Pastor of Intergenerational Life - First Congregational Church of Redlands

Pastor of Intergenerational Life - First Congregational Church of Redlands

 

Our Church
First Congregational Church of Redlands is a historic Congregational church in Redlands, California. Our weekly worship service would best be described as ‘traditional,’ centering on our choir and organ, preaching from the Lectionary, and embodying the shared ministry model of historic Congregationalism. Our practices have remained in place for 146 years and will remain the primary way we engage with one another and our community.

Our (Current) Need
The steady growth we’ve experienced over the past three years has exceeded the capacity of our current pastoral staff, especially with children and emerging adults. We are a multi-generational church and have discerned that the standard models of compartmentalizing ministries by age diminish our church’s capacity to minister intergenerationally. Specifically, we are looking for someone to focus on the spiritual life and development of children, youth, young adults, singles, and families while co-developing a unique intergenerational ministry alongside the other pastors and volunteer leaders.

Job Description
In the context of a shared leadership model, the Pastor of Intergenerational Life is responsible for building and nurturing a church culture in which all ages—from toddlers to centenarians—grow and are integrated into the life, worship, and mission of the congregation. This will emerge and develop through a “youth-forward” approach. Meaning, starting with children and youth while integrating all generations into life together.

This is not a youth pastor role with occasional intergenerational activities. It is an intergenerational pastor whose primary leadership focus is on the generational gaps in our congregation. Gaps that currently show up most visibly among children, youth, and families. Through shared understanding, deepened affection for God and one another, a maturing congregational purpose, and embodied participation in the life of the church, this pastor will help FCC Redlands move further into intergenerational shared life and experiences.

Primary Responsibilities

·      As a member of the pastoral staff that operates under a polycentric model of shared leadership, we address the spiritual needs of our congregation together, including visitations, discipleship, preaching, and administrative tasks. We are looking for a candidate with strong pastoral skills and instincts.

·      While most of the direct responsibilities will involve ministry to children, youth, and emerging adults, it will not be isolated. We are looking for a Bridge-Builder who can speak the "language" of a Gen Z student and a Silent Generation retiree with equal ease.

·      Build new ministries that respond to the actual needs of our community. In other words, assessing the current needs and building from there rather than trying to impose programs without curiosity and discernment.

·      As a historic Congregational Church, the candidate will be familiar with our history and church governance. The members of the church are the highest governing body and the primary means of implementing and carrying out the ministries of the Church.

·      Beginning with children, design and support opportunities for people of all ages to engage together in worship, Scripture, prayer, small groups, and Christian service. We do church together, and we believe that apart from the abiding presence of Christ in our community, we have no greater resource than one another.

·      Pastoring and discipleship are embodied practices. While much of the job takes place on Sunday morning and in the office, much of it takes place outside of traditional working hours. This is a full-time salaried position that will not follow a traditional 9-5 structure.

·      Discernment is an essential part of this job, as we are building ministries that are not currently in place and existing models do not address where we believe God to be leading our church in this new season. We are not looking for an administrator but a creative galvanizer to help us create something tailor-made to our needs.

Skills and Experience

·      5+ years of pastoral experience on a church staff.

·      A bachelor’s degree is mandatory, and a seminary degree is strongly preferred.

·      Experience in ministry leadership, preferably across multiple age groups

·      Experience building intergenerational ministry, with demonstrated ability to engage children, youth, and adults together.

·      Demonstrated ability to lead volunteers and develop teams.

·      Comfort in working with technology and an ability to learn new software systems.

·      A natural connector with strong interpersonal skills.