The new Senior Pastor would lead a loving congregation consisting of around 240 in membership with an average weekly attendance of 80 people that attend the Sunday morning worship service. The ideal candidate, first and foremost, needs to be a strong preacher and teacher, but also an individual who is highly relational, compassionate, and theologically moderate. This person will spend their time focused on:
Worship: In partnership with the worship committee and worship staff, plan and implement meaningful and creative worship.
Staff Management: Oversee and manage the church staff creating a culture of collaboration and community.
Pastoral Care: Extend the love and compassion of Christ to all of EPC’s members walking with them through both the joys and sorrows of life.
Community Outreach: Continue to find creative solutions to meet the needs of the community.
Strategy and Vision: Working with church leadership, discern an articulated vision and mission that will positively impact the Dothan community and nourish the discipleship of its church members.
In addition to being a strong preacher and teacher, a pastoral presence, a visionary leader, a problem-solver, and a voice in the community, EPC has identified areas that are growing edges for their congregation. Ideally, the pastor will have proven experience in attending to these areas.
Paradigm Shift: EPC Is moving away from being pastor-centric and working to equip and develop more leaders.
Church Growth: EPC has much to offer and needs to challenge itself to extend the invitation more to the Dothan community.
Improved Communication: In a world inundated with information, EPC needs to develop strategies for more effective and efficient communication, including digital media.
Member Engagement: Engaging and equipping all members to participate in the work of EPC. This will include supporting and helping in the revitalization of committees.
Improved Stewardship: EPC is fortunate to be debt free with a number of available designated investment funds. However, operating budgets are highly dependent on its older members’ tithes. EPC will need to develop a robust stewardship program to focus on church growth and empower more members to make a commitment to the church.
EPC is looking for a positive team builder who can communicate with people and collaboratively work together so that the church’s mission is lived out. This person needs to be bold, willing to take risks, innovative, flexible, and self-motivated. It is preferred that candidates be graduates of a PC(USA) affiliated seminary or from a seminary of a denomination with whom the PC(USA) is in correspondence (UCC, ELCA, and RCA).
This position is a full-time ministry position with the expectation of an average time commitment of 40+ hours per week. The minimum effective salary range is $85,000, which includes housing, and is based on experience. In addition to the effective salary, benefits include PC(USA) health care coverage and pension, cell phone, auto allowance, ½ social security, moving expenses, and continuing education.
We believe that people doing great ministry know people doing great ministry. Do you know of anyone that might be a good fit for this position? If so, we’d greatly appreciate you sharing this letter with them. Qualified candidates can apply here.
Grateful,
Sara Bailey
Director of Searches