These documents are a work in progress.  None of the tasks or ideas are required, but are negotiable to build on the skills and interests of the incumbent.

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Position Description:

The First Congregational Church of Verona‘s Outreach Pastor will develop a ministry for Millennials and other younger adults in the West Essex area. The position is accountable to the Outreach Ministry Steering Committee, consisting of three church members.

Primary Objectives:

• Be in ministry to individuals who have not seen established churches as a spiritual resource and a place to provide meaning and community in their lives.

• Create a group of younger adults who will affiliate with the congregation or form a new congregation.

Major Areas of Responsibility:

• Developing a social media outreach

• Developing worship experiences geared toward younger adults

• Creating faith exploration opportunities for younger adults and their families

• Creating opportunities for younger adults to participate in social justice and service activities

 

Specific Responsibilities of the Job:

 

Developing a social media outreach

• Build and maintain a website that attracts younger adults and others who have spiritual questions that are not being addressed by less progressive churches.

• Utilize other social media vehicles, including Facebook, Twitter, etc. to publicize activities and gather interest for the programs.

• Use Google ads or similar vehicles to target younger adults in West Essex area.

 

Developing worship experiences geared toward younger adults

• Create and lead worship experiences or other ways to explore one's spirituality at alternative times and places, including evenings, informal settings, and on-line gatherings.

• Create and lead worship experiences in alternative formats such as Dinner Church.

 

Creating faith exploration opportunities for younger adults and their families

• Develop on-line forums that encourage discussion of spiritual questions, using social media such as Facebook or blogs.

• Provide opportunities for small-group faith discussions or Bible study both on-line and in informal setting such as coffee shops.

• Develop and publicize opportunities for children to grow in their faith.

 

Creating opportunities for younger adults to participate in social justice and service activities

• Hold Zoom or other discussion groups on topics of interest to this demographic, such as ways to build a better society post-COVID-19, environmental and global warming concerns, racism and police-community relations.

• Develop service opportunities, building on the interests of participants, Examples could include Get Out the Vote efforts, activities to address global warming and other environmental issues, activities to combat racism.

 

Education/Experience: Ordained Minister in the United Church of Christ or other progressive denomination, seminary student, or recent graduate pursuing ordination. Experience working with younger adults, developing new worship styles and experiences, or gathering new worshiping communities.

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Desired Skills and Abilities: Excellent social media skills, creativity, the ability to relate well to younger adults and understand their wants and needs, comfort with sharing faith in an informal, non-confrontational way, ability to work independently and design and develop something new, rather than execute existing programs. Availability on Sunday mornings is not a requirement.

 

Compensation: This is a half-time position paid according to Conference Guidelines, with negotiable benefits.

 

Contact Info: Marjorie Royle, President, First Congregational Church of Verona, marjorieroyle@gmail.com, 908-750-4727.