Pastor

We are seeking a full-time Pastor to work alongside the elders and deacons in leading the church as the current Pastor is due to retire.

Responsibilities

We hold a Reformed, non-charismatic position, holding to the inerrancy and authority of scripture, following a traditional evangelical approach to Biblical interpretation with a focus on systematic (and sometimes topical) expository preaching. The focus of the Pastor will be in preaching, pastoral care, and leading the church by example with particular concern for evangelism and continuing / developing our interest in several overseas missions and overseas workers.

Required skills

To be in full agreement with the church's Basis of Faith (see our website). He must have a clear call to church ministry and to working with us in this rural community. To be a man of prayer and personal discipline in his study of God's Word, who is able to work well within a leadership team, and who will lead the church by personal example. To be passionate for the glory of God in all things, and demonstrate this in developing evangelistic opportunities in the community (Roger Carswell has worked with us regularly in past years), promoting missionary awareness, and focusing the church on spiritual growth and personal holiness. To preach the Word to the glory of God, the spiritual growth of the church and the conversion of sinners. Whilst previous formal Bible training would be advantageous we will consider anyone who shows a clear ability to rightly handle and preach God's Word. Support for further training may be available as needed. To relate well to people at a personal level, having a caring nature and providing biblical and consistent Pastoral care as needed.

Other

The church has been here for over 300yrs and it was to its Pastor that Spurgeon came to be baptised in the nearby river Lark. It has existed as an independent Free Church for 45 years and is affiliated to the FIEC The congregation is all-age and numbers typically 30-50 AM, 10-15 PM with a Membership of about 30. We hold two services each Sunday, have a mid-week Bible study & Prayer meeting, women's and men's meetings, a full range of children's and young people's groups. Much of the Pastor's work is in building relationships with those outside of the church – we hold a weekly outreach coffee morning and pre-school Music Mayhem group that is very well supported by mothers from the village and surrounding villages. We run Christianity Explored courses as needed. We currently enjoy a good relationship with the village primary school where the Pastor has been able to take Assemblies prior to COVID. We have a very active overseas missionary interest via Zambesi Mission, NTM, Kerusso Trust, and Leprosy Mission with a commitment of at least 10% of our income going to support overseas work. We use a mix of traditional and new hymns and songs in worship and have a small worship group which leads our sung worship under the direction of the Pastor / service leader. We use the ESV for public reading. Please see our website for further details www.plfc.org.uk