Part-Time Director of Children's Ministries at First Church (Grand Rapids, MI)

ABOUT FIRST CHURCH

Thank you for your interest in First Church of Grand Rapids! As you consider joining us in ministry, we want to share a bit about our church. 

We have a clear and simple mission: Listening to God, Responding with Love. This mission continually draws us into a posture of listening and discerning what the Holy Spirit is saying and where God is leading. It puts us in a place of humility as disciples. And then it calls us to action. We want to respond faithfully to God’s leading, but always in ways that exhibit the love of Jesus.

As we embody this mission, we are trying to move toward a clear vision: Boldly loving God and others, we are a church pursuing the Gospel’s call for mercy, justice, beauty, and peace in the holy mess of life. Shaped and equipped by the Holy Spirit, we eagerly invite everyone to join us in following Jesus on this redemptive journey.

If you came to First Church, you would experience the congregation trying to live into this vision in a variety of ways. We strive to embody God’s love in how we welcome all people, engage our neighbors and neighborhood, care for those with hurts and needs, and support one another in the challenges and joys of life. We don’t try to present perfect, polished lives, but we wade into the complexities of life and relationships, seeking God’s restoration in all things. We work for justice and shalom in our city and world, through individual actions and working to change systems and structures. We worship with a desire to encounter the living God and be transformed by the Holy Spirit. Worship includes thoughtful liturgy and articulate prayers right alongside vulnerable sharing of prayer requests and unscripted engagement with children. Faith formation groups for children and adults challenge all of us to walk faithfully with Jesus. If you came to First Church, you would find yourself in  a place where real people are trying to listen to God and respond with love.

Beyond our mission and vision, much could be said about First Church:

• We are multigenerational: about 400 members, 100 of which are ages 0-18.
• We are historical: established in 1857.
• We are Reformed: originally CRC and now exploring affiliating with the RCA. 
• We are lay led: ministry is done by the people and ministry teams of the church.
• We are inclusive: members have affirming and traditional views of human sexuality, but all people can fully participate in all levels of church leadership.
• We are geographically rooted: our neighbors are important to us and shape our ministry.

We know that these few things do not articulate all you may want to know, but we hope this begins to give you a picture of First Church. As you discern applying for a ministry position at First Church, feel free to reach out to Pastor Adam to learn more ([email protected]) or check out the “About” section on our website (firstchurchgr.org). And if you are excited about how God could use you at First Church, apply by simply emailing your cover letter and resume to Pastor Adam.