Description
Church: Belfast Free Methodist Church
Position: Solo Pastor
Full Time
Location: Belfast NY
Field Superintendent (Accountable to): TBD
Church Description: Belfast FMC is a small church (2023 average church attendance was 38) in a small, rural town (population around 1500), surrounded by small communities (including Houghton, NY, with Houghton College is a 10 minute drive). Those who are a regular part of the church are committed, generous members who want to see their church reach their community for Christ.
Part of the salary package includes a parsonage, and there is an expectation that the pastor will live in Belfast.
Ideal pastor will:
*Have an understanding of and love for small towns and rural communities, with a desire to put long-term roots down.
*Have ideas about and be willing to create a long-term vision and plan for reaching out to people who don’t yet know Jesus, enfolding them into the church community, seeing Christ transform.
Summary: In addition to the expectations of Genesis Pastors (below) the main responsibilities of this position include:
*Preaching weekly
*Weekly service planning
*Overseeing and developing church leadership and systems
*Building personal relationships within the community
*Casting localized vision for what it means to “go & make disciples” in this place
Note: The last two pastors have led worship. While it is certainly not a requirement of the job, if the incoming pastor is not musical, there will be a need to find a worship leader, or other means of leading worship. Genesis is working on possible solutions for churches in this kind of situation, but as of yet we don’t have a solution.
General Expectations of Genesis Pastors
Dealing with the souls of people and leading the church in going and making disciples requires continuing growth in these qualities and skills; spiritual qualifications, personal characteristics, pastoral care, communication and leadership.
1. Spiritual Qualifications. The pastor:
a. is committed to Jesus Christ as Lord;
b. shows evidence of integrity through holiness of heart and life;
c. displays the fruit of the Holy Spirit;
d. receives and gives forgiveness;
e. possesses both humility and a healthy self-esteem, maintaining a positive attitude;
f. demonstrates faith, hope, and initiative;
g. respects people regardless of race, gender or economic status;
h. models a teachable spirit.
2. Personal Characteristics. The pastor:
a. is called to ministry, with that call affirmed by others;
b. practices spiritual disciplines including daily Bible reading and prayer;
c. is gifted for leadership (equipping of Ephesians 4:11-13);
d. models a balanced life and a healthy self-discipline;
e. maintains freedom from addictions;
f. engages in life-long learning;
g. submits biblically to authority;
h. seeks professional and personal accountability;
i. has the support of his/her spouse, if married.
j. is fruitful in evangelism
k. is fruitful in making disciples.
3. Pastoral Care. The pastor:
a. loves his/her family as Christ loves the church;
b. responds appropriately and warmly to people;
c. embodies a passion for those who don’t yet know Jesus;
d. embodies a passion for making disciples;
e. ensures appropriate care for the people of God;
f. builds up people and inspires hope;
g. demonstrates interpersonal skills; and
h. addresses and resolves conflict effectively.
4. Communication. The pastor:
a. handles the Word of God correctly;
b. calls people to faith in Christ;
c. understands the culture, community and congregation;
d. utilizes effective means of communication;
e. affirms and articulates Wesleyan theology;
f. prepares thoroughly for public presentation;
g. persuades people to make godly, life-changing decisions;
h. challenges the status quo in love, when necessary; and
i. facilitates an environment of holy worship.
5. Leadership. The pastor:
a. leads out of personal and corporate prayer;
b. clearly articulates a vision from God;
c. sets strategic goals to accomplish the vision;
d. instills congregational ownership of vision and goals;
e. mobilizes resources to fulfill the vision;
f. practices sound principles in accomplishing change;
g. identifies, attracts, equips and empowers leaders;
h. fosters a positive atmosphere;
i. participates in the denomination’s mission; and
j. promotes involvement in world evangelization.
6. Denominational Connection & Commitment. The pastor:
a. participates monthly in a Conference Community Group (CCG)
b. connect the local church to Genesis events and resources as appropriate
c. respects and is guided by those in authority (Field Superintendent, Conference
Superintendent, Bishop).
d. seeks appropriate coaching opportunities.
e. participates annually in Annual Conference and OneDay.