Job Overview

Job Description

The candidate for Pastor shall possess qualities as expressed in such passages of Scripture as: I Tim.3:1-7,10; 5:22; Titus 1:6-9; I Peter 5:1-4. The primary qualification for a spiritual leader is their own life characterized by abiding in Christ (John 15), ongoing transformation into the likeness of Christ (Romans 12:1-2), and personal modeling of spiritual disciplines. If applicable, the candidate will demonstrate godly leadership and shepherding of his wife and family.

Education: We place a high value on preparation and training. The candidate for Pastor shall have one of the following:

• A Master’s level degree in Divinity
• Other theologically-related discipline from an accredited theological seminary.
• An equivalent level of formal or non-formal education with demonstrable skill in Biblical exegesis, hermeneutics, homiletics

  and pastoral counseling are essential.

  Experience: We place a high value on practical ministry experience. The ideal candidate shall have formal pastoral experience as a Senior/ Solo minister or Associate/Assistant minister, youth ministry, or experience serving with a missions organization. The candidate shall have ordination status, licensure, or be on track to become licensed and ordained, through a denomination or ordination council which shares First Congregational Church’s Statement of Faith.

  Doctrine:

  The ideal candidate shall …

  a. hold doctrinal beliefs which are in agreement with First Congregational Church’s Statement of Faith, refer to page 2.

  b. hold to the major creeds and confessions of historic, orthodox and reformed Christianity, including the Apostle’s Creed and the Nicene Creed. Please state any reservations or qualifications you may have in your application.

  c. adhere to the CCCC Code of Ethics for Ministers.

  d. In addition to baptizing infants in accordance with our Articles of Faith, the candidate shall respect those in the church who hold to believer’s baptism only and be willing to dedicate their children. Furthermore, the candidate shall be willing to baptize by sprinkling, affusion or immersion, as the circumstances and preferences of the baptismal candidate dictate.

  Personal Qualifications: The ideal candidate shall…

  a. have the heart of a Shepherd, reflecting the character of our Lord and Savior Himself – a humble spirit (Phil.2), and a willingness to serve rather than to be served (Mark 10:45).

  b.be able to clearly articulate, both verbally and in written form, his personal testimony, describing the course of his personal pilgrimage of faith and entrance into God’s Kingdom.

  c. display a love for God, His Kingdom, and His Righteousness (Matthew 6:33).

  d.demonstrate a love for God’s people, and a love for the “lost” in our local community and throughout the world, and a passion for proclaiming the Gospel message to the unconverted while living out its truth in their midst.