Pastor

Pastor’s Job Description: Seeking a Minister Among Ministers
As Quakers, we minister to one another. We are seeking an individual to serve with us in paid ministry, to work side by side with us, as a companion shepherd among us. We offer a modest salary and expenses, plus living accommodations in our parsonage. We are located in a rural setting, with many cultural and recreational resources nearby.
We recognize that ministry requires balancing and prioritizing many things, and often discerning what is the best level of engagement given limited resources. At the same time, we know that for those who choose the ministry as a path, this becomes their life’s work. With this knowledge, we have developed a job description that we hope will serve as a guide to what we feel to be our over-arching needs and desires, while recognizing that any particular minister will bring his or her particular gifts and areas of interest.
1. Presence in the Community: Be a visible presence within the meeting community, a minister among ministers, establishing a spiritual connection with the meeting as a whole, and staying attuned to the inner life of the meeting. Nurture and support members and attenders, to develop their gifts and voices. Be a source of moderation and elder wisdom in difficult situations.
Provide opportunities for spiritual growth and transformation through prayer, education, and awareness of current issues. This can be done through small groups, involvement with local inter-church activities, and local coalitions working with concerns of peace, justice and poverty. Support and enable the leadings of others in the meeting, bringing a witness of our testimonies to the greater community.
2. Pastoral Care: Establish relationships with meeting members and attenders. Nurture both members and attenders, with a special emphasis on those who are new to the meeting or who have returned after a long hiatus. Visit regularly, sharing this task as appropriate.
Provide pastoral care for those who are ill or in difficulty. Be a “minister in the midst.” Share this task with others as appropriate.
3. Weekly Messages: Bring a message 2-3 times a month in meeting for worship. This includes time for regular study, spiritual practice, and message preparation.
4. Committee and Other Work: Stay involved with committees and the work they do, engaging as a “servant leader.” Attend Ministry and Counsel, Monthly Meeting for Business, and committees of interest. Keep in touch with committee clerks to assist in the planning and shaping of the life of the meeting. Encourage, guide and assist others in the meeting with their various responsibilities and tasks.
Be involved in special meeting activities, dinners, educational events, yard sales, etc. Attend yearly meeting, quarterly meeting and engage in other opportunities for involvement with the wider movement of Friends.
5. Other: Meet with support committee regularly. Officiate at weddings and memorials. Take time for courses, retreats, and other opportunities for professional and spiritual development.
To apply, Contact: Durham Monthly Meeting of Friends, c/o Donna Ross, 460 Stackpole Road, Durham, ME 04222, (207) 310-3870, dross0556@yahoo.com