Pastor

We are seeking a pastor who senses God's call to shepherd a congregation that treasures its history while embracing the opportunities of the future. We believe the right person will see tremendous potential—not simply in our beautiful building, but in the people God has assembled here.

Dear Prospective Pastor,

Thank you for taking the time to learn about First Congregational Church.

For nearly two centuries, God has faithfully used this church to proclaim the Gospel in Toledo. As we prayerfully seek our next pastor, we are looking for more than someone to fill a position—we are seeking a spiritual leader who shares our passion for Christ, His Word, and His Church.

We believe God has exciting days ahead for First Church, and we invite you to prayerfully consider whether He may be calling you to join us.

Founded in 1833, First Congregational Church is the oldest Protestant congregation established within the original boundaries of Toledo.

Our historic sanctuary, completed in 1916, is home to breathtaking Tiffany-stained glass windows and has stood as a beacon of faith in Toledo's historic Old West End for generations.

While we treasure our history, we are not content simply preserving the past.

We believe our greatest ministry is still ahead.

To glorify God by:

• Proclaiming Jesus Christ
• Loving our community
• Serving others
• Passing our faith to future generations

Highlight:

• Historic architecture
• Beautiful worship space
• Tiffany-stained glass
• Vintage Skinner Organ
• Traditional yet welcoming worship
• Blended worship of praise music along with traditional hymns
• Livestream capabilities
• Active missions
• Food pantry ministry
• Women's Fellowship
• Community outreach

Someone whose personal relationship with Christ overflows into every aspect of ministry.

A pastor who faithfully teaches God's Word in a way that is both biblically sound and practically relevant.

Someone who genuinely loves people and invests deeply in pastoral care.

We desire someone who can help lead our church into a new season of growth while respecting our heritage.

Someone who sees the church as more than Sunday morning and desires to engage the surrounding community.

We recognize that effective ministry today extends beyond the walls of the church.

We're looking for a pastor who embraces technology to:

• Expand outreach
• Improve communication
• Grow online ministry
• Connect with younger generations

Someone who equips others rather than doing ministry alone.

As Ephesians 4 teaches, we believe pastors are called to equip the saints for the work of ministry.

• Lead the congregation spiritually
• Administer Communion
• Conduct baptisms
• Lead prayer
• Biblical teaching

• Counseling
• Weddings
• Funerals

• Work alongside Deacons
• Support Ministry Leaders

• Build partnerships
• Represent First Church in the community
• Local missions
• Staff leadership
• Vision planning
• Strategic growth
• Communication
• Church operations

Ideal candidates will possess:

• Ordination (Congregational or equivalent)
• Strong biblical teaching ability
• Demonstrated pastoral leadership
• Heart for discipleship
• Experience leading change with wisdom
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Organizational leadership
• Passion for church growth
• Ability to minister across multiple generations

We desire a pastor who will help us:

• Grow spiritually
• Grow numerically
• Honor our traditions
• Expand community ministry
• Develop new leaders
• Preserve our historic campus
• Utilize technology effectively
• Build a thriving future while honoring our rich past

(Specific compensation will be shared with qualified candidates.)

We are prayerfully seeking God's direction throughout this search.

We covet your prayers as we seek the individual God has already prepared to lead First Congregational Church into its next chapter of faithful ministry.

"Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain." - Psalm 127:1