Alaska/Yukon | Community Church Pastor

SEND International; Alaska; On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established organization seeks a passionate village pastor to serve small communities in Alaska. This role involves leading Bible studies, fostering relationships, and adapting to the local culture. You'll have the opportunity to make a significant impact in communities yearning for spiritual leadership. By immersing yourself in the daily lives of the villagers and sharing the gospel through community involvement, you will help cultivate local leaders and strengthen the church. If you are eager to serve in a unique and rewarding environment, this opportunity is for you.

Qualifications

• Desire to learn and adapt to a new culture is essential.
• Training in pastoral ministry is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead culturally appropriate Bible studies and worship services.
• Develop relationships within the community and engage in local life.

Skills

Cultural Adaptation

Pastoral Ministry Training

Community Relationship Building

Discipleship

Education

Theological Training

Job description

Dozens of small communities in Alaska and northern Canada have small fellowships of believers but no pastor. If you have a passion to shepherd people through teaching the Bible and life-on-life discipleship, we would love to talk to you more. Many of these villages have less than 500 people and are made up primarily of indigenous people. They long for someone to lead them spiritually. Opportunities abound to lead worship, minister to youth and children, and collaborate with other ministries and larger churches in the region. Please contact us if you would like to learn more.

Terms: Long-Term (3+ years), Mid-Term (1 - 3 years)

Responsibilities:

• Lead culturally appropriate Bible study and small group worship services
• Adapt to local indigenous culture by coming as a learner
• Develop relationships in a small community
• Get involved in community life
• Seek to develop local leaders who can share in the ministry and leadership of the church
• Coordinate ministry outreach with regional church-planting team

Qualifications:

• Desire and willingness to learn a new culture
• Training and experience in pastoral ministry
• Willingness to adapt to life in a very remote community
• Eagerness to develop relationships with community members
• Recognition that what works in other places may not work in remote northern communities

Additional Information:

Western Alaska is known for its rugged beauty and wildlife, but amidst this exotic wilderness there are many churches with very little spiritual leadership. Several villages have church buildings and a group of believers, but they have no regular pastor who lives in the community or who visits on any regular basis.

The primary responsibility of a village pastor is to establish meaningful relationships with fellow community members through various means of community involvement. These communities are largely comprised of indigenous, native Alaskans; although many aspects of life may feel familiar, there is a strong difference in worldview that must be learned and adapted to.

Much of the village pastor's time will be dedicated to living a subsistence lifestyle; activities such as hunting, fishing, and wood-cutting become the primary platform upon which the gospel is shared and the Bible is taught.