Introduction:
Christ Our Hope is a small church, in rural Southern Rhode Island. We are seeking a solo pastor to
minister to us in Word & Sacrament, to preach Christ to us, to teach us God’s Law, to proclaim the Gospel to us, to baptize our covenant children and new believers, to catechize us in the historic
Reformed faith, to lead us in worship of God according to Scripture, and to govern us according to
Presbyterian polity.

General Qualifications:
This job description is a guideline and is not intended to be confining. Developments within the church
may entail new responsibilities, and changes may need to be made periodically as the leadership
works together for the spiritual growth and development of the church.
1. Adheres to and strives to fulfill BCO Chapter 8: The Elder (based upon 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1 and 1 Peter 5).
2. Able to lead a growing congregation and plan accordingly for its needs.

Specific Responsibilities:
1. Preaching & Teaching:
a) Study, preach and teach God’s Word on a regular basis.
b) Schedule pulpit supply when away from the church.
c) Preach at and preside over all services, unless determined otherwise by the Session.
d) Keep abreast of theological, ministerial, cultural and social issues.
e) Teach classes on Scripture, theology and doctrine, leadership, membership and related subjects to nurture the spiritual growth and development of the church members.

2. Worship:
a) Work with the Session in planning and leading worship services while utilizing the variety of gifts within the church leadership and the congregation.
b) Administer the Sacraments weekly and in accord with the BCO.

3. Shepherding:
a) Set a worthy example to the flock in
i. All matters of Christian conduct.
ii. Zeal to evangelize the unconverted and make disciples.
iii. Maintaining a consistent private and family devotional life with prayer and study of the Word.
b) Provide shepherding oversight, along with the Session, for the entire congregation, including small groups and visitation.
c) Visit the sick in homes and hospitals; contact inactive members; contact prospective members, inviting them into the community of the church.
d) Encourage members to minister to one another in accordance with the unity and love they have in and through Jesus Christ.
e) Foster understanding in the church about world and domestic missions and challenge members to be active in mission work, service, prayer, and giving.
f) Perform weddings and conduct funerals as requested.
g) Provide regular counseling, primarily within the church but also occasionally to those outside the church as requested.
h) Study to improve in preaching, counseling, teaching, and administration.
i) Promote leadership development.

4. Leadership:
a) Promote the mission and vision of the church among the leaders.
b) Provide direction and instruction to those in leadership positions.
c) Serve as Moderator of both Session and Congregation.
d) Serve as ex-officio member of any Session committees when necessary.
e) Recommend ministry opportunities to committees when appropriate.
f) Actively participate in and fulfill responsibilities to Presbytery and General Assembly of the
Presbyterian Church in America.
g) Pursue fraternal relationships with pastors in the area.

5. Administration:
a) Regularly meet with, oversee, and give direction to the church administrator and ministry leaders as they carry out their responsibilities with the church.
b) Work closely with and provide guidance to an intern and/or assistant pastor (if one were to be called).
c) Propose recommendations to the Session regarding staffing needs as they arise.
d) Perform ordinary pastoral administrative functions necessary for the efficient operations of the church.
e) Foster a relationship with the University of Rhode Island with a view toward establishing a Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) ministry there.

6. Evangelism and Outreach:
a) Equip members for effective evangelism; promote church growth in outreach.
b) Commit to support and encourage participation in local, national, and global Mission.
c) Support local outreach ministries such as our nursing home ministry.