Snapshot
Denomination: Presbyterian
Weekly Attendance: 100
Location: Garnet Valley, PA
The Role: Senior Pastor
Concord Liberty Presbyterian Church (CLPC) is a friendly, welcoming faith community, Christ-centered and Biblically based. Our central community location, amazing property, and committed membership are strong assets. We are eager to launch into our next chapter and look forward to working with a pastor who will help us define and act on a strategic plan that strengthens our ties to families in our community and maximizes our impact for Christ. We seek a pastor who is an energetic, compassionate, “people person,” devoted to the service of Christ and the Church, preaching and teaching the Word of God.
About the Senior Pastor:
Concord Liberty seeks an energetic, compassionate, “people person” to help us discern God’s plan for our church. We love to gather on Sunday morning to hear the Word of God and we are searching for a pastor who loves to preach and whose sermons, while firmly rooted in the Bible, are engaging and relevant to our daily lives. In our new pastor, we look for a confident leader who we can trust to lead with his/her head and heart but primarily by following the Holy Spirit. We have strong lay leaders who have been instrumental during this period of transition and who are prepared to collaborate with a new pastor to support his or her success.
A priority for our early collaborations will be to define Concord Liberty’s vision, mission, and strategic objectives and a pastor who has experience with these processes is preferred. Development of an annual pastoral plan and goals will follow from strategic planning and will focus us on the same priorities. Primarily, it will invest us in each other and free our time and energy for doing God’s work.
Our demographic research tells us that we live in a community where many people do not attend church. We are located in the middle of Garnet Valley schools with a beautiful property and a history of successful outreach programs. We need a catalyst to help us reignite our connection to the community and excitedly anticipate an outreaching pastor’s help to spur our growth.
We look forward to welcoming a new pastor into our church family, and like in any family, to sharing our celebrations and trials. We seek someone who can balance personal and family needs with the ability to engage emotionally with the congregation and to empathize when we are hurting. We are accustomed to being in contact with each other and we seek a pastor who will engage with us in timely communication.
Word and Sacrament
Prepare and deliver weekly Biblically-based sermons that foster the congregation’s spiritual growth. Relay Biblical truths and how they are relevant in today’s world.
Plan collaboratively with the Worship Committee and lead with joy and meaningfulness our weekly worship services and special services for those participating in person and remotely.
Administer the sacraments of Communion and Baptism.
Officiate special services such as funerals, memorials, and weddings.
Pastoral Care
Establish a robust spiritual and physical pastoral care ministry serving congregants:
Build relationships with our church family.
Visit congregants, especially in times of illness, grief, or crisis.
Become an active member of the Stephen Ministry team.
Lead church membership and confirmation classes.
Be a Shepherd Pastor, leading by example and training lay leaders to share the Gospel.
Leadership
Maintain a strong spiritual foundation through personal study and prayer, both for personal well-being and congregational encouragement.
Assist Church leaders in developing and implementing a vision and strategic plan.
Set the agenda for Session meetings and serve as Moderator of Session. Oversee Board of Deacons.
As an ex-officio member of all Church committees, attend as needed or requested.
Support Session, Deacon, and committee decisions.
Maintain a visible and positive presence in the community, promoting CLPC connections with other churches and community organizations.
Support intergenerational ministry, including programs for youth. Encourage growth through service and mission projects.
Attend regular meetings and maintain communication with the Philadelphia Presbytery.
As administrative head of staff, provide effective personnel leadership including goal- setting and annual staff review in collaboration with the Session personnel committee.
Work Environment
This is a full-time position.
The Pastor will work primarily at CLPC but will also be available to visit congregants.
Establish set days and office hours at CLPC.
Preach at least 45 Sundays annually.
Accountability
Evaluation
The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Senior Pastor:
Education & Experience
Undergraduate degree
Seminary degree
5+ years of experience as an ordained minister (strongly preferred)
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Effective preacher and worship leader
Collaborates easily with others
Ability to establish and maintain strong interpersonal relationships
Ability to use initiative to achieve desired results
Personal Characteristics & Qualifications
Has strong spiritual grounding
Uses strategy and vision
Compassionate
Change Agent
What it's Like to Live in Garnet Valley, PA:
Garnet Valley offers families a prime residential experience in a vibrant and affluent community. Garnet Valley is renowned for its exceptional school district. The elementary, middle, and high schools are all conveniently located near a community park and library, fostering a family-friendly environment. These schools, park, and library are all located adjacent to the Concord Liberty property, putting us right in the hub of community activity.
Residents of Garnet Valley enjoy an abundance of local amenities, including shopping centers, restaurants, museums, and parks. With the Philadelphia International Airport just 20 minutes away and Philadelphia just 45 minutes away, cultural and entertainment opportunities are endless.
Garnet Valley's strategic location within a two-hour drive of major metropolitan areas such as New York and Washington DC, multiple beaches in New Jersey and Delaware, and scenic mountain ranges ensures that families have access to a diverse range of recreational activities. With great parks, excellent schools, and a plethora of nearby attractions, Garnet Valley presents a perfect home for families.
Think you're a great fit for this role? Become a candidate below.