position help you to reach your vision and mission goals?
Paramount is the Word’s proclamation that God’s love is for all. Particularly at FPCB, it is an embrace from a friendly, acceptable, open community where we uphold, respect and welcome everyone’s longing for that love. We welcome the talents and service newcomers bring to us and the wider community.
The head of staff and congregation are builders of a growing faith with a desire to attract, welcome and include new members.
We are a church in transition, adaptable to change, and a new head of staff needs to be a bridge builder between the opinions that exist. There is a healthy tolerance among us, and it is important to hear those who are concerned for continuing the present message of FPCB as well as those who question and perhaps struggle with some of the decisions and changes that have been made in becoming a Matthew 25 church.
The congregation’s response to vision and mission remains strong, and we look to a pastor to lead and encourage us. Satisfaction and energy are high, and we need leadership to help us grow in God’s Word as peacemakers, faithful stewards, and compassionate neighbors.
A pastor needs to challenge us to be God’s servants and share hope in God’s ways amidst what is a chaotic world.
We value pastoral leadership that encourages each of us to grow in knowing the Bible and to appreciate and learn more of God’s saving grace from Creation to the end time.
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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 respond to an experienced, Biblical, and inspirational minister who relates a consistent message of spiritual truths, God’s love for us and hope.
Our pastor engages with and leads worship in our inclusive community of people of all races, gender identities, and people with physical and intellectual disabilities.
He/she is warm, engaging, and models Christ’s commandment to love one another. He/she is someone who accepts the FPCB vision and who builds and further grows our outreach and mission through the Word, worship, and programs.
Being familiar and informed regarding program-sized churches as well as church management, financial policies, allocation of funds and accountability are important.
We need a bridge builder, a listener, one who can deal with conflict resolution with self-confidence and who is comfortable enough to engage with equally confident members pursuing a particular agenda.
He/she is one who values, encourages and welcomes staff contributions, collaborating with them in planning worship. The excellence of our music program, the involvement of children, youth, adults and programs reveal the effective results.
We value having a teacher knowledgeable in Biblical and world history who will provide various learning opportunities, including sermon topic discussions.
All humans are created and loved by God, and it is important to participate in interfaith opportunities so that we may appreciate and learn from one another as well as work toward common goals.
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What specific tasks, assignments, and program areas will this person have responsibility?
There are four areas of focus: Worship, Administration, Congregational Care and Christian Education.
Planning for Worship involves collaboration with staff in preparing liturgy and other worship elements, as well as working with the Worship Ministries committee as needed. The minister prepares and delivers engaging, thoughtful sermons and leads the monthly Rejoicing Spirits No-Shush worship.
Administratively, he/she as the head of staff leads a pastoral and program staff of six, serves as Moderator of Session, advises committees as needed, has involvement in stewardship campaigns, serves as a member of the Detroit Presbytery and equips and encourages the session to nurture the life, worship and ministry of the church. Working with the membership coordinator, the pastor has a role in welcoming prospective and new members to the church.
As minister, he/she provides compassionate care to the congregation through counseling, home and hospital calls as well as conferring about and officiating at weddings and celebrations of life funerals.
Christian education is important to all at FPCB, and the head of staff provides training for church officers. He/she will lead and participate in educational opportunities, Bible studies and faith-building programs. During worship, sharing in the teaching of faith practices with children and including them in worship is essential. The opportunity for adult sermon discussions following worship is most welcome.
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Optional Links
Church website: www.everybodyschurch.org
www.fpcbirmingham.org
YouTube: @everybodyschurch1
Facebook: @fpcbirmingham
Instagram: @fpcbirmingham
Rejoicing Spirits promo: www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhCwrM6Mfzs
Rev. Thoresen’s Ministry: www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBdT6KAEtTY
City of Birmingham, MI www.bhamgov.org
Birmingham Schools www.birmingham.k12.mi.us
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