Position Reports to:
Salary Range:
Employment Status: / Associate Pastor
Negotiable
Full Time
Philosophy of Ministry and Position Overview
Philosophy of Ministry
We believe the Church is called to shepherd people of all ages into mature faith by gospel-driven transformation. As a church, Graystone Evangelical Presbyterian Church (GPC) has a vision for flourishing, multi-generational discipleship. An integral part of this vision is found in God's instruction to His people in Deut. 6:4-9. These verses speak to the necessity of spiritual formation and family discipleship. In particular, God commands His people to learn His laws, and teach them to their children. This commitment is echoed by the EPC, "spiritual nurture, instruction, and training of the children of the church are committed by God primarily to their parents" (G4-4). As Such, the family is God's primary means for evangelism and discipleship. With this conviction, we understand that Next Generation Ministries must include developing an active pursuit of salvation in the home by parents, while the Church provides opportunities for instruction, spiritual growth, and service for children, youth, and families.
We want our ministry to be gospel-centered, Christ-exalting, biblically-based, Spirit-led, deeply rooted in the Church family and aggressively reaching out to the community. This ministry will be defined by the following:
- welcoming and inviting to new familieswith children
- incorporating new attendees and members with children into spiritual growth opportunities
- supporting families as they raise children of spiritual maturity
- making disciples of Jesus that visibly live out their faith
- positive, consistent, and effective communication with parents, congregation, and community
- broad and effective “in-reach” to our kids and their families
- a positive, fun, meaningful and safe environment for all activities
The Assistant Pastor of Next Generation Ministries will effectively build and nurture an environment that fosters spiritual growth from birth through 12th grade. Collaboration is a high value in our ministry that we believe to be a manifestation of the Body of Christ, building unity, providing mutual encouragement, and displaying servant leadership.This person will work in conjunction with the Director of Children’s ministry (currently part-time), the volunteer teams, interns (as available), and our larger staff and congregation who are committed to the growth of these ministries. This new position has the privilege of equipping our current families and reaching out to new families in our community.
In addition to cultivating the broader vision of Next Generation Ministries this position willprimarily be responsible for our Ministry to Youth (Middle school/high school).While God has blessed our ministry for many seasons we recognize this is a time of opportunity to broaden and deepen our ministry to expand fruitful discipleship and teaching. Our Assistant Pastor will lead Elders, staff and volunteers in evaluating our current Youth Ministry and identifying and implementing changes that need to be made. Discipleship, commitment to the Church, organization, creativity, and communication are going to be essential qualities of the successful candidate.
Principal Responsibilities
Family Ministry
- Help develop a comprehensive and expanding discipleship plan for birth through 12th grade through additional ministry staff, interns, pastors, elders, and volunteers.
- Identify and/or develop conferences, classes, and seminars with a focus on Spiritual Formation for families with one focus on equipping parents how to disciple their children.
- Identify and provide resources for leaders in youth and children’s ministry (seminars, curriculum, on-line material, books, articles etc)to equip them in discipling families.
- To be “hands-on” in pastoral care as needed for youth and their families
- Promote and facilitate family participation in the larger community and mission of GPC
- Join with the session and staff to foster a ‘missional’ mindset.
- Organize and plan strategic communication (written, video, social media, etc.) to clearly “tell the story” of what God is doing in our children, youth and family ministries.
- Organize and implement a family-centered youth ministry that partners with parents in the spiritual growth of their children.
- Develop a personal ministry to students through small groups, mentoring, training leaders and utilizing volunteers.
- Implement the family discipleship plan for grades 6th-12th, incorporating youth membership, and opportunities for service.
- Teach at youth gatherings and Sunday school (teaching responsibilities can be shared, but should be overseen by the Assistant Pastor).
- Identify or develop conferences, mission projects, and retreats to provide opportunities for the spiritual formation of our youth.
- Assess and give input into the SB2W Day Camp Program.
- Assist with the hiring, supervision and the discipleship of the SB2W Day Camp staff both before and during camp.
- Cultivate relational ministry with staff, campers and parents during SB2W.
- Develop a strategic plan for team-based, relational ministry and support.
- Contribute to the collaborative ministry of GPC in weekly staff meetings.
- Meet regularly with your supervisor.
- Be responsible for personal growth and ministry.
- Preach or assist in worship as requested.
- Prepare a yearly budget with the assigned elder(s)to be approved by Session.
- Abide by GPC’s Child Safety Policy.
Attributes Required
- A deep commitment to Christ and gospel ministry in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church
- A passion to see people grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ living free and effective
- An ability to cast a vision and implement a ministry of discipleship for families.
- Exceptional relational and communication skills
- Strong administrative and organizational skills
- An ability to recruit, encourage and equip a team of volunteer leaders
- An ability to mobilize people and catalyze momentum in the Family ministry
- Spiritual vitality, be a person of integrity and respectful of others
- A life-long learner
- Take joy in recruiting and delegating
Experience and Educational Requirements
- At least 2-5 years of vocational ministry experience in Family and Youth ministry
- Must be interested in pursuing or currently a candidate for ordination in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church
- Master’s level of theology/ministry degree preferred
Clearance Requirements
- Must sign Graystone’s Child Safety and Sexual Misconduct Policy
- Must obtain state mandated clearance records: Criminal History Record, Child Abuse Clearance and Federal Criminal History Record
About Graystone
Graystone EPC is a 208 year old church with a passion for reaching the next generation with the Gospel. Located in downtown Indiana, PA just steps away from a state university with over 15,000 students, we are a vibrant congregation with over 650 in membership. Indiana is a great place to raise a family, and provides unique opportunities for gospel-centered family ministry to flourish!
Complete application information can be found here:
Applications dueby: 9/14/2016