First Presbyterian Church, Laurens, SC: Head of​/Senior Pastor

First Presbyterian Church, Laurens, SC:
Head of Staff/Senior Pastor

Our church is a Christ-centered, Presbyterian Church committed to growing in faith, serving our community, and reaching the next generation. We are an open, welcoming congregation that reflects the love Christ showed for all people. Our mission is to shine Christ’s light in the world and positively impact our congregation and our community.

We have a great tradition dating back to 1832 and are well-positioned for the future. We are strong financially (in our endowment and in our annual giving). We are situated in a small town directly in the path of growth of Greenville and 8 miles from Presbyterian College. We have a positive, engaged congregation that is not distracted by the issues that has caused riffs among many Protestant churches.

We have a beautiful, historic sanctuary.

Notwithstanding that, we have challenges. Our congregation is aging, and we are struggling to ensure that our youth and young adult programs have critical mass. But we are different – our vision is to buck the trend of decline among smaller Presbyterian churches. We recognize our strengths and weaknesses. Importantly, prior to this PNC search process, we embarked on a disciplined, comprehensive strategic plan to ensure our continued viability.

Our goal in 2026 is to find a senior pastor to lead this congregation, as well an associate pastor for youth and young families – who together will lead the build-out of this ambitious plan. We have the skills, faith and financial resources to be successful.

Tasks, expectations, duties, supervision, assignments, and responsibilities for the position:

• Worship. Plan and lead worship services; preach inspiring, concise, theologically-sound sermons.
• Teaching. Develop / periodically lead adult education, mentor teachers / leaders of youth programs.
• Pastoral Care. Offer compassionate pastoral care to members in need; officiate at weddings, funerals; equip elders, staff and other members to share in visitation and care ministries.
• Head of Staff:
  Supervise an associate pastor (to be called), music director, and administrative staff; oversee communications among staff, Session, and the congregation; oversee stewardship and budget matters.
• Missions. Encourage congregational involvement in mission initiatives; represent FPC in community activities and ecumenical partnerships.
• Leadership Development. Foster a culture of discipleship and spiritual growth among members so they may serve inside and outside our church walls.
• Strategic Planning. Lead our ongoing, robust strategic planning effort. These ongoing efforts will involve leaning in heavily to grow our youth and young adult programs, which may include establishing a pre-K school and/or the construction of family life facilities. It will involve examining and changing (modestly perhaps) our worship services, public communications, music and interactions among members. You will not be doing this alone – our congregation is committed, and we intend to hire an Associate Pastor.
  
  The ideal candidate must be excited and committed to our strategic process.