Park Woods Presbyterian Church Pastor’s Job Description
Reports to:
- Directly to and works alongside the Park Woods Session and
- Indirectly to Heartland Presbytery, and PCA General Assembly.
- The Session will provide him with a formal review no less than annually from his anniversary date.
Qualifications:
Our Pastor’s life and ministry must reflect the qualifications outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9. In addition, he must:
- Be born again in Christ with a strong sense of calling to Reformed ministry.
- Be a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ and possess a strong desire to minister to individuals in various stages of faith.
- Hold a minimum of a Master of Divinity degree or equivalent theological education.
- Be and remain proficient in Greek and Hebrew.
- Be ordained or ordainable within the PCA.
- Be gifted with the ability to preach well organized, biblically sound, insightful, and theologically rich sermons.
- Be a skilled preacher and teacher to all ages and able to unfold the word of God in a calm, conversational, humble manner.
- Exhibit humility, authenticity, teachableness, and a deep dependence on Christ in life and ministry.
- Have a shepherd’s heart to the flock and a passion for discipleship, hospitality, and evangelism.
- Be well read in a variety of both Christian and non-Christian writings. We look for an emphasis on biblical theology in the tradition of Vos, Kline, Gordon, Beale, Ridderbos, Gaffin, and even some who are outside the reformed tradition. Total agreement is not necessary to find value in the work of the larger body of Christ.
- A constant student of the Word and an adept learner.
- Refer to scripture when answering Biblical questions in a way that shows genuine familiarity.
- Be highly relational, with an ability to connect meaningfully with people from all walks of life.
- Be able to stand alongside someone on their first day of their faith as easily as their 70th year of faith.
- Have a quick sense of humor and laughs easily.
- Favor intimate churches over megachurches.
- Exhibit flexibility, along with a highly developed sense of confidentiality, and sensitivity to the needs of others.
Preaching & Worship Responsibilities:
- Each week, preaches Christ from the entirety of Scripture, administers communion, and officiates Sunday worship service.
- Deliver sermons that are deeply rooted in Scripture and rich in redemptive historical theological insight.
- Preaches expositional series with an occasional topical series.
- Is the primary teacher for the adult Sunday School class and teaches an occasional evening Bible study series.
- Officiates baptisms.
- Composes the Order Of Worship for the weekly bulletins.
- Arranges for other approved speakers to preach/teach in his absence.
Shepherding & Discipleship:
- Builds personal relationships with members, understanding their joys, struggles, and spiritual needs.
- Mentors and disciples future leaders, equipping them to serve as elders and deacons.
- Visits and encourages congregants that are homebound, infirm, in hospital, or otherwise in need.
- Cultivates, trains, and encourages lay leaders to use their gifts in the body.
- Conducts or designates others to teach communicant classes and prospective new member classes as needed.
- Teach other classes, seminars, and retreats.
- Conduct marriage and funeral services.
- Provides pastoral counseling and refers to professional counselors when needed.
Leadership & Administration:
- Works collaboratively with the session to oversee the church’s congregation and follow-up of visitors.
- Sets the agenda for both scheduled and called Session Meetings and serves as Moderator of the Session.
- Oversee the Board of Deacons.
- Welcomes visitors and new members to ensure the ongoing health and growth of the congregation and
- provide opportunities for them to find a place in PWPC community.
- Lead with intentionality, equipping members to live out their faith and serve their neighbors.
- As able, attend meetings of Presbytery and General Assembly.
- As able, serve on committees of Presbytery and General Assembly.
Evangelism & Missions:
- Encourage members to share the gospel and model Christ-like love.
- Encourage participation in and support for PCA missions and missionaries.
Working Conditions:
- A Pastor’s office is available at the Church. But he may also work from home if he determines that it is more convenient and conducive for his work.
- The Pastor must also be available to visit members and friends in homes, hospitals, etc.
- Working hours are unpredictable and often require attendance at evening Bible Studies, Session meetings, services, and other functions.
- A normal work week would be considered to be 40 hours.
- Some weeks may require more working hours than others so he may determine and take flex time-off as it becomes available and convenient to do so.
Pastoral Sustainability:
- Regular times of private Scripture reading, prayer, and meditation.
- Ongoing attention to physical health.
- If married, a devoted husband who honors his wife both publicly and privately, fostering mutual respect and love.
- If a father, raises children who encounter God’s love through his example of fatherhood.
- Vacation-4 weeks per year.
- Sick leave-5 days per year.
- Bereavement leave for immediate family.