Trainee Pastor-Elder

Trainee Elder–Pastor, with particular responsibility for teaching and overseeing small groups. A part-time (3-day) role, allowing two days for theological training if needed (for which a study bursary can be applied for).

Responsibilities

Being a training role, we will actively seek to nurture your pastoral and teaching gifts. The role bears significant responsibility, but we will support you, in the context of the eldership, as your responsibilities increase over time. The part-time nature of this role is to enable you to access or continue theological study alongside working for the church. Alternatively it may allow for other work if you have already completed theological studies or have other relevant experience. As an Elder–Pastor, you will increasingly be given responsibility for teaching in our Sunday gatherings and for supporting our small-group discipleship. This could eventually look like preaching around 40% of Sundays, alongside supporting the church's "one-another" discipleship – both within our small group structures and more broadly across the life of the church. The role also includes contributing to the day-to-day organisation and oversight of church activities, particularly in relation to Sunday gatherings. ROLE SUMMARY - Serving as part of a small, collaborative leadership team - Preaching and teaching in a range of church settings, including Sunday gatherings - Strengthening discipleship across the life of the church, with particular focus on small groups - Supporting the organisation and oversight of church activities, especially Sunday gatherings - Developing pastoral ministry areas in line with gifting, experience, and the needs of the church

Required skills

There is an occupational requirement that the post holder is a committed, practising evangelical Christian, in accordance with Part 1 of Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010. As the role is for an Elder-Pastor, the successful candidate must also meet the criteria given in our Church Handbook; whose doctrine and lifestyle are in accordance with our beliefs, doctrinal distinctives and ethical statements. The opportunity at Union Church is to develop your gifts in the context of a church serving a wonderfully culturally diverse neighbourhood. We'd be keen to receive your application if you have the life experience, skills and God-given passion to serve this kind of community. We are looking for someone who: - meets the biblical standards for Elders - evidences their love for Christ in their love for others; regardless of age or background - has a clarity about the gospel; and an integrity in living in daily repentance and faith - has wisdom to know what is of first importance and the limits of their own knowledge - has a proven ability to teach the Bible; so people are equipped to understand it for themselves and called to a life of love and obedience - can build rapport with a wide range of people, being approachable and wise in how they relate - has experience of leading others in a local church, so people grow in love, character and skills - can work independently, as part of a team - is willing to live near to the Ponderosa Park area, or in a similar culturally diverse area of the city

Other

You can find more information about the role by visiting our website: www.unionchurchsheffield.org where you'll find a link towards the bottom of the homepage. As a first step, we invite you to email us at apply@unionchurchsheffield.org so we can answer your questions, and arrange an initial phone call. We can then explain the 'next steps' for applying, if you want to proceed with an application.