Job Overview

Position Summary:

The East Franklin Union Church and Franklin United Church, a multisite ministry in Franklin, Vermont is seeking a senior pastor with a strong biblical foundation, a deep commitment to scripture-based teaching and prayer, and a passion for community engagement. We are looking for a spiritual leader who can connect the timeless messages of the Bible to our everyday lives and guide our congregation in meaningful, authentic faith formation.

The ideal candidate will be approachable, relatable, and inspired to bring God's word to life through dynamic preaching, teaching, and active community involvement. We desire a leader who will nurture our church family and help us extend Christ's love to the broader community.

About Us:

Together, the East Franklin Union Church and Franklin United Church make up a biblically centered fellowship seeking to glorify God by knowing Jesus Christ, and making him known in Franklin County, Vermont and around the world. Consisting of about 150 total members, our churches are located in the picturesque dairy farming and maple production community of Franklin, VT and provide a warm family-friendly environment for all ages. Our worship service is best described as blended, combining elements of ancient tradition and contemporary style to form a unique worship experience.

We have a heart for worship, spiritual growth, and service. We proclaim Jesus Christ as the source of new and eternal life. We meet together to worship God, grow in our faith together, and to encourage and help one another. We are committed to building strong Christian families and are actively engaged in local outreach, seeking to be a visible and caring presence in Franklin and throughout northern Vermont.

Franklin is a tight-knit rural community in northwestern Vermont, just five miles from the Quebec border. With Lake Carmi in the center of the community and mountains, forests, and rivers all around, the local area provides a plethora of outdoor recreational opportunities (hiking, cycling, skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, kayaking, canoeing, hunting, fishing, etc.). Northern Vermont, the Eastern Townships of Quebec (just across the border), and Montreal (just over an hour drive) provide a wonderful array of sightseeing destinations, festivals, and cultural and community events throughout the seasons of the year (Maple Festival, June Dairy Festival, county fairs, farmers markets, Christmas markets, local concerts and live music venues, winery and brewery tours, amusement parks, Minor League Baseball, etc.).

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

Spiritual Leadership:

• Plan and lead Sunday worship services.
• Deliver weekly sermons that are biblically grounded and relevant to contemporary life.
• Facilitate Bible studies, small groups, and prayer gatherings, and outreach and discipleship initiatives.
• Provide pastoral care, counseling, and spiritual guidance to individuals and families.
• Perform weddings and funerals as the needs arise.

Congregational Development:

• Equip the congregation for the work of ministry.
• Work closely with the church leadership boards and other lay leaders to strengthen congregational life.
• Encourage spiritual growth and connection among members of all ages.
• Support and collaborate with Sunday School, youth programs, weekly services at the local assisted living home, etc.

Community Engagement:

• Cultivate strong relationships within the town of Franklin and surrounding communities.
• Represent the church at local events, festivals, and public gatherings.
• Build partnerships with area churches, parachurch ministries, civic leaders, and nonprofit organizations.

Administrative and Operational Oversight:

• Maintain general oversight of church operations.
• Attend and participate in church administrative functions and meetings.
• Oversee church staff.

Qualifications:

• Meets the biblical character qualifications as outlined in 1Timothy 3 and Titus 1.
• Bachelor's degree in theology, Christian ministry, or related field (Master of Divinity or equivalent theological education preferred).
• Ordination or willingness to pursue ordination in the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference.
• Demonstrated experience in preaching, teaching, and pastoral care.
• Strong interpersonal and relational skills.
• Passion for rural community outreach and involvement.
• Experience working with youth and young adults is highly valued.
• Willingness to live in Franklin or a neighboring town to foster accessibility and community involvement.