Grace Christian Reformed Church in Welland is seeking a full-time Pastor of Preaching and Congregational Care to faithfully preach the Word, nourish the spiritual growth of the congregation and reach out into the community to facilitate growth.
Grace Church is a welcoming faith community of approximately 130. We are a caring and supportive church not only to each other but also to many community agencies in our area. Members are encouraged to use their gifts in worshiping and serving our triune God.
Grace Church offers the stability of long-term memberships as well as the challenge and excitement of new visitors and members from countries around the world.
PASTOR’S JOB DESCRIPTION
Grace Christian Reformed Church of Welland
POSITION: Pastor
Position Purpose: The Pastor is to provide spiritual and pastoral leadership to the membership of Grace CRC. The Pastor will preach, teach, and administer the Sacraments, and give primary leadership in the areas of worship, Ministry Coordination, Pastoral Care and Outreach.
Supervision: The Pastor serves under the supervision of the Church Consistory.
Responsibilities: Subject to review and adjustment in conjunction with the Church Council, the following constitute the major responsibilities of the Pastor:
A. Worship (The Pastor should be concerned about the spiritual well-being of the congregation, encourage spiritual growth, and call people to Christian living.)
To lead the church in articulating the vision, and understanding and embracing the mission of the church.
To regularly preach and teach the Word of God and administer the Sacraments in the congregation.
To plan and lead worship in conjunction with the worship coordinator, the musicians, and the Worship Committee.
To officiate, at the pastor’s discretion with disclosure to the consistory, special services such as weddings and funerals.
B. Ministry Coordination
To know the “goings on” of the congregation's ministry, including regular contact with staff, group and program leaders, and other volunteers.
To support and assist the volunteers who have responsibility in the ministries of education, youth programs, and teach/lead education classes as needed.
To attend Consistory (elders), Council and Administrative Board Meetings, and serve as an advisor.
To partner with elders, deacons, and other leaders in encouraging and equipping members to be active in relationships of pastoral care.
To promote a healthy flow of communication regarding congregational matters, concerns, and joys, between office-bearers and the bulletin clerk.
To annually lead a training session for elders.
A minister in the CRC is also required to function at both the Classis and Denominational level, and ought to be active in ecumenical relationships, encouraging the church to participate as well.
C. Pastoral Care
To make it a priority to get to know the congregation – its members, programs, and history.
To provide pastoral care, in conjunction with elders and other care-givers, through visitation, counselling, and prayer for the sick, shut-ins, widows and widowers, and others in need.
To make appropriate referrals when necessary and quickly respond to crisis situations which arise in the congregation.
To be available. The position of Pastor requires great flexibility in hours available for work; including evenings and weekends. The pastor should be in the office a sufficient amount of time for accessibility to members of the congregation and for regular communication with members of the church staff. The Pastor also needs to be visible and available to the congregation and Council before or after Sunday services.
To pray for members of the congregation regularly.
To encourage and equip the elders and other leaders in forming and maintaining small groups.
D. Outreach
1. The Pastor actively volunteers in the community outside of the church
2. Create training opportunities for people to engage in outreach.
3. Challenge, encourage, and equip committees and groups to move forward in outreach.
4. Coordinate an outreach team to reach new residents in the community.
Approved April 29, 2025