Senior Minister

Position Responsibilities

• Preaching and Worship:
  • Prepare and conduct meaningful worship services.
  • Preach at the majority of worship services.
  • Prepare services in concert with the worship council.
  • Maintain vital and meaningful worship services, with the primary responsibility for preaching the word and administering the sacraments.
  • Prepare the necessary parts of the worship service including the preparation of the weekly bulletin so that the worship service enriches the congregation.
  • Involves the congregation and the various groups within the church, such as handbells, choir, and youth in the service on a regular basis.
• Leadership and Administration:
  • The pastor presides over the congregation of the NHRC and is expected to provide the necessary spiritual leadership for the congregation.
  • The pastor shall have overall responsibility and provide overall leadership for the church staff.
  • The pastor will have knowledge of and adhere to "The Responsibilities Common to All Pastors."
  • The pastor will serve as president of Consistory, presiding over all meetings of Consistory, Elders and Deacons.
  • The pastor is required to understand the workings of church councils and committees as well as the responsibilities of the staff.
• Pastoral:
  • Provide pastoral care oversight to the congregation.
  • Through personal leadership, see that the pastoral needs of the congregation are addressed.
  • This encompasses, but is not limited to, hospital and in-home visitations of the sick and elderly, crisis counseling, pre-baptismal and pre-marriage counseling and grief counseling.
  • Provide pastoral services for weddings and funerals.
• Community and Denominational Outreach:
  • Represent the NHRC in the community.
  • Be knowledgeable in local community affairs and participate in the business and social life of the community as appropriate.
  • Be available to serve and lead the Church at a denominational level which includes Classis and Synod meetings and functions.
  • Provide the necessary guidance to the congregation by interpreting and communicating the latest policies and programs of the denomination.
  • Lead the NHRC in its ecumenical activities.
  • Remain current and active through appropriate continuing education where feasible.

RESPONSIBILITIES COMMON TO ALL PASTORS

• Work cooperatively with other staff members, encourage their effectiveness and blend their efforts for a strong, total ministry, delegating responsibility as required.
• Work directly with assigned councils and committees. Keep informed of all council activity to provide a complete and coordinated direction for the church’s programs and activities.
• As required, provide appropriate and timely messages for the monthly church newsletter and weekly bulletin.
• Participate in other church organization's meetings, as required.
• Plan, attend and participate in congregational events as required.
• Maintain regular office hours and be available to meet with members of the congregation.
• Keep the congregation informed through open communications and positive affirmation.
• Attend staff and consistory meetings.
• Participate in local church groups and other community groups as required or deemed appropriate.
• Be visible to members of the congregation by attending social and other functions so that the pastor is known as a person.