St. Louis Mennonite Fellowship (SLMF)
We are an Anabaptist faith community in St. Louis. Guided by the ministry of Jesus Christ, we seek to live out God's vision of love, peace, and social justice. Through the discernment of scripture and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we strive to be a sign of God's presence in the world and grow stronger together in faith and compassion. We are an open and affirming congregation and welcome the LBGTQIA+ community in membership, marriage, and ministry.
Everyone is invited to join us in worship. We welcome visitors, members, and leaders regardless of age, race, gender, class, or sexual orientation.
Download the Job DescriptionPosition Description
Job Title: Pastor
Reports to: Church Governing Board
Position Status: .5 FTE - .75 FTE
Purpose:
The pastor will oversee the life and direction of the church. The Pastor is charged with leading the whole congregation with the Governing Board and providing visionary leadership for and oversight of all ministry through congregational commissions [Outreach, Worship, Discipling, Fellowship Life, and Administration]. The five commissions, while separate, are viewed as one integrated ministry structure. The Pastor is expected to lead the congregation in achieving vision goals as well as equipping and empowering all persons in the congregation for ministry. A strong relationship with the Mennonite Church is also valued and encouraged.
The pastor will be committed to Anabaptist values and social justice. As an urban congregation, we seek a pastor who can engage with a diverse community of people, ages, socio-economic backgrounds and cultural backgrounds.
Key Responsibilities and Duties:
- Provides leadership for at least one commission, as assigned by Governing Board.
- Provides effective ministry within that area in a way that equips congregants for ministry.
- Provides pastoral care, preaching, and teaching (load determined by gifting and availability).
- Keeps entire congregation focused on vision.
- Empowers teamwork for healthy congregational life and avoids micromanaging.
Qualities, Gifts, and Characteristics:
In addition to 1 Timothy 3:1-13 & Titus 1:5-9:
- Humble.
- Committed to social justice.
- Anabaptist commitment.
- Experience with or interest in urban environment.
- Ability to engage with all types of people, ages, and cultural backgrounds.
- Approachable.
- Good communicator.
- Capable of engaging and thought-provoking preaching.
- Ability to connect scripture and theology with contemporary challenges.
- Skilled in pastoral care.
- Commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
- Servant leader.
- Seeks the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
- Operates with the values of authenticity, integrity, and humility.
- Can see the big picture and what is best for the entire congregation.
- Is spiritually discerning.
- Is excited about achieving the congregation's vision.
- Has leadership qualities.
- Is called to pastoral ministry.
- Has a philosophy of ministry with priority for equipping and empowering all persons in the congregation for ministry.
- Has a special gifting for ministry in at least one of the following arenas: outreach, worship, discipling, fellowship life (pastoral care), or administration.
- Seminary degree preferred.
Priorities of Pastoral Time:
Leadership/Administration: Pastor facilitates the development and implementation of vision, mission, and goals for the congregation and accepts appropriate administrative and supervisory responsibilities in a climate of shared leadership with members.
Ministry in Community: PPastor is actively engaged in identifying the missional context of the local community and working with both church and community groups. Encourages members to become informed and involved. Works with local ecumenical and interfaith efforts.
Congregational Care: Pastor initiates pastoral care for those within and outside the church, and makes appropriate referrals.
Peace and Justice: Pastor emphasizes the application of the Christian gospel to issues of the contemporary world, planning with the congregation for appropriate strategies to join God's action and witness in the world.
Preaching: Pastor places high priority on sermon preparation, content, style and delivery that invites people to a growing maturity in faith, discipleship, and mission. Pastor seeks feedback from the congregation.