1. How would you describe the congregation’s specific vision for ministry? How will this vision impact the community: Is the congregation part of a ministry vision or program?

Our mission statement is “Helping people meet and walk with Jesus.” We strive to live out this two-part mission, first by making sure that when people meet us, at church or in the mission field, they meet Jesus who lives in us. They see him in our eyes, hear him in our words, experience him in our loving, caring actions. When they come to our church, they experience Jesus in the warm, welcoming, joyful spirit that our congregation is known for. And they hear him in our worship and our teaching. Secondly, we strive to help each other walk with Jesus, learn from him, abide in him and grow to be more like him each day. Our congregation is a critical part of our vision because, as we each find the grace, peace and acceptance of Jesus in our own lives, as we become more like Christ, we are more able to demonstrate his love, impact the community and attract others into the fold. You’ll see other ways our vision impacts the community below, but here are two ways it is currently helping. The Elizabeth Food Bank, which is supported by our church as well as other churches and organizations, is housed in our office quarters. We provide financial support, food donations and volunteers. Another way we show the heart of Christ to our community is by providing meeting space for our local AA, which has met at our church for some 40 years.

2. What is the nature and context of the community in which your congregation lives out its mission/vision? How will you address the emerging needs that are impacting your community?

Elizabeth is a community in transition, from a mostly white and Hispanic, rural, traditional culture to a more diverse suburban family community with more modern cultural values. Ours is an aging congregation wishing to attract anyone who wishes to grow in Christ. We are currently best equipped to minister to individuals and families entering the middle or older phases of their lives, i.e. empty nesters, grandparents, singles, divorced, widowed and others who can benefit from the authentic, caring Christian community we have worked so hard to establish. We have a strong outreach to seniors, and are looking for fresh ideas to reach more young and middle-aged adults, as well. We maintain a biblically grounded outlook. Scripturally based teaching is essential to us. We believe our strong Christian family values and discipling approach offer a healing balm to individuals and families living in today’s world. And we’re looking for a pastor who can help us extend that offer out into our growing, changing community.

3. How will this call help complement the responsibilities of other staff/volunteer positions, and the life of the congregation, so that you may accomplish your short and long-term ministry?

A new pastor at EPC will find a strong volunteer base with literally everyone doing something to help, from participation in the worship liturgy to putting out an amazing spread on the fellowship table every Sunday. A new pastor will find three seminary-trained speakers and other experienced teachers who can help with the sermon load. You’ll find amazingly talented musicians and singers, from a small but mighty traditional choir to a couple of professional-quality praise bands that have won the hearts of our congregation. You’ll find each of our deacons responsible for a “care group” so every member of the congregation knows, if needs arise, their deacon will be there to pray and facilitate help. You’ll find a Spiritual Formation Team providing workshops and retreats to encourage growth in Christ, and a trained spiritual director who will meet one-on-one with sojourners. You’ll find a mission team making sure 10 percent of all church income goes to carefully chosen local, regional and international missions. You’ll find a strong Adult Sunday School program, an outreach team that plans and executes events like our annual car show, a men’s Bible study group, and much more. A new pastor should complement each of these ministries as best she or he can, help focus these ministries toward our main mission and help us reach more people with the love of Christ.

4. Provide a description of the skills, gifts and training the person you hope will become a part of your ministry must have, to lead the congregation toward the vision and mission established.

We are looking for a pastor who loves the Lord, one who can be our shepherd, leading us in spiritual growth toward becoming loving representatives of Christ in our families, our community and the world. We’re looking for a pastor who shares our values and is an engaging teacher of the way of Christ as expressed in the Bible. We’re looking for a pastor who will be a part of our church family, one who will be open to involvement within the congregation and the community. We’re looking for a pastor who will love and care for our existing members, but who has the training, the experience, and the personality to help reach out and attract more people from those life groups we’re best able to serve. We’re looking for new ideas, ways and methods to connect with our evolving community.

5. What areas of ministry do you expect the person called to be responsible for?

Share specific tasks, assignments, and programs.

As a part-time solo pastor, we’re asking for 32 hours per week. In addition to the general ministry responsibilities emphasized above, your specific tasks will include preaching the Word (three sermons per month, with other speakers filling in for the other one or two Sundays); leading and planning worship; overseeing the lay ministries listed above; pastoral care in cooperation with our deacons and their care groups; leading monthly session meetings; general administration as needed to guide others in carrying out their responsibilities; maintaining office hours one day per week; officiating weddings, funerals and leading other special events when they occur.