Lead pastor SEARCH

First Christian Reformed Church (FCRC) in Hanford, CA is actively searching for a Lead Pastor to guide their congregation. Located in the Central California community of Hanford, which has an approximate population of 58,470 as of 2022 and offers a dynamic blend of rural and city living, FCRC is a Christian Reformed Church (CRC) holding to a conservative/Reformed theology. The church’s mission is to glorify God by making “More and Better Disciples” cultivated by living the life of a Jesus follower, and its vision is to see everyone intentionally building caring relationships with one another and with the unchurched and unbelieving for the sake of the Kingdom of God.

FCRC is described as being blessed with financial means and stability, characterized by generosity, hospitality, and a regular stream of visitors. It is a multi-generational congregation, often with four generations worshipping together, dedicated to deepening faith through strong doctrine and Biblically-based teaching. The church places high value on community and strengthening discipleship through its Life Groupsand has a strong relationship with the nearby Hanford Christian School.

After a season of transition initiated by the retirement of the previous Lead Pastor in 2022 and guided by a Specialized Transitional Minister, FCRC is seeking a unifying, visionary leader who is a gifted communicator, strong leader, and good shepherd. This role offers the opportunity to build upon the healing and unity fostered by the interim pastor and lead the church forward in pursuing its hopes for growth in all age ranges, increased community outreach and impact, and deeper love and grace within the congregation.

The Lead Pastor will guide the congregation towards the fulfillment of FCRC’s mission: to glorify God by making “More and Better Disciples” cultivated by living the life of a Jesus follower. The vision is to see everyone intentionally building caring relationships with one another, and with the unchurched and unbelieving, for the sake of the Kingdom of God.

• Preaching: Responsible for the bulk of the preaching (60-75%). Sermons should be gifted and engaging, able to craft and deliver biblical and relevant sermons that effectively speak to both new and maturing Christians. Preaching is expected to be doctrinally sound and effective.
• Corporate Worship: Responsible for overseeing and helping create engaging worship services, in collaboration with the Pastor of Worship & Liturgy.
• Leadership: Guide and empower the Staff and work together with the Governing Council in a way that unifies the staff and congregation around a preferred vision of the future. Provide guidance and direction to staff. Be a unifying and visionary leader.
• Pastoral Care: Assume timely pastoral care for those seeking baptism, profession of faith, marriage, healing, encouragement, and spiritual direction. This responsibility is shared with the Pastor of Discipleship, and Ministering Elders. Be a good shepherd with the ability to connect with and care for the congregation. Be available for personal care needs.
• Managerial/Administrative: Act as the day-to-day operational manager for FCRC Hanford as established in the Guiding Principles. This includes supervising all staff with accountability to the Governing Council/Ministering Elders.
• Public Presence: Represent the congregation in the community and denomination.

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Lead Pastor:

• Love for the Lord and Call to Ministry: Able to give testimony to his love for the Lord and call to pastoral ministry. Enjoy a deepening and dynamic relationship with the Lord.
• Theological Depth: Have a deep passion to understand and teach the truths of God’s word from a Reformed perspective. Be dedicated to deepening faith through strong doctrine and Biblically-based teaching. Adhere to a conservative/Reformed theology. Be able to sustain examination at the Classis level, demonstrating an understanding of Reformed theology and CRC nuances.
• Relationship
  
  Skills:
  
  Genuinel…