Senior Minister, Plymouth Congregational Church of Minneapolis, MN
Plymouth Congregational Church of Minneapolis, Minnesota is searching for the next senior minister for our large downtown congregation. We are a faith community that is rooted in the Christian tradition, nurtured by the ideals and practices of congregationalism, and enriched by the insights of progressive theology. We are a covenantal church whose members pledge to walk together, supporting one another on our faith journeys. We cherish the arts and music as pathways to the spirit and as integral parts of worship and of our community church life. Plymouth is a member of the Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ and the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches. We seek a senior minister who is an intellectually exciting and challenging preacher—both prophetic and pastoral; one who is committed to a progressive theology, full inclusiveness, and radical hospitality to all; one who will nurture collaborative, supportive relationships with staff and guide the church with active, compassionate care.
Our next senior minister must be energized by the prospect of leading and growing a self-governing congregation with talented and energetic lay participation in an evolving new organizational structure. We seek a person with a collaborative, flexible style, including demonstrated skill in active listening, team-building, and inspiring others to do their best work. This person must be committed to a culture of mutual respect, openness, and love toward all who work, worship, visit, or otherwise interact with our church. Our senior minister must be a person of integrity who is committed to institutional accountability and transparency and to dedicated, responsible stewardship of the church’s resources, consistent with both the mission of the church and its sustained financial stability.
Qualifications required are these:
- A Master of Divinity degree or an equivalent earned degree from an accredited educational institution and professional ordination.
- Five or more years as a principal or associate minister or equivalent professional experience, with demonstrated administrative, fundraising, and team-building skills.
- Demonstrated excellence in preaching inspirational, intellectually challenging sermons, both prophetic and pastoral.
- A commitment to a God-centered ministry, through which the insights of philosophy, history, science, literature, the arts, and contemporary life are integrated with a progressive Christian theology that speaks to today’s challenges.
- A flexibility and openness to change; a confident spirit that encourages differences of opinion and nurtures relationships; a commitment to honoring the history and cherished traditions of our church, while guiding us in ongoing renewal and continuing relevance.
- An ability to relate warmly and genuinely to all constituencies in the church, and a sincere interest in children, youth and families. A commitment to nurture the spiritual development of our members.
- A commitment to continuing Plymouth’s long history of interfaith connectedness and of working for social justice in the wider church, the community, and the world.
- A commitment to a congregational ministry in which the final authority resides with the congregation.
- An ability to work well with staff, to inspire and collaborate, to recognize and nurture the gifts and abilities of others, and to set appropriate expectations. A commitment to building relationships based on trust and personal integrity.
- An awareness of personal abilities as well as limitations and the confidence to delegate appropriately.
General responsibilities are these:
- To preach on most Sundays of the year.
- To provide faithful and loving vision and collaborative leadership for a talented and dedicated staff.
- To nurture the congregation’s spiritual development, communal care of one another, and compassionate inclusiveness toward all.
- To work closely with lay members and staff in the development of program priorities, Christian education and faith formation, worship and music, social service and justice ministries, and outreach to new constituencies.
- To promote responsible stewardship in the financial and institutional development of the church.
For more information about how to apply, go to: http://www.weareplymouth.org/the-job/