The Valley Forge Presbyterian Church

Interim Pastor Job Description

 

Established in the mid 1950's as a new church development in the then rural, but growing community of King of Prussia, PA, Valley Forge Presbyterian Church has a history of multi-racial and multi-cultural acceptance and diversity, mission-oriented outreach and a focus on the worship experience with high expectations for preaching and musical offerings.  We are seeking an Interim Pastor who can:  minister to us in both our joys and in life's sorrows; lead us in this time of challenge and opportunity as we look at ourselves and our future; celebrate with us what God has already done at Valley Forge; and help us discern God's calling for the next chapter in our church's faith journey. 

 

Duties of the Interim Pastor shall be:

 

A.                 Administrative

a.       Moderate Session and congregational meetings

b.      Head staff which includes Minister of Music, Director of Children's Ministry & Director of VFPC Nursery School, Administrative Assistant, Sunday Nursery School Staff, and Sexton

c.       Hold regular staff meetings

d.      Advise boards and committees

e.       Complete exit interview with the Committee of Ministry

 

B.                 Pastoral

a.       Visit members with emergencies and in hospital

b.      Preach and lead worship services

c.       Continue membership visitation

d.      Call on new members

e.       Perform weddings and funerals

 

C.                  Ministerial

a.       Lead worship, officiate at sacraments

b.      Assist in interpretation of vacancy process and address the Five Developmental Tasks of the interim period

 

D.                 Advisory

a.       Be accountable to the Committee on Ministry

b.      Assist those involved in the mission study process

c.       Support Pastor Nominating Committee, if specifically requested

 

E.                  Relationships

a.       Interim Pastor shall be:

                                                               i.      a continuing member of the Presbytery of Philadelphia or,

                                                             ii.      a minister granted permission to labor within the bounds of this presbytery

                                                           iii.      responsible to the Presbytery of Philadelphia through the Committee on Ministry, reporting to the Regional Team in writing at least quarterly.  Additionally, s/he will participate actively in the monthly Interim Pastor Collegium of the presbytery.

                                                           iv.      understanding that the position is interim in nature and that the Book of Order prohibits the interim pastor from becoming a candidate for the pastoral position at the church being served

 

F.                  Goals and Special Emphasis

a.       Provide for continuing meaningful worship experiences

b.      Assist in maintaining a healthy congregational life

c.       Assist in training and resourcing church leaders

d.      Assist congregation for preparing for the arrival of the new pastor

e.       Maintain existing ministry outreach

f.        Support and guide Session in pursuing current plans for church programs for all ages

g.       Assist Session in formulating new directions, including contemporary worship

h.      Identify problems and opportunities, that the congregation may be overlooking, from an independent perspective 

Contact Information:   gina.james@comcast.net