White Plains Presbyterian Church

Pastoral Job Description

 

The White Plains Presbyterian Church (WPPC) is searching for a part time pastor to lead us. Our church is located in downtown White Plains, Westchester County, New York, within walking distance of the train station. We are in an urban setting, with both low-income housing  and luxurious condos around. The city of White Plains is a diverse, multicultural community. WPPC congregation reflects this diversity through its membership and might possibly be the most diverse church in the Hudson River Presbytery.

The total number of members in our church is 99 with an average age of 56 years old. Around 25-30 members are in worship on a regular basis. WPPC’s current culture is heavily influenced by its high level of theological, racial and ethnic diversity.  We have very few families with little children since the closure of our nursery school. Though theologically diverse, the more traditional members may have a stronger influence in the running of the church. Our goal is to have a pastor who can help us manage these differences constructively and strike a healthy balance.

We have been a pastor-focused church and are working to focus more on lay leadership.  The church is looking for a pastor who can help empower its members, support the work of the different committees, encourage the startup of different lay-led programs and more lay leadership in worship.

The church seeks a Stated Supply pastor for a 20-hour part time employment.   The church does not have a manse, but the pastor can use a portion of the effective salary as housing allowance. The position will be a one-year contract with the option to renew and the possibility to extend the duration of the contract in the future.  There is also consideration for installation in the future.

The church will not be offering retirement or health benefits. The church will provide reimbursement for professional expenses up to $1500. In addition, the pastor will have 4 and half weeks of vacation time and 2 weeks of study leave (refer to terms of call sheet). The effective salary is $35,000 and will be paid on a biweekly or monthly basis, which will be chosen when the contract is signed.

Pastoral responsibilities: Pastors shall work collaboratively with everyone, empowering members and educating the congregation. Their responsibilities mainly include but are not limited to:

o   Preparing and leading worship.

o   Visiting members and providing pastoral care by appointment.

o   Supporting the current Bible study once a month with the existing group; Assisting the youth group/confirmation class monthly when needed.

o   Moderating the Session’s meetings monthly and other key committees’ meetings as needed.

o   Pastors should be available on site by appointment.

 

Goals of the church:

o   Ensure our sermons are Bible based and relatable to both the Presbyterian liturgy and our daily lives. Readings should mostly be aligned with lectionary.

o   Help members in creating a diverse set of programs to hold and engage current members and attract new members.

o   Establish with Session a comprehensive plan for the spiritual nourishment of our members.

o   To train lay leadership in proving pastoral care and be available to offer care in certain urgent situations.

 

If you feel called to join and lead our congregation in this next chapter of our church’s life, please email us at wppcwppc2024@gmail.com

 

Salary Range: 35000