General Information

Job Title:

Associate Pastor of Discipleship: Buffalo Presbyterian Church

Job Description:

Job Description: Associate Pastor of Discipleship Buffalo Presbyterian Church Greensboro, NC

Buffalo Presbyterian Church seeks an Associate Pastor of Discipleship who is deeply committed to Christ, an accomplished and growing preacher, and a leader who is excited about developing mature disciples of Christ. Working closely with the Lead Pastor and Session, this shepherd will be involved in all aspects of the church: preaching and teaching, pastoral care, vision casting, day-to-day business management, developing/managing/leading programs, and representing the church in the community. This associate pastor will need to have well-rounded pastoral skills, an organized and take-charge spirit, along with a warm, relatable personality. We are seeking a self-starter, but also a pastor who has a love for teaching and a mentor's heart—one with an aptitude for identifying and training potential leaders in our congregation. Foremost, this person

will appreciate the sacred beauty of a traditional worship framework combined with expository- styled Bible-based teaching.

The qualifications/experience we seek in our Associate Pastor of Buffalo Church include: • A mature follower of Jesus Christ, with evidence of an active and growing faith • A Masters of Divinity or equivalent (seminary preferred) • Ordained in a Reformed tradition or ordainable in the EPC denomination • In agreement with EPC Essentials/Westminster Confession of Faith/EPC Position Papers • Robust teaching and preaching talent, with a focus on expository, Bible-based messages • Strong communication and organizational skills, and a proven ability to effectively manage events and ministry programs • Experience in leading and supporting staff and volunteers • A team player with humility and high emotional intelligence who can work collaboratively with our Lead Pastor, church staff, elders, deacons, and volunteers We are seeking a candidate who possesses the following personal traits: • A deep and bright faith in Jesus Christ and a commitment to daily prayer and Bible study • An alignment with EPC's values and an adherence to the qualifications of an elder (1 Timothy 3:1-12, Titus 1:5-9) • A passion for God's Word and a desire to share it with others • A strong core of moral integrity and the ability to maintain confidentiality • A person of deep compassion and love for all people • Strong relational skills, warm, approachable, and a good listener • A motivated self-starter and proven team builder • An interest in continued professional development

The duties and responsibilities of the Associate Pastor will include: • Working with the Lead Pastor and Session to align ministry activities with the church's mission, vision, and budget • Co-leading weekly worship service, administering the sacraments, and preaching regularly • Teaching in a variety of settings in coordination with the Lead Pastor o Wednesday Night Programs o Sunday School o Small Groups o New Officer Training o New Members Classes • Co-leading various committees with church volunteers/elders • Attending monthly Session meetings • Helping with pastoral care including baptisms, weddings, funerals, home and hospital visits, crisis care situations, and end-of-life spiritual care • Serving communion to shut-ins, sick or homebound members and ensuring ongoing care for the church family • Building relationships within the church, local community, and outside ministry groups to expand our outreach and attract new members • Developing, managing, and leading discipleship programs with church members • Identifying and developing leaders within the church • Supporting and growing the efforts of our outreach and missions groups • Participating in presbytery or denominational activities as needed • Assisting in developing annual ministry plans and strategies • Participating in staff meetings and contributing to church-wide planning and decision-making Those wishing to be considered for this position should e-mail their Personal Information Form, resume, and three letters of refence to [email protected]

Position Qualifications:

POSITION PROFILE TITLE: Associate Pastor of Discipleship CLASSIFICATION: Full time/exempt, 40 hours per week REPORTS TO: Session and Lead Pastor Position Requirements • Master of Divinity (or equivalent) • Ordained or ordainable by the Evangelical Presbyterian Church • Committed to Reformed theology, the essential tenets of the EPC, and its confessional standards

Character • A mature follower of Jesus Christ and a commitment to daily prayer and Bible study • A shepherd's heart for pastoral care and for a wide variety of church members and their situations • A strong core of moral integrity, and the ability to maintain confidentiality • A person with excellent relational skills, warm, compassionate, and approachable Competencies • Strong communication and organizational skills • A passion for God's Word, and a desire to share it with others • A motivated self-starter, proven team builder, and adept at directing events and ministry programs • Able to independently manage the day-to-day requirements of the role of Associate Pastor • Experience in leading and supporting staff and volunteers

Chemistry with the Culture • Embraces traditional worship and thoughtfully considers how Buffalo can leverage its rich history with its bright future of faithful witness and service in Greensboro • Missions minded, both locally and globally, and interested in expanding Buffalo's footprint of evangelism and service to a variety of populations throughout our city and the world • Preaching that is rooted in the Bible and includes practical application for members' everyday lives

ABOUT GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA Greensboro NC is a vibrant and growing city of 307K residents, making it the 3rd largest in the state. As part of the Piedmont Triad (completed by High Point and Winston-Salem), Greensboro is part of a larger region comprised of nearly 1.6M people. Located near the technological powerhouse of Research Triangle Park (surrounded by seven colleges and universities), Greensboro has a diverse economy including manufacturing, transportation, education, and healthcare. Companies with headquarters in Greensboro include Volvo Trucks, Honda Aircraft, ITG Brands, Fresh Market, and more. A city of affordable homes (median listing price currently $325,000) Greensboro has seen an increasing number of millennials moving in to enjoy four distinct seasons and excellent school systems. The scene of a pivotal battle in the American Revolution, the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, Greensboro is steeped in history. Greenways, parks, bike/hiking trails, and lakes surround the city. Residents can travel a short distance east for access to coastal beaches, or head west to find themselves in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The city itself possesses a strong sense of community, vibrant arts, symphony, theater, and sports scenes, and excellent dining.

NEXT STEPS If, after prayerfully reviewing this information, you believe this role fits you well, or if you know someone you would like to recommend, please contact:

MISSION:LEADERSHIP Dr. Rich Kidd Mobile: (757) 642–0622 Email : [email protected]

Buffalo Presbyterian Church Carol Bowman Search Committee Chair Email: [email protected]

Application Deadline

Job Type:

Full Time

Salary Range:

TBD

General Information

Church/Organization Name

Buffalo Presbyterian Church

Contact Name & Contact Info

Industry

Church

Denomination

Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC)

City, State

Greensboro, NC

Description of Organization

Buffalo Presbyterian Church (EPC)

OVERVIEW "God is changing lives at Buffalo Presbyterian Church!" This vibrant and growing congregation speaks these words each Sunday morning with conviction as they continue the ministry and witness of their historic church, founded in 1756. Anchored in the deep tradition of Reformed faith and worship, Buffalo Presbyterian is a thriving family of Christ-followers with a demonstrated history of proclaiming God's Word and serving others. The friendly after-service fellowship each week on the steps of their historic sanctuary is a picture of authentic community and a genuine invitation to "come and see" what God is doing at Buffalo. Buffalo Presbyterian Church is a member of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, a global movement of churches. With a budget of $1,016.000, an average in-person worship attendance of 180, and approximately 155 online worshippers each Sunday, this church practices a steady rhythm of worship, study, fellowship, and mission. Men's and women's Bible studies, Sunday School classes, ALPHA courses throughout the year, and an enthralling Children's Church program are examples of how Buffalo saturates its members, children, and the wider Greensboro community in God's Word. The church is generous in sharing the buildings and property that God has gifted them with a variety of organizations including a Congolese Christian congregation, weekly Young Life gatherings, community groups, and Buffalo Academy, a classical, Christian school the church began in 2022. In addition, Buffalo Presbyterian supports six missionary families financially and relationally, and has been an avid champion of Samaritan's Purse "Operation Christmas Child ®" ministry for over 24 years. Buffalo Presbyterian Church seeks an Associate Pastor of Discipleship who is deeply committed to Christ, an accomplished and growing preacher, and a leader who is excited about developing mature disciples of Christ. Working closely with the Lead Pastor and Session, this shepherd will be involved in all aspects of the church: preaching and teaching, pastoral care, vision casting, day-today business management, developing/managing/leading programs, and representing the church in the community. This associate pastor will need to have well-rounded pastoral skills, an organized and take charge spirit, along with a warm, relatable personality. We are seeking a self-starter, but also a pastor who has a love for teaching and a mentor's heart—one with an aptitude for identifying and training potential leaders in our congregation. Foremost, this person will appreciate the sacred beauty of a traditional worship framework combined with expository-styled Bible-based teaching.

BRIEF HISTORY OF BUFFALO PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH The Buffalo Presbyterian congregation was established in 1756, twenty years before the founding of the United States. Therefore, no history of the church—or its 18 pastors—can be brief. A complete outline can be found HERE. The current congregation considers it an immense privilege to worship the Lord each Sunday "surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses" who have preceded them over the past 269 years. The founding pastor, Rev. Dr. David Caldwell, laid a foundation of courageous faith, transformational education, and civic engagement at Buffalo Presbyterian. He was a member of the conventions that framed the first North Carolina state constitution and approved the U.S. Constitution. He served as pastor of Buffalo Presbyterian Church for 52 years. His famous theological and classical "Log College" educated young men throughout the colonial South, six of whom became governors, and many who became ministers, physicians, and educators.

ABOUT THE CHURCH Throughout 269 years of faithful ministry, Buffalo Presbyterian Church has relied strongly on declaring and following God's Word and serving Christ in tangible and sacrificial ways in Greensboro and around the world. Buffalo Presbyterian Church is Reformed in its theology, Presbyterian in its polity, and mission-minded both close to home and abroad. Our vision is to grow church discipleship and influence in Greensboro by demonstrating our love for Jesus and one another, growing as His disciples through regular study, prayer, and application of His Word, and joyfully serving our neighbors, our city, and our world in His name. The church is led by a Session of nine elders (male and female), assisted by a Clerk of Session, and moderated by the Lead Pastor. Christ and His Word are the focus of worship and preaching each Sunday, and church members find joy in the traditional worship service within their historic sanctuary. Music is led by a pipe organ, piano, and chancel choir, with soloists, guest musicians, and handbell choir enriching the service throughout the year. Scripture is planted in congregation members' hearts through responsive readings, corporate prayer, and faithful Bible-based sermons. Besides worship, the church's weekly cadence includes a Monday evening women's Bible study, a Tuesday morning women's Bible study, a bi-weekly men's Bible study, Wednesday Night Fellowship Dinner and Bible study, Children's Church, and a well-attended Sunday School class before worship. Throughout the year, members invite the community to events such as Women's fellowship events, Men's Breakfast each month, a Thanksgiving Fellowship Meal, presentations from local missions and global missionaries, and more. A recent and significant addition to the church's mission is the founding of Buffalo Academy in 2022. This classical, Christian school attracts members of our immediate community who see value in the school's small teacher/student ratio, rigorous curriculum, and faith-based model. Beginning with seven students in its first year, Buffalo Academy welcomed 40 students in grades K-4 in the 2025/2026 school year. The academy is led by a board of five Buffalo Presbyterian Church members, and a dozen church members volunteer as reading buddies, math buddies, and event support.

• The Buffalo Church family has doubled over the past 2.5 years, and new and repeat visitors continue to come and worship each week. The current 5-week "New Members Class" has 30+ attendees who are learning about Buffalo and the EPC before becoming members. • Church leadership is studying Deep Discipleship by J.T. English and has committed to establishing paths and opportunities for members to grow in their identity as disciples of Christ through Bible study, mentoring, and serving.

CHALLENGES • Decisions about building renovation and effective facility usage have been in discussion for over a year. Leadership is evaluating how the property can best be configured to serve the growing needs of the church and school. • The church's membership is comprised predominantly of those in their 50s and above. The church would like to expand its population of younger families and younger members. • The rapid growth in membership and church attendance has been wonderful, but the challenge this growth brings is getting new members engaged in using their God-given talents to serve the church, inside or outside the walls of Buffalo. • Change can be hard. Especially at a church that is known for its rich history. Some decisions about building and programming will require expertise, creativity, and grace, but also the willingness of our older congregants to embrace building changes.

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