Role Overview
The Senior Minister serves as Minister of Word and Sacrament within the governance of the
Reformed Church in America and the Classis of Schenectady and provides overall leadership for
the life and ministry of the church. This role centers on worship, pastoral care, and collaborative
leadership with the Board of Elders, Board of Deacons, Consistory, staff, and lay leaders. With
the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Senior Minister helps the congregation live out its mission
with clarity, integrity, and faithfulness.
Primary Responsibilities
Inspiring Spirituality
The Senior Minister has primary responsibility for leading worship through engaging Christ centered sermons, prayer, and liturgy, including weddings, funerals, and other services in the life
of the church. They oversee worship planning in collaboration with staff and lay leaders and
support music ministry as an integral part of congregational life. They teach and guide Bible
study and other learning opportunities that invite personal discipleship and deeper understanding
of the teachings of Jesus and help communicate the church’s mission and vision.
Healing Presence
The Senior Minister provides pastoral leadership The Senior Minister provides pastoral leadership marked by compassion, listening, and care.
They guide and support a pastoral care team of staff and lay leaders, ensuring that the pastoral
needs of individuals and families are addressed across all stages of life. They foster a culture of
connection, prayer, and mutual support within the congregation and extend pastoral presence into
the wider community as appropriate.
Engaging the Community
The Senior Minister serves as the church’s primary representative in the community and in
denominational and interfaith relationships. They encourage hospitality and outreach and foster
the use of church spaces as places of welcome, fellowship, and service for the wider community.
Working with church leadership and staff, they help develop and implement a shared vision and
strategic direction that strengthens outreach, leadership development, and community
partnerships.
Focused on the Future
The Senior Minister helps the congregation honor its history while embracing change and new
possibilities for ministry. They work to engage younger generations, listen to diverse voices, and
encourage new and emerging ministries. They collaborate with lay leadership on budgeting and
the responsible use of church resources, including thoughtful use of technology to strengthen
communication and connection. They provide leadership and support to ensure the congregation
remains engaged, informed, and theologically grounded in faithful environmental stewardship
and conservation practices. They work with Consistory to adapt roles, responsibilities, and
initiatives as the work of reform continues.
Minimum Qualifications
Candidates must be ordained in the Reformed Church in America or a denomination in the
Reformed tradition in full communion with the RCA and hold a Master of Divinity or equivalent
degree from an accredited seminary. They should have a minimum of 5 years’ experience in
pastoral ministry, effective preaching, and leadership within a congregational or community
setting, with a demonstrated ability to collaborate with staff and lay leaders.
If you feel called to explore this opportunity, please apply by sending a Cover letter, Résumé,
and Minister’s Profile to Barbara Mancuso, Chairperson of the FRC Pastoral Search Committee, mancusobarbara93@gmail.com.
Profile on the RCA website