Interim Pastor - Bratislava International Church

Position Overview

Bratislava International Church (BIC) is a vibrant, diverse, ecumenical congregation rooted in the Lutheran tradition, serving an international and expatriate community in the capital of Slovakia. The interim, part-time pastor (approximately 20 hours per week) serves as spiritual leader, worship planner, preacher, and pastoral presence for the congregation. This role focuses on sustaining the life of the congregation during a period of transition, while providing administrative oversight in collaboration with local leadership.

The pastor also builds relationships with local Lutheran partners, offers pastoral support to ELCA personnel in the region, and coordinates intentionally with the Europe Desk during the interim period.

Part Time, One year

October 1, 2026

Long-term

Bratislava is a city of approximately 600,000 people and serves as the capital of Slovakia. The church is centrally located and has an average worship attendance of 50 to 70 people weekly. BIC is an English-speaking, ecumenical Lutheran congregation of approximately 80 participants. The congregation is composed primarily of foreign nationals from a wide range of countries, cultures, and Christian traditions, along with some Slovak participants, creating a diverse and globally connected worshiping community.

• Applications Open:
  July 2026
• Interviews (online):
  August 2026
• Onboarding Process:
  August 2026 - September 2026 (Process begins once ELCA contract is signed)
• ELCA Orientation (virtually):
  October 2026
• Deploy to Slovakia:
  Late October 2026

• Serve as interim pastor of Bratislava International Church and provide pastoral care to members.
• Plan, prepare, and lead weekly worship.
• Lead special services (e.g., holidays) and occasional congregational activities such as Bible study.
• Support the congregation during the interim period by maintaining stability, strengthening lay leadership, and helping prepare for future pastoral leadership including congregational assessment and self-study, with special attention to congregational trends.
• Offer pastoral care to ELCA Central Europe Teachers (CET) volunteers, as needed.
• Provide oversight of essential administrative and organizational functions in collaboration with congregational leadership (including finances, facilities, and required reporting).
• Build and sustain working relationships with the Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Slovakia (ECAV), including the General Bishop’s Office and local congregations, and collaborate in ministry with the neighboring Staré Mesto congregation.
• Interpret the mission and ministry of BIC and its companions to the ELCA through periodic communication (e.g., newsletters, blogs, donor engagement).

• M.Div., required.
• On the ELCA Roster of Ministers of Word and Sacrament, required.
• Cross-cultural sensitivity and personal resiliency.
• Experience and/or training with pastoral interim ministry preferred.
• Group leadership skills, including mentoring young adults in spiritual life.
• Strong writing and communication skills.
• Strong organizational and personnel management skills; experience with financial management and project planning.
• Ability to work collaboratively with ELCA staff, local church leadership and nongovernmental organizations.
• Computer skills, including MS Word, PowerPoint and e-mail.
• English language, required. Willingness to learn Slovak or German helpful.
• Christian faith and a commitment to the mission of the church.
• Openness to various expressions of Christian faith and respect for people of other faiths.
• Respect for beliefs, values and customs of church and culture where assigned.
• Well developed interpersonal skills demonstrating understanding and compassion.
• Demonstrate ability to carry out the responsibilities and to adapt to different standards and practices.
• Ability to work within the framework of a local administration.
• Adaptable and flexible - sense of humor - good physical and emotional health.
• Live and serve in a way which reflects the vision and expectations of the ELCA.

• Long-term Terms and Conditions.
• This…