Pastor​/Head

Introduction

West Isle Presbyterian Church (WIPC) is seeking a full-time Pastor to lead us in our mission, “Seeking grace from God, sharing grace together, and showing grace to all.” WIPC is located near the middle of Galveston Island with a population of 50,000 and home of a major medical center (University of Texas Medical Branch).
The congregation consists of a core membership of approximately 50 Covenant Partners and a changing population of visitors/vacationers. WIPC has one service per week, Sunday at 10:30 AM. Our average attendance is approximately 40 people, but it may vary from 30 to 85 on any given Sunday. The church is governed by a Session that consists of 7 Elders.

The WIPC congregation is a compassionate and dedicated group of servants, attentive to the study of God’s Word. The leadership is provided by a rotating Session of seven, chosen from those Covenant Partners that regularly participate in church services. The Session directs the work and the decisions of the church through separate Teams:
Worship, Ministry, Discipleship, Outreach, Fellowship, Buildings/Grounds, and Strategic Planning. In times of special need WIPC has leaders that will take charge and accept responsibility.
WIPC provides financial and volunteer support to selected missionary groups and community services, such as the Pregnancy Help Center, the Salvation Army, Psalm 91 and Shine USA. In addition, WIPC has been blessed to be able to provide funds and assistance to several local, regional and international groups each year.
WIPC was formed over 50 years ago to provide a place of worship for residents and visitors on the West End of the Island and continues to actively serve that purpose. In 2013, the congregation completed the process of transition from PCUSA to the Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians (ECO). ECO is a Reformed, Evangelical and Egalitarian community of like‑minded churches, pastors, elders and deacons.

You are invited to learn more about ECO by visiting (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

• Must be an ordained Reformed pastor, either already in ECO or able to be received into ECO.
• A minimum of master’s level (or equivalent) formal theological education.
• Have a shepherd’s heart for God’s people and those who do not know Christ.
• Cultivate and recognize spiritual gifts of the Covenant Partners within the congregation.
• Willing to be involved in the everyday lives of the church congregation and the surrounding community.
• Is a positive and clear communicator;
  Is personally engaging.
• Acknowledges and believes the Holy Spirit is alive and active in the church and people’s lives.
• Preaches the Bible as it is written, not through the cultural changes of this world.
• Is an experienced person of prayer, growing and maturing in their faith through regular, active prayer, Bible Study, and devotion time. Pursues self‑education.
• Exhibits Christ‑like character: a humble and servant heart; compassionate; a person of integrity; transparent and accountable.
• Possesses basic supervisory skills and proficiency with computer office products (e.g. Planning Center, MS PowerPoint).
  
  Note:
  
  WIPC does not provide dedicated administrative, or an “on site” staff. We utilize contract and/or ad hoc services for our music director and audio‑visual system support. The candidate would be comfortable and successful in managing these resources to provide meaningful worship and fellowship experiences of our congregation.

• Prepare for and present sermons each Sunday.
• Work with Worship Team to select appropriate music and scripture readings for each worship service that correlates with each week’s sermon.
• Administer the sacraments of Communion and Baptism.
• Supervise Special Services (e.g. Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter, Christmas Eve).
• Make pastoral visits to sick, homebound, and prospective members.
• Officiate at weddings and funerals/celebrations of life.
• Perform pastoral counseling as needed (i.e. Premarital, Christian living, grief).
• Moderate Session and Congregational meetings.
• Lead the process and classes for people seeking to become covenant partners.
• Serve as a resource for various ministries, programs, and activities in the church.
• Encourage and support members of the congregation to step into and minister in roles where their gifts can be used to serve the church and/or the community.
• Commit to good stewardship of the church and financial resources.
• WIPC requires that the Pastor lives on Galveston Island.

WIPC will offer a competitive Salary and Benefits package commensurate with education level and experience.