Full Time Pastor

Farmer Center Church, Farmer, Ohio, Defiance County, United States

Farmer Center Church is seeking a Pastor to fill a full-time position. Farmer Center Church is a multigenerational church located in a rural, agricultural township with a strong sense of community spirit. Our mission is to be disciples of Jesus Christ by loving God, loving others, and serving the world.

What We Believe

Farmer Center Church is a protestant congregation where its members believe in one God, who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the Savior of all persons who put their faith in Him alone for eternal life. We believe those who receive new life in Christ are called to be holy in character and conduct and can only live this way by being filled with the Holy Spirit. We believe in the Bible and seek to establish our faith and actions on its teachings. We believe God wants people everywhere to know Him and that the purpose of the church is to tell the world about Christ through our worship, witness, and loving deeds.

We have various discipleship groups (Bible study groups) such as the Young Adult Bible Study Group (Meets monthly) and the Women's Bible Study Group (Meets every two weeks), as well as a very active women’s ministry group, youth group (meets weekly) and Sunday morning service. We are looking for a pastor who not only wants to provide pastoral leadership of our church but also wants to be a part of our community.

Pastor Job Duties and Responsibilities

The Pastor’s overall responsibility, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, is to lead the members and attenders to a closer and deeper relationship with God. This is done by helping all to love God and others in our everyday lives through discipleship and accountability.

The duties of a pastor center around guiding a church congregation in matters of faith, providing pastoral care, and ensuring the spiritual well-being of the members.

The Pastor must affirm and adhere to Farmer Center Church’s Statement of Beliefs located here https://farmercenterchurch.org/beliefs/

Preaching and Teaching:

• Provide spiritual, pastoral, outreach, and servant leadership to the congregation.
• Teaching and preaching to the congregation. Prepare weekly sermons (Sunday morning worship), Bible study groups and small groups that meet regularly.
• Facilitate teaching and training programs for all age groups to foster spiritual growth.

Pastoral Care and Spiritual Guidance:

• Overseeing all areas of the ministry.
• Overseeing the spiritual health of the Farmer Center Church. Provide counseling to congregational members.
• Providing pastoral care for those in need. Visit and comfort the sick, shut-in, and bereaved.
• Engaging and promoting community within the church.
• Perform baptisms, infant dedications, wedding ceremonies and conduct funeral services.
• Overseeing and administering the sacrament of Holy Communion, including preparation of the elements, and leading the congregation in the sacred practice.

Community Engagement:

• Another critical area of responsibility is community engagement, representing Farmer Center Church in the local community, participating in interfaith activities, community service projects, and various outreach programs.
• Represent the church in community events and foster partnerships with local organizations.

Leadership:

• Provide leadership, direction, and support to church staff (if applicable) and volunteers.
• Attend monthly Administrative Board meetings and provide updates on any spiritual and physical needs within the congregation, share a vision for outreach and ministry opportunities, and engage in financial planning discussions. 
• Contribute to the leadership and oversight of the church by partnering with the Administrative Board and collaborating with church members by attending committee meetings as required and actively participating with the shared responsibilities.
• Work closely with and be held accountable to the church leadership Administrative Board and the congregation.
• Attend conferences, workshops, and seminars to stay updated on theological developments, pastoral methods, and current social issues impacting their congregation.
• Miscellaneous duties as appropriate to fulfill the mission and health of the church.

Required Qualifications:

EDUCATION

• Duly ordained to the pastoral ministry.
• Associate’s degree from an accredited Bible college preferred or a combination of education, training and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to meet the general job requirements and qualifications.

EXPERIENCE

• Proven experience in pastoral leadership, preaching, and church administration.
• Previous pastor ministry experience, including regular preaching experience (at least 3+ years).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIes

• Able to handle detailed, complex concepts and problems, balances multiple tasks simultaneously, and makes important decisions regarding administrative issues.
• Strong collaboration, empathy, interpersonal, relationship building and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Willingness to fully embrace the Farmer Center Church Statement of Beliefs.

• Apply discretion and maintain a high level of confidentiality when handling sensitive information.
• Well-organized, punctual, able to manage time effectively and self-motivated.

• Demonstrates a stable and mature Christian Walk. Strong moral character to give a good religious example to the congregation and community.
• A passion for people of all ages.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, audio visual technology and social media.

Salary and Benefits

• Anticipated salary range: $36,000 to $46,000 depending on experience.
• Retirement plan.
• Vacation time commensurate with years of prior work in full-time ministry.

Church Size: 40 to 100

Job Type and Hours: Full-Time, 40 hours per week

Employee Workplace: Hybrid (On-site and Home office). On-site office hours are to be determined.

PROCESS FOR APPLYING:
Submit Resume, cover letter and three (3) professional references at least two of these should be from a previous church or other ministry in which you have served.

Applications can be submitted electronically to: contactus@farmercenterchurch.org

Once your information is received you may be contacted for a phone or in-person interview.

TO LEARN MORE about the Farmer Center Church History and What We Believe, please access our web site at: https://farmercenterchurch.org.