St. Thomas Church (Bernville, PA) – Lead Pastor - LancasterSearch

St. Thomas Church (Bernville, PA) – Lead Pastor

 

The Big Picture

St. Thomas Church (stthomasbernville.org) is a church from a Reformed background seeking a Lead Pastor who is an effective preacher and speaker, compassionate and caring, and who will care for the spiritual needs of each member of the church. 

 

Overview

We are looking for a person who will encourage people to relate their faith to their daily lives and who has a strong commitment and loyalty to their faith. They must be effective in planning and leading worship. Also have a sense of direction for their ministry and will work to build a sense of fellowship among people with whom they work. We are looking for a humble, servant leader who reflects the wishes / views of the congregation. This person will be working with the consistory that consists of four elders, eight deacons, four trustees and members from the Sunday School. Our staff consists of a part time Office Manager, Director of Music Ministries and Facilities Attendant. In addition, our Women’s Guild is an essential part of our church and the community. We are located in a beautiful rural setting that is only 10 miles away from major shopping areas. 

 

Requirements

Job Description

1. Worship Leadership – work in partnership with the church staff and laity in participating in services of the congregation that offer praise to the Triune God. 

a.     Sunday Morning Services. 

b.     Lenten Services in cooperation with community. 

c.     Holy Week Services. 

d.     Thanksgiving Eve Services in cooperation with community. 

e.     Christmas Eve Services. 

f.      Participate in Special Programs. (ie. Baccalaureate Service) 

g.     Be available to participate in the Sunday School's special events. 

2. Christian Education 

a.     Teach in the Sunday School program regularly. 

b.     Lead Confirmation Class. (not to be scheduled during Sunday School, Church Services, or Youth Group)using curriculum approved by Consistory. 

c.     Lead membership classes once a year or when necessary. 

d.     Lead weekly Prayer Meetings. 

e.     Teach the Adult Class during Vacation Bible School. 

f.      Equip the church staff and laity for evangelism in the community. 

g.     Lead other Bible Studies within the church. (ie. Men's Bible Study, Special Topics) 

h.     Help organize a leadership retreat when needed. 

i.      Have an active role in all youth ministries of the church. 

3. Administrative Responsibilities 

c.     Schedule regular meetings with Elders prior to Consistory meetings. 

d.     Inform the church secretary as to your schedule.

e.     Inform Consistory President if you must be out of town for emergencies. 

g.     See that the pulpit is filled in the event of any absence. Confer with the Elders in all cases. Vacation time is in accordance with the contract signed between the Pastor and the Church. Vacation time should be communicated to the elders as early as possible. 

h.     Attend various committee meetings when necessary to inform self of the committee operations and to offer guidance. 

i.      Write an article for The VOICE. (the Church's bi-monthly newsletter) 

4. Work in Partnership with Church Staff 

a.     Work with the Youth Pastor in organizing youth programs and other educational programs of the church and coordinating Youth Pastor’s participation in Worship Services. 

b.     Coordinate with the Director of Music Ministries for service planning and special services. 

c.     Work with Church Secretary in day-to-day operations.

d.     Report any staffing difficulties to the Personnel Committee and/or Consistory. 

5. Visitation 

a.     Regularly visit and offer communion to shut-in members of our church community. 

b.     Regularly visit hospitalized and sick members. 

c.     Regularly visit prospective members. 

d.     Organize and train a lay visitation team. 

e.     Offer to lead worship at an area nursing home at least once a year (ie. Berks Heim, Phoebe Berks). 

6. Provide Special Services 

a. Baptisms 

2. Meet with parents prior to service. 

b. Weddings 

                        i.         Lead the worship services for weddings. 

                      ii.         Approve outside pastors for wedding ceremonies. 

                     iii.         Offer pre-marital counseling sessions for the couple. 

                     iv.         Lead the couple and other ceremony participants through rehearsal. 

                       v.         Be available at rehearsal dinner and reception for prayer if invited. 

c. Funerals 

                        i.         Plan and lead funeral/memorial services when requested by families. 

                      ii.         Offer bereavement counseling. 

                     iii.         Offer guidance to families as they plan services and work with funeral homes. 

                     iv.         Be prepared to say grace at the fellowship meal if invited to by the family. 

7. Community Connections 

1.     Find ways to be involved in the Berks/Reading pastor groups. 

2.     Find ways of being connected in community gatherings or events. 

Benefits

Total Package: $80,000

The Candidate This man will demonstrate a strong walk with Christ, a clear calling to pastoral ministry, and be an experienced leader who understands small-town church ministry. We desire him to bring strengths in preaching, worship service planning, and pastoral care. This position requires a self-starter with a strong work ethic, we would like our new pastor to maintain a healthy balance of ministry and family life. Our pastor will need administrative capacities that develop the church’s current and future staff, volunteers, and ministry systems. He will need to work well with the elders and other church leaders to effectively provide spiritual care and guidance to our congregation. It is essential that our pastor leads us with teaching and outreach opportunities that connect our church with our community, mission efforts, and local ministerium group.