Job Description: Transitional Pastor and Head of Staff 

 

Who we are: 

Colesville Presbyterian Church (CPC) was founded in 1960 as an intentionally diverse community. We have always been multiracial, many ages, and very active in bringing God’s peace and justice into our world. We have strong traditions of worship, preaching, music, Christian education, and mission. We are:

• Inclusive: Our doors are wide open. We welcome people no matter their gender, race, age, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, or cultural background.

• A Diverse Community:  CPC is located in a dynamic and diverse suburban community, and we seek to provide a spiritual home for all people who enter our doors.  Through worship, study, fellowship and service, we encourage each other to live out our commitment to God’s purpose. 

• On an Ongoing Faith Journey:  If you are someone searching for a safe place to explore your faith, a long-time church member, or if you are a newcomer in our country, there is a place for you with us. 

• Mission-Oriented: At CPC, we believe we are called to love and serve others by actively working for social, environmental, and economic justice. We do that by serving people who are hungry, homeless, victims of violence, and working for peace. We have a long-standing tradition of mission work both locally and globally.

Duties of the Transitional Pastor and Head of Staff

(I) Preaching and Teaching

• The Transitional Pastor will be the primary preacher for worship services and conduct the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

• Provide leadership in planning and teaching of adult education programs.

• Provide leadership in planning all other Christian education programs, along with other ordained and lay leaders.

(II) Assist the Congregation in Transitional Tasks 

• Celebrate the church's history.

• Continue ties with presbytery, synod and GA. 

• Lead the church to a renewed vision for their future. 

• Provide for smooth transition of congregational leadership. 

• Prepare for the welcoming of the new pastor.

(III) Strategic leadership and Planning

• The Transitional Pastor, along with Session and other ordained leaders, is responsible to lead spiritual discernment and strategic planning for the church.

• Review the church’s vision, values, and strategic goals.

• Assist the congregation in identifying the leadership characteristics desired for the next stage of congregational life.

• Assess staffing, facilities and programs are effectively aligned to meet strategic goals.

• Promote stewardship of time, talent, and treasures.

• Serve as a responsible and active member of National Capital Presbytery.

• Serve as the staff liaison with the Board of Deacons.

• Serve as Moderator of Session and conduct annual training for new elders and deacons.

• Monitor the spiritual needs of the congregation through dialogue and participation in all aspects of congregational life. 

• Support and promote mission opportunities, mission giving, and individual mission service.

 (IV) Pastoral Care

• Visit/regularly communicate with seriously ill or hospitalized members and friends of the church. 

• Coordinate pastoral care for shut-in members and others with deacons. 

• Keep regular office hours of availability to members, and ensure office staff know Pastor’s location and availability during regular business hours of 8 AM until 6 PM, Monday through Friday.

• Provide pastoral care to family members on the occasion of the death of a loved one and provide appropriate on-going grief support.

• Provide pastoral and ecclesiastical service to members of the church for weddings, baptisms, confirmations, funerals, and other church rites.

• Provide counseling and/or referral support for persons seeking help with personal problems.

   (V) Staff Supervision and Development

• Along with the Personnel Committee, oversee hiring and dismissing of staff.

• Oversee staff training and development.

• Coordinate and lead weekly staff meetings and other activities to clarify and execute against strategic goals.

• Supervise all non-clergy staff employed by the church.

• With the Personnel Committee, implement salary reviews and recommendations.

• Maintain efficient and effective lines of communication between the staff and elders.

• With the Personnel Committee, conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing informal performance feedback of staff.

(VI) Church Administration

• Oversee and ensure appropriate coordination of staff, elder, and lay leadership committees.

• Lead development of and adherence to church policies and procedures.

• Provide leadership and guidance to church volunteers.

• Assume ultimate responsibility for the smooth running and functioning of all church functions and facilities.    

Desired Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• A commitment to Jesus Christ and His Church.

• Demonstrated administrative and worship-leading abilities.

• Successful completion of recognized Transitional Ministry training.

• Experience and interest in youth ministry and Christian education.

• Experience and interest in providing pastoral care to members.

• Experience and/or interest in church mission outreach.

• Sensitivity to the diversity of the congregation.

• Ability to use technology, including social media.

• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Graduate of an Association of Theological Schools (ATS) recognized seminary or divinity school.

• Teaching Elder member of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in good standing.

• Strong organizational skills.

Evaluation and Compensation

The Pastor will file monthly reports to the Elders on ministry accomplishments and activities. The Personnel Committee will annually conduct a performance evaluation and review of the compensation package, which will be offered in a manner consistent with the Presbytery compensation guidelines.  This will inform the contract proffered to Session for its review and approval.  

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