Please send resumes and/or any questions to: info@congospencer.org Or you can see our Church Information Form through the NACCC at: www.naccc.org
Senior Pastor
The Senior Pastor is the ordained staff member whose primary responsibilities are loving and listening, shepherding and coaching, equipping and facilitating the children of God related to First Congregational Church of Spencer, Iowa, so that together we may grow towards a richer and stronger faith in Jesus Christ.
Areas of Responsibility
Worship
Leadership of Sunday worship services, including the majority of preaching and administration of the sacraments (Lord’s Supper and Baptism)
Lead/participate in worship at other special services as determined in consultation with the Core Ministry of Worship
Weddings (primarily member weddings; non-member weddings on request)
Funerals (as appropriate)
Pastoral Leadership
Pray and grow in relationship with God
Help the lay leadership of First Congregational seek, develop and communicate God’s vision for the future of the congregation, as outlined in the Transition Report of April 2021
Provide strong support of and guidance to the Youth and Family Ministries program and Director
Encourage the development of new ministries and programs in line with the mission and vision of the congregation
Offer vision, direction and coaching for members involved in all program areas of the church’s life, including providing or arranging for training and equipping of lay leadership
Teaching
Interpret the Scriptures with an emphasis on helping people apply the Word in their daily lives
Encourage the congregation to read and apply God’s Word for themselves and in fellowship with each other
Oversee (and teach as required) the adult education programs of the church, including Bible Study, Sunday morning education hour, and New Member Class
Oversee and lead the Confirmation Class, in consultation with the Core Ministry of Education
Teach basic moral values, ethics and the historical truths of the Christian faith with an emphasis on Scripture
Outreach
Help to maintain and build upon the church’s historic leadership in and outreach to the community through active participation in the Spencer area and beyond
Assist the congregation in improving its work in welcoming visitors and including/retaining new member
Help the congregation think of ways to reach out to the immediate neighborhood and the greater community area.
Provide direction (and content on request) for all church press releases and social media
Provide direction and guidance to the Core Ministry of Missions
Pastoral Care
Build and maintain relationships with members and friends of the church
Offer pastoral support for people in times of crisis and make appropriate referrals
Become familiar with local counseling and other services in order to refer people in need
Hospital, nursing home and other visitation (as appropriate)
Offering spiritual direction to those seeking to grow in their faith
Administration
Supervise and coach all staff members
Oversee the church office
Oversee and act as editor for all publications produced by the church office
Work with staff, Church Officers, and Core Ministries to ensure that church records and finances are properly kept
Attend all meetings of and provide support to the Executive Council and Core Ministries
Ensure that all actions of the church are consistent with its governing documents and state law
Service to the Wider Church
Participate in local pastoral associations (currently Spencer Area Ministerial Association)
Represent the congregation and encourage participation in the Iowa/Nebraska Association of Congregational Christian Churches
Represent the congregation and encourage participation in the National Association for Congregational Christian Churches (NACCC), with service as church duties and time allow
Participate in other organizations as it benefits the church and as time allows
Professional Enrichment
Seek opportunities for mentoring and professional development, including seminars, classes, retreats, etc. (including the annual Minister’s Convocation of the NACCC)
Seek resources (written and audio-visual) that will feed and inform a greater understanding of God and God’s Word