Installed Pastor

Bethel Community Presbyterian Church
INSTALLED PASTOR
Position Description

ABOUT OUR CHURCH

The vision of Bethel Community Presbyterian Church is to be a faith family, centered on Jesus, and marked by God’s presence and purpose in our community. We are a multigenerational, multiethnic, LGBTQIA+ affirming PC(USA) church in San Leandro, CA that currently has both local presence and digital reach. Due to about 20% of our regular attenders living outside of the East Bay, we are a “hybrid” community, and currently have around 100 people involved in the life of the church in some form.

OVERVIEW

BCPC is seeking a passionate, visionary, and spiritually mature Installed Pastor to lead our multiethnic and multigenerational congregation in fulfilling its mission and vision. The Installed Pastor will provide spiritual leadership, biblical teaching, pastoral care, and guidance to our community while upholding a commitment to social justice, equity, and cultural inclusivity. The ideal candidate will have a strong theological background, proven leadership abilities, and a heart for ministry and outreach. The Installed Pastor works under the direction of they1 Bethel Community session and works collaboratively with the pastoral team and various church committees to lead our community as we follow Christ.

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND & CORE COMPETENCIES:

Masters Degree from a theological institution required.
Coursework in theology, race, gender, culture, social justice, and mediation
Eligible for installation with PC(USA)
Holds 15+ years of vocational ministry experience
Experience in a multi-staff leadership role
Experience preaching and teaching multicultural and multigenerational communities
Experience in leading the spiritual development of others
Demonstrates a deep knowledge of Scripture and its practical application in the in the local/global community
Demonstrates an ongoing commitment to social justice and showcases professional and/or volunteer experiences engaging in social justice endeavors such as prison ministry, youth development, and restorative justice programs
Demonstrated a commitment to decolonizing theology including integrating intersectionality, socioculturally diverse and inclusive perspectives, mindfulness of power/privilege dynamics, and working to increase representation of historically underrepresented and/or indigenous perspectives in spirituality (Please be prepared to discuss/show your work and commitment to this)
Will need to be in proximity to/ have access to the local community in order to carry out job functions
Multilingual is encouraged
Experience managing and cultivating community among in person and virtual church gatherings

RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Preaching and Teaching
Create and deliver sermon series that speak to the spiritual needs of the congregation.
Equip the congregation to engage in acts of justice, mercy, and compassion by teaching biblical principles related to social responsibility, racial reconciliation, and caring for marginalized communities.
Lead and/or facilitate Bible studies, groups, and adult education classes focused on spiritual growth, social justice, and cultural understanding.
2. Leadership
Collaborate with church committees, congregation members, and Session to co-develop and cast a compelling vision for the church that aligns with its mission and values. Moderate the session and congregational meetings.
Lead the congregation in embracing the full spectrum of human diversity and ensuring that church activities and programs reflect the inclusivity of the gospel.
Provide leadership and oversight to the church staff, ensuring that all ministries operate with integrity and in alignment with church goals.
Provide guidance, training, and development opportunities for staff members to grow in their roles.
3. Church Administration
Oversee the day-to-day operations of the church, ensuring that resources are allocated appropriately and utilized to fulfill the church’s mission and vision.
Collaborate with the commissioned lay pastor in overseeing the various ministerial teams
4. Pastoral Care
Provide spiritual counsel, prayer, and support including in times of crisis, loss, or hardship, with a focus on restoring dignity, hope, and healing.
Oversee the pastoral care teams and ensure the congregation’s needs are met through connection, prayer, and emotional support.
Encourage and mentor future leaders within the congregation, fostering a greater sense of community and belonging.
5. Worship and Service Planning.
Collaborate with the worship team to plan and lead meaningful worship services.
Encourage the congregation to engage in praise and worship in order to experience greater connection and relationship with God
Administer sacraments of communion and baptism.
6. Community Engagement
Strong communication skills and the ability to inspire and guide a diverse congregation.
Ability to build and maintain relationships within the church and broader community

TERMS: This position is for an installed pastor and is considered full-time and exempt for an average of 40 hours per week, although more or fewer hours could be necessary at certain times in partnership with the BCPC Session.

Any employment agreement will depend upon a satisfactory background check and a satisfactory explanation of irregularities. The background check may include but is not limited to clearances by a background search agency to review for criminal records, education verification, Social Security trace, license or credential verification, previous employment verification, previous credit, DMV, etc.

COMPENSATION: Salary is commensurate with a living wage in the Bay Area for comparable positions. Additional benefits include housing allowance, medical/dental, pension, vacation, sick leave, and continuing educational leave. Salary range and benefits are available upon request.