Lead Pastor - St. Thomas Church; Bernville, PA

Lead Pastor – St. Thomas Church (Bernville, PA)

Join to apply for the Lead Pastor mas Church (Bernville, PA) role at Lancaster Search.

St. Thomas Church (stthomasbernville.org) is a church from a Reformed background seeking a Lead Pastor who is an effective preacher and speaker, compassionate and caring, and who will care for the spiritual needs of each member of the church.

We are looking for a person who will encourage people to relate their faith to their daily lives and who has a strong commitment and loyalty to their faith. They must be effective in planning and leading worship. Also have a sense of direction for their ministry and will work to build a sense of fellowship among people with whom they work.

We are looking for a humble, servant leader who reflects the wishes/views of the congregation. This person will be working with the Consistory consisting of four elders, eight deacons, four trustees and members from the Sunday School. Our staff consists of a part‑time Office Manager, Director of Music Ministries and Facilities Attendant. In addition, our Women’s Guild is an essential part of our church and the community.

We are located in a beautiful rural setting only 10 miles away from major shopping areas.

• Sundays: morning services, Lenten services in cooperation with community, Holy Week services, Thanksgiving Eve services, Christmas Eve services.
Participate in special programs (e.g., Baccalaureate Service).
• Be available to participate in the Sunday School's special events.

• Teach in the Sunday School program regularly.
• Lead Confirmation Class (using curriculum approved by Consistory).
• Lead membership classes once a year or when necessary.
• Lead weekly Prayer Meetings.
• Teach the Adult Class during Vacation Bible School.
• Equip the church staff and laity for evangelism in the community.
• Lead other Bible studies (e.g., Men's Bible Study, Special Topics).
• Help organize a leadership retreat when needed.
• Have an active role in all youth ministries.

• Familiarize self with the daily function of the church and keep records of births, deaths, baptisms, membership, etc.
• Work closely with Consistory President in church operations and planning meetings; share all pertinent matters of church business with Consistory President prior to meetings.
• Schedule regular meetings with Elders prior to Consistory meetings.
• Inform the church secretary of your schedule.
• Inform Consistory President if you must be out of town for emergencies.
• Report each month to Consistory:
  Home Visits, spiritual counseling, hospital visits, weddings, funerals, baptisms.
• Ensure the pulpit is filled in case of absence; confer with Elders; communicate vacation time early.
• Attend committee meetings when necessary and provide guidance.
• Write an article for The VOICE bi‑monthly newsletter.

• Work with Youth Pastor in organizing youth programs and coordinating participation in worship services.
• Coordinate with Director of Music Ministries for service planning and special services.
• Work with Church Secretary in day‑to‑day operations.
• Report staffing difficulties to Personnel Committee and/or Consistory.

• Regularly visit and offer communion to shut‑in members.
• Regularly visit hospitalized and sick members.
• Regularly visit prospective members.
• Organize and train a lay visitation team.
• Offer to lead worship at an area nursing home at least once a year.

• Baptisms – Infant and believer; perform per conviction of parents; meet parents prior to service.
• Weddings – Lead worship services; approve outside pastors; offer premarital counseling; lead rehearsal; be available for rehearsal dinner/reception.
• Funerals – Plan and lead funeral/memorial services; offer bereavement counseling; provide guidance with funeral homes; say grace at fellowship meal if invited.

• Find ways to be involved in the Berks/Reading pastor groups.
• Find ways of being connected in community gatherings or events.

Compensation:
Total package $60,000 - $65,000.

Please look over this job description and the church website. Along with your resume, please answer these questions:

• Why do you believe that you might be a good fit as the Lead Pastor mas Church?

• Describe your experiences in ministry and how you may be qualified to serve as the Lead Pastor mas Church?

• In just a few sentences, please give a summary of your theology and how that is in line with the beliefs of St. Thomas Church.

• Please send your resume, the answers to these questions and a link to at least one online sermon to