The pastor will serve as the primary spiritual and executive leader of the congregation, working collaboratively with the elders/consistory to shepherd the church, equip members for ministry, and guide the church into its next season of growth and vitality.
Key Responsibilities
Preaching and Teaching
· Proclaim the Word of God faithfully and clearly through expository, Christ-centered preaching
· Teach in a manner that is biblically sound, accessible, and relevant to daily life
· Support and encourage Christian education and discipleship for all ages
Pastoral Care
· Provide compassionate pastoral care, counseling, visitation, and prayer, in coordination with care elders and care deacons.
· Walk alongside members through life transitions, crises, and spiritual growth
· Encourage spiritual maturity and discipleship within the congregation
· Officiate as necessary (Weddings and Funerals)
Leadership and Vision
· Serve as a spiritual leader in partnership with the elders/consistory
· Bring fresh energy, thoughtful ideas, and creative approaches to ministry while respecting church order and honoring church legacy within the guidelines of church governance and structure.
· Help discern and articulate vision aligned with Scripture, the church's beliefs, and its local context
· Foster unity, humility, and love within the body of Christ
· Oversee staff through direct reporting. Perform weekly check-ins and annual evaluations with each staff member. Work with Consistory on overall staffing needs and optimum staffing levels and structure to fulfill the church's mission.
· Lead monthly Consistory meetings, monthly Executive Team meetings, and a weekly staff meeting.
· Attend other team meetings on a regular basis to provide support.
Worship and Sacraments
· Lead and oversee worship services in accordance with Reformed Theology
· Administer the sacraments faithfully and reverently
· Work collaboratively with worship leaders and volunteers. Ultimate responsibility rests
with the Senior Pastor to ensure seamless flow and excellence in worship
Outreach and Community Engagement
· Encourage evangelism and outreach in the local community
· Build relationships within DeMotte and surrounding areas
· Help the church remain welcoming, relevant, and engaged with those outside the congregation
Qualifications
Required
· A clear calling to pastoral ministry
· Strong commitment to the authority of Scripture and the core tenets of the Reformed faith
· Strong Executive function, vision, and organizational skills
· Ordained (or ordainable) in a Reformed tradition
· Demonstrated ability to preach and teach effectively
· Proven pastoral leadership experience
· Ability to work collaboratively with elders, leaders, and volunteers
· Live in (or relocate) to the DeMotte community
Desired
· Energetic and relational leadership style
· Open-minded and thoughtful toward new ideas and ministry approaches
· Experience leading a congregation through seasons of transition or growth
· Comfortable engaging across generations
· Seminary degree (MDiv or equivalent) preferred
Personal Characteristics
· Spiritually mature and prayerful
· Humble, teachable, and approachable
· Strong communicator and listener
· Resilient, adaptable, and grounded in Christ
· Committed to unity, peace, and faithful shepherding
Reporting – The Senior Pastor position reports to the Executive/Personnel Team
About American Reformed Church
American Reformed Church is a Christ-centered congregation committed to biblical teaching, Reformed theology, and meaningful community life. We desire to grow in faith, love, and service while remaining rooted in God's Word and responsive to the needs of our community.
Application Process
Interested candidates are invited to submit:
· A resume or curriculum vitae
· A brief statement of faith
· A cover letter describing calling to ministry and interest in ARC
· Sermon samples (audio or video preferred)
· References upon request
American Reformed Church is a Christ-centered congregation committed to biblical teaching, Reformed theology, and meaningful community life. We desire to grow in faith, love, and service while remaining rooted in God's Word and responsive to the needs of our community.