Full-Time Lead Pastor at Drenthe CRC (Zeeland, MI)

The pastor of Drenthe Christian Reformed Church serves Christ by equipping the congregation to fulfill Christ's mission in the community of Drenthe, in accordance with the Form of Ordination, Church Order, Article 11.

This is a full-time position requiring 40 to 50 hours per week, and the pastoral call is continuous until another pastorate is accepted. The pastor is called by the congregation, accountable to council generally and to the elders directly, and works closely alongside elders, deacons, and other ministry leaders. He is encouraged with the approval of the elders to pursue professional and personal development seminars, and continuing education funds are provided by approval of council.

The pastor's responsibilities span four core ministry areas. In the Ministry of Prayer, he prays for the spread of the gospel through his own life and ministry, through the life of Drenthe CRC, and throughout the broader community of Drenthe, while also working with the elders to equip the congregation to do the same. In the Ministry of Word and Sacrament, he preaches and teaches in the Spirit's power, bearing faithful witness to the gospel and kingdom of Jesus Christ, calling people to profess their trust in Christ, and equipping members for good works. He works with the Music Directors, Tech Director, and Looking Up committee to lead weekly worship, partners with the Education Directors and Growing Deep committee to help leaders and members grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord, engages in personal evangelism alongside the Reaching Out committee, administers the sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper with the elders, and works with council to keep all ministries in good order and aligned with the gospel. In the Ministry of Leadership, he vividly and consistently conveys the God-given mission of Drenthe CRC, identifies and equips present and emerging leaders including elders, deacons, and ministry directors, and works with the elders to lead members into gospel service according to the gifts the Spirit has given. In the Ministry of Care, he follows up with visitors to Drenthe CRC's worship services, works with the elders to express Christ-like love and hospitality, provides counsel and discipline as needed, and visits the sick to pray with and for them in accordance with Church Order, Article 12.

The character required of this pastor encompasses belief, practice, and attitude. In belief, he demonstrates knowledge of Scripture, gospel truth, and the Reformed confessions, confidence in the power of the gospel, and dependence on the Holy Spirit to guide and empower his ministry. In practice, he demonstrates accountability for life transformation through consistent Scripture reading, prayer, and confession, as well as the ability to teach privately and publicly and to lead his family. In attitude, he displays the fruit of the Spirit, including love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control, alongside sacrificial love for Christ's sheep, demonstrated hospitality, maturity and security in the faith, respect toward those outside the faith, and courage to contend for gospel truth.

The gifts and competencies sought in the candidate include leadership ability, preaching and teaching ability, faith, discernment, shepherding ability, encouragement, and vision.

In terms of specific duties, the pastor is responsible for preaching both morning and evening Sunday services with up to two Sundays per month off, preaching on recognized church holidays and prayer days, and performing council approved weddings and funerals for members of the congregation. Administratively, he provides reports to the elders and council as requested, submits a monthly activity report to be presented at the elders meeting, represents Drenthe CRC at Zeeland Classis meetings, oversees the work of the music director to ensure worship is conducted in a manner honoring to God, and oversees the work of the Education Directors. In teaching, he is responsible for overseeing the teaching of 11th and 12th grade Catechism, overseeing Adult Sunday School, leading Seniors Bible Study for combined men and women, and working with individuals who desire to make profession of faith.

The shepherding duties of this pastor are detailed and relational. He visits shut-ins quarterly, which may include sharing communion alongside an elder. For members facing surgery, he meets with the family prior to an extended stay procedure and is available to visit at the hospital upon request. If a member remains hospitalized beyond five days following surgery, a visit is made. Outpatient surgeries are followed up with a phone call to ask whether a visit is desired. He makes every effort to visit families who have welcomed a new baby, either in the hospital or within a week of the child's birth at their home. He visits those in extended care or rehabilitation facilities monthly, visits incarcerated members yearly or as often as the elders determine necessary, and meets with any member requiring spiritual support. Regarding funerals and visitation, when a non-member passes who has an immediate family member belonging to Drenthe CRC, the pastor is required to visit the local funeral home. Immediate family is defined as father, mother, brother, sister, or child.