Pastor - Bethesda Methodist Church (Bethesda, OH)

Bethesda Methodist Church (Bethesda, OH) – Pastor

The Big Picture

Bethesda Methodist Church (Facebook page) is an independent Methodist church, following disaffiliation from the UMC in 2023, seeking a full-time Pastor who shares their vision for church growth and community outreach through solid biblical preaching, individual discipleship, revitalization strategies, and evangelism in the Bethesda community and surrounding communities. With the pending retirement of their current pastor, who has faithfully served part-time for 16 years, they are asking God to give them a pastor who loves Jesus, values people, faithfully teaches God’s holy Word, and has the desire and drive to lead the church toward greater spiritual health, discipleship, and community outreach beyond the church walls. The church’s commitment to various local and worldwide missions must continue and be actively supported by the Pastor.

Sunday morning service averages 60–70 attendees and currently follows a traditional outline with pipe organ hymn singing, prayers, a children’s sermon, guest Christian singers during the summer months, and choir the remainder of the year. Sermons are relevant, practical, and biblically centered, with an opportunity to come to the altar for prayer and salvation during the last hymn. The church is willing to discuss adjusting the service outline.

Job Profile

Full time

Develop and deliver weekly sermons, facilitate meaningful worship experiences, and conduct the weekly children’s sermon

Actively build relationships with church members to disciple, biblically equip, support, and encourage them in their faith

Serve and minister to individuals during times of crisis, offering spiritual and emotional support, and provide counseling to church members as needed

Stay informed about the church’s mission efforts and provide advice and encouragement

Be an active member of the church board and provide a monthly Pastor’s report

Conduct baptisms, baby dedications, weddings, and funerals

Visit shut-ins on a regular basis, manage calls to the church office, work with the secretary on the weekly bulletins, and make church announcements via the phone “All Call” service

Be an active developer of community outreach and member training to help bring people in the community to Christ – including formation of Bible study programs (additional service and/or online), creation of youth programs in the church and community, and expansion of the church’s online service efforts

Qualifications

Demonstrate a clear love for Jesus Christ with true biblical values, reflected in both personal life and ministry work

Exemplify the biblical qualifications outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-10, Titus 1:5-16, and 1 Peter 5:1-2

Preferably an ordained minister, with extra consideration for additional training/schooling

Pastoral experience is preferred, but recent seminary graduates or those with limited experience who exhibit good pastoral qualities will not be overlooked

Skills and ability to connect well with children, youth, and young families

Demonstrated ability to articulate biblical theology in a clear, understandable, and applicable manner

A faithful servant leader with strong leadership abilities, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and a collaborative team mindset

Compensation & Benefits

Salary $65,000

Parsonage with garage, located adjacent to the church, plus a paid utilities stipend

Health insurance stipend

4 weeks’ vacation

1 week continuing education plus a $1,500/yr stipend

Church-related mileage reimbursement

About the Area

Bethesda is a rural community of approximately 1,200 in the rolling scenic hills of eastern Ohio – about 10 minutes south of Interstate 70, 30 minutes from the Wheeling, WV area, and 90 minutes from Pittsburgh, PA.

The Process

Please look over this job description and the church’s Facebook page. Along with your resume please answer these questions:

Why do you believe that you might be a good fit as the Pastor at Bethesda Methodist Church?

Describe your experiences in ministry and how you may be qualified to serve as the Pastor of Bethesda Methodist Church?

In just a few sentences please give a summary of your theology and how that is in line with the doctrine of Bethesda Methodist Church?

Please send your resume, the answers to these questions and a link to at least one online sermon to [email protected]