Transitional Pastor

Transitional Pastor

Oakland City Church — Reformed Church in America — Oakland, California

Status
:
Part‑time, 26‑29 hours/week

Term
: 6–12 months, with a mutual review at six months

Compensation
: $62,000–$72,000 annually plus insurance and allowances — see “What we offer”

Accountability
:
Serves with and reports to the OCC Consistory, under the care of the City Classis

Note
:
In keeping with transitional‑ministry best practice, the Transitional Pastor will not be a candidate for our settled position.

Our mission statement has always been:

“People who don’t belong together, gathered around Jesus, for the sake of those who don’t belong.”

We are a small Oakland church—about 20 households on a typical Sunday—whose greatest strength is in our community, both close knit and open to all. The kind of congregation that is difficult to quiet down while “passing the peace” during a Sunday service and stays long after the final benediction. We are people of different races, ages, incomes, orientations, and politics who might not naturally belong together, held together by Jesus and rooted in the Word.

A community that genuinely enjoys and values differences of belief and opinion, living at the intersection of inclusivity and spiritual rigor. People who want to see the transformational power of the Gospel concretely shared and practiced around dinner tables, in personal times of need, and in the streets of their city.

• Most of our congregation is in their 30s-50s, and many of our families have young children.
• LGBTQ+ members have served as elders. We are openly welcoming and affirming and welcome candidates of any gender and orientation.
• We continue to have new people come through our doors and be drawn in, often those who feel they don’t quite fit in other congregations.
• Our congregants come from a variety of religious and denominational backgrounds and appreciate the richness that diversity brings.
• We value funding and volunteering for missions within our city and practical outreach to unhoused and at‑risk neighbours.
• We are led by a five‑person consistory (2 elders, 3 deacons) and supported by four part‑time staff: an administrator, a facilities coordinator, a children’s ministries coordinator, and a worship director.

We are seeking an intentional transitional pastor who can shepherd a congregation at a crossroads, helping us to honestly face and process the challenges of transition, discern the future of our church, and navigate next steps.

Specifically, a major goal for our church is to “right‑size” the stewardship of our resources in order to more effectively and sustainably serve our congregation and community. This work would include helping us to: develop sustainable rhythms for volunteers and staff; manage a responsible budget; build relationships with like‑minded Oakland churches, including in consideration of church merger options; maintain connections with missions partners;

support family and child enriching programming; and create time and space for spiritual growth and discipleship in our congregation.

• Education and Experience
  • An ordained Minister of Word and Sacrament in the RCA — or in a denomination eligible for approval by the City Classis, including our Formula of Agreement partners (PC(USA), UCC, ELCA) and the CRCNA
  • Training or experience in intentional interim/transitional ministry (Interim Ministry Network or equivalent) strongly preferred, though not required
  • Boundary training current or completed early in the term
• Skills and Attributes
  • Wholehearted ease with who we are: welcoming and affirming, anti‑racist, city‑rooted. We warmly welcome candidates of every gender, race, and sexual orientation
  • Expertise and wisdom to build…