Our full Ministry Discernment Profile (MDP) is listed on the Church Leadership Connections website, but we wanted to provide a summary on this page as well.
Overview
The Pine Grove Presbyterian Church is looking to share an interim full time pastor with the Upper Spruce Creek Presbyterian Church, located approximately 10 miles away. Both congregations worship in historic church buildings and average around 45-50 attendees each Sunday.
MDP Narratives
- How would you describe the congregation’s/organization’s specific vision for ministry? How will this vision impact the community? Is the congregation part of a ministry vision or program
- We strive to be an active member of our community by sharing the Word with our friends and neighbors through engagement and fellowship activities. Our historic church building has been upgraded with air conditioning and technology which allows us to share our traditional Sunday worship services (and other events) both in-person and online. Our congregation members are active in many community organizations and our facility hosts several events including the local Ferguson Township Senior Citizens group; Town Talk – a local community-based discussion and history group; a small food pantry and winter clothing for those in need; the local Cub Scout Pack; and we invite friends and neighbors in for community dinners and other events. Our congregation also participates in many donation and support drives to help those in need. This community outreach is not forced, rather it comes from the ideas and energy of our congregation members. It is through this continued love and devotion that we hope to continue to bring the Word of God to our community and inspire others to be good stewards.
- What is the nature and context of the community in which your congregation lives out its mission/vision? How will you address the emerging needs that are impacting your community?
- Our church is in the small community of Pine Grove Mills, located five miles west of State College and Penn State University’s main campus in central Pennsylvania. As such, we have a diverse demographic area with a wide range of ages, professions, income levels, and general interests. Our community continues to grow, with new homes and businesses being established. Our school district is one of the best in the state, with an elementary school located across the street from our building. Seated at the foot of the mountain, our community is walkable with an elementary school, churches, post office, convenience store, small shops, and restaurants all within walking distance. Just outside of town are abundant farms and nature areas to entice the outdoor enthusiasts, and a plethora of arts, entertainment, education, and recreation activities available as well. The University brings in national touring productions and offers other high-end activities and performances, as well as being a driving economic force in the area.
- An emerging need in our community is togetherness. Families are often pulled in many different directions and often lose sight of their faith (or never established faith to begin with) and it is the duty and goal for our church congregation to work to meet with our neighbors and friends, invite them into our church family, and share the Good News for all.
- How will this call help complement the responsibilities of other staff/volunteer positions, and the life of the congregation/organization, so that you may accomplish your short and long-term goals for ministry?
- The interim shared pastor who answers this call will greatly complement our congregation. Our previous pastor served our church for over 40 years, and we took for granted many of the things he did for us. The new preacher will help us transition away from some old traditions while teaching us how to move on to a bright future. This position will be shared between our church (Pine Grove Presbyterian) and the Upper Spruce Creek Presbyterian Church, located about 10 miles away. The called pastor will work closely with our newly established part-time administrative assistant to manage the church and guide us forward. Due to the limited term of the interim call, it is expected that the pastor will ease the shift between former pastor and whoever may lead us in the future. We understand there will be some changes, and this person will be instrumental in setting expectations, assisting with future goal planning, and serving as a resource for how to navigate this transition.
- Provide a description of the skills, gifts and training the person you hope will become a part of your ministry must have, to lead the congregation towards the vision and mission.
- Our next pastor is someone grounded in Christ and understanding of the challenges that churches in transition encounter. Formal training should include the Interim Ministry Training and some previous experience as an interim pastor is preferred. As this is a new arrangement to share a pastor with Upper Spruce Creek, we would like someone with experience working with two separate congregations to help set guidelines and expectations between the two churches. Experience with community outreach or growing a church is helpful as we continue to strive for new membership.
- Other desired skills include:
- Experience successfully managing the pastor search process.
- An effective worship leader who can deliver thoughtful and challenging sermons, bringing a sense of hope and excitement for the future.
- Ability to balance time and resources, professionally and personally.
- Outstanding oral and written communication skills to be successful in large and small group settings to get the message across with the desired effect.
- Exhibits an open, honest understanding of their strengths and weaknesses and be comfortable sharing those traits with others.
- Adheres to standards of professionalism and maintains the confidentiality and privacy of church members and staff.
- An interest in, or ability to sing and provide joyful music.
- The interim pastor will fulfill most of the functions of the previous pastor with respect to preaching and worship leadership, pastoral care of the congregation, administrative guidance to our part-time staff, assisting session and the Ruling Elders, and assist the congregation in preparing for the arrival of a new permanent pastor.
- Other anticipated responsibilities include
- Assist congregation in coming to terms with its history
- Help the church clarify its identity
- Provide biblically based ministry to a church in transition
- Support the church’s ministries and other groups
- Lead and inspire the congregation in the development of new ministries and being available as a resource person to them
- Administer sacraments of Communion and Baptism
- Officiate at weddings and funerals of members
- Remain devoted to meeting the needs of Pine Grove Presbyterian Church and its congregation while also serving Upper Spruce Creek
- Possess highly defined skills in dealing with people and a willingness to communicate openly with church members
- Serve as a resource to guide the congregation as it prepares for new leadership, encouraging everyone to envision and plan for a new future
- Build connections in our Presbytery
- Promote recognition of joint concerns, collaboration, and to influence the success of outcomes between the two churches
- Prepare congregation for change and anchor that change in the church’s mission and vision
- Enrich and share in the musical portions of worship and fellowship.
- Other anticipated responsibilities include
Contact us
If you feel our situation matches your intentions, or you have additional questions about our church and shared interim role, please reach out to [email protected].