Position: Associate Pastor (full-time)

Ordination: This is an ordained position; ordination in First Presbytery of the ARPC.

Purpose: The associate pastor position exists to grow and develop as a minister of Christ, to develop the youth ministry of RPC consistent with the stated philosophy of ministry and to serve as a minister of the gospel to the congregation of Reformation Presbyterian Church. As such, a younger pastor is preferred.

Supervision: Reports directly to the senior pastor; the Session has final oversight.

Theological and Educational Requirements
1. A commitment to Reformed Theology as summarized by the Westminster Confession of Faith and willingness to adhere to The Standards of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church.
2. A Master of Divinity degree from an accredited theological seminary.

Personal and Ministerial Qualities
1. Proven to be faithful to God in his personal and family life, Christ-like character as evidenced by the fruit of the Spirit, a shepherd’s heart, emotional and spiritual stability, good reputation
2. Humble and teachable disposition to learn ministry skills and implement a reformed philosophy of ministry
3. Faithful and effective as a minister of the word of God
4. Willingness to work as part of a team (with staff and volunteers)
5. Administrative skills necessary to be organized, plan ahead, and communicate effectively
6. Ability to relate well to people of all ages, especially students and parents
7. Pro-active to initiate works of ministry and lead winsomely

Areas of Responsibilities
1. Youth & Family Ministry (15-18 hours per week) – Oversee the youth ministry according to the stated philosophy of ministry. This includes, but is not limited to, communicating effectively with parents, developing volunteers to assist with the ministry, organizing the avenues of ministry (ministry events), and working with the senior pastor to outline teaching objectives and materials.

2. Visitor Ministry (5-7 hours per week) – Organize and manage a visitors ministry team (in accordance with the RPC statement on visitors’ ministry) to actively reach out and welcome new visitors to RPC. This includes reaching out to each new visitor individually, answering questions, encouraging further involvement in the RPC body (i.e. Community Group involvement, tracking and reporting of new visitors to the Session monthly, coordinating the Next-Step classes, and new member interviews with Session.

3. General Pastoral Ministry (remaining hours)
a. Love the congregation as a servant of Christ
b. Prayer – Pray consistently for the congregation as a whole, especially students and families
c. Worship – Assist in the planning of and participating in weekly worship services; participate in special worship services as needed (weddings, funerals, special occasions)
d. Preaching – Fill the pulpit when the senior pastor is away. In addition, this position assumes opportunities to develop in preaching based on gifting and progress.
e. Teaching – Teach regularly as needed in the youth ministry, but also outside the youth ministry
f. Shepherding – Assist in the shepherding ministry of the Session by visiting with church members in various contexts in order to disciple them as followers of Christ
g. Outreach – As the Lord gives opportunity, make connections with people outside the church in an effort to reach them for Christ.
h. Administration – Administrative duties as needed
i. Session/Diaconate – Participate in session meetings; assist senior pastor with various Sessional responsibilities and communication with the Diaconate
j. Presbytery & Synod – Fulfill the duties of membership in First Presbytery and obligations to the ARP Synod

Annual Performance Review: An annual employment review for this position will be conducted by the pastor and representative of the Session to maintain a spirit of unity among the staff, encourage excellence in our work for the glory of God, provide specific feedback to the associate pastor of his performance in a spirit of encouragement and edification, and discuss ideas or concerns of the associate pastor.

How to Apply
1. Brief cover letter to introduce yourself to the search committee
2. Résumé with educational background and job experience
3. ARP Ministry Data Form
4. Link to recordings of two sermon