Mission and Values
We are a Bible based, scripture led congregation. Our church is a vital part of our community, providing space for meetings, gatherings, mission endeavors, community fundraising as well as our own fundraising events. Our Vision is “For every person in our community to have a relationship with God.”
Every decision that we make is run through the process of asking, “Does this help us to know God and make Him known?”
Our values are Bible based and led. Our church has always been led by being servants of God. Our congregation always welcomes anyone who comes through our doors. All are welcome to worship, learn, and share the Word of God. Members are focused on serving our church, our community and our world.
History, Context, and Culture
Our church was first established in 1733 as the first church in the Pembroke, NH community. Over our almost 300-year history, we have been a valued meeting place for the community at large and our congregation. Our facility is and has been used by many groups and organizations to hold meetings and functions. For more details about our rich history, please visit our website.
Our worship is in the traditional style; our Hook and Hastings pipe organ adds a vital part of the music worship experience. Worship includes an open prayer request time, choir anthem, hymns and a sermon. Our hymns and sermons are enhanced by the use of a projection screen showing scripture verses and the text of hymns to the congregation.
Our services are based in scripture, with a combination of expository and topical sermons. They are enlightening and instructive in a nurturing and uplifting manner. Inspirational in nature, stimulating the mind while bringing a humanizing effect to growing deeper in our faith and glorifying our Lord.
Fellowship and community are a vital part of our church culture and contribute to our overall spiritual health. Weekly coffee hour following the service, quarterly potluck lunches, Bible studies, prayer group, and various other events offer opportunities to gather together and build our community of faith.
Future Goals
We are growing slowly; recovering from the results of Covid on the world, our community and our church. We are actively focusing on warmly welcoming newcomers, showing who we are and inviting them to stay and be a part of our family.
Our goal would be as our mission leads us, “To Know God and to Make Him Known”. We want to continue to “know God” by growing in our learning about Him through His Word so our faith continues to grow. We want to find new and more efficient ways to reach out to our community, and beyond, making Him known to others. Increasing our presence in the community around us is a necessary step as we prioritize welcoming and showing Jesus’ message of love to all.
Pastoral Role
Responsibilities:
- Preaching on Sunday in morning worship (preparing a sermon and connecting it with other aspects of the service like the music, prayers, litanies etc.).
- Administering the sacraments (baptism and communion).
- Promoting the spiritual well-being of the church and its members.
- Attending monthly Leadership Team Meetings. The pastor is an active member of the Leadership Team. He will work together with this team to plan worship and small groups.
- Collaborating closely with the Leadership Team to assist the clergy and laity in evaluating their current sense of calling. The objective is to identify and strengthen the ministry's existing strengths, as well as address any weaknesses.
- Providing pastoral care to members and/or community members.
Ideal Candidate Profile
Romans 12:1-2 & 11-12, 1 Corinthians 2:13, 2 Timothy 3:16, Isaiah 40:11
The ideal pastor of our church would be a man of God who is: spiritually led, honest and trustworthy, prayerful and wise, faithful and steadfast and called by God to our church. He would be a willing member of our Leadership Team, intentional and focused. He would be a pastor who cares about his flock, teaching and preaching the Word of God with a warm and friendly countenance who can successfully assimilate into the church culture.
The ideal pastor would demonstrate the ability to model Christ-like love and behavior while protecting the flock from spiritual dangers. He would lean into his responsibility of equipping them for good works, and overseeing the church in a manner that honors God.
Characteristics and Gifts:
Servant of Christ: Mark 10: 42-45, 1 Timothy 3:4-5
Shepherd: 1 Peter 5:2, Acts 6:4
Teacher of Sound Doctrine: 2 Timothy 4:2, Titus 1:9
Unifying Presence: Ephesians 4:3
Spiritual Leader: Ephesians 4:12
Qualifications:
- Have at least a bachelor’s degree in Biblical/Theological/ Ministerial degree/training from an accredited College or University
- Be growth oriented and have pastoral care capability.
- Demonstrate ability to work effectively with a congregation across all ages and genders.
- Possess effective communication skills (written and oral).
- Demonstrate ability to work as a team to effectively & collaboratively organize and advise/lead a Leadership
- Team in the business as well as ministry aspects of church life.
- Have good financial awareness and responsibility.
- Being an example of Godliness. Serve as a demonstration of faith in action. Be a shepherd leader that the sheep willingly follow because they know you are directing them in the way of the Lord.
- Willing to work on continuing education and development. Be a healthy shepherd; don’t neglect yourself, your family, your prayer life, your health, or your own spiritual growth.
Logistics:
Compensation
- $80,000 Annual Salary/Housing allowance - divided at your discretion.
- 4 weeks (including 4 Sundays) paid time off annually
- Mileage and professional development reimbursement
Application
Submit the following to be reviewed by the Pastoral Search Committee for the position of pastor of The First Congregational Church of Pembroke, NH:
- Resume
- Three letters of recommendation (clergy, layperson, and personal)
- Copies of license, ordination, educational transcripts
- Recent recordings of sermon(s)
Submit to:
Online:
[email protected]
By Mail:
First Congregational Church of Pembroke
C/O Pastoral Search Committee
301 Pembroke Street
Pembroke, NH 03275
To learn more about our 300 year history, click here: https://pembroke.church/history/