Search Committee Position Information 

The Position
We are seeking a pastor who is challenging and inspirational, and open to creative ways of worship.  This compassionate, approachable, and tactful pastor will be open-minded and embracing of the “God is Still Speaking” theology, continuing to be well-read in theology, church history and Biblical criticism.  This leader and teacher will guide us in spiritual growth, increasing our understanding of scripture and our relationship with God.  The pastor will be open and affirming of all views, and attentive to and engaging people of all ages.  The pastor will partner with and support lay ministry and leadership; and encourage everyone in ways to share their gifts. 

The Congregational Church of Birmingham has a tradition of strong lay leadership.  Boards and Committees are organized to direct and carry out the missions of the Church, such as:  Worship, Christian Education, Outreach and Fellowship.  A central coordinating Church Council meets monthly to ensure communications and consistency in programming. 

The Moderator represents the congregation to the Minister.  The Minister works with and is available to all the Boards and Committees.  Participation in monthly Council meetings and attendance at the monthly convening of the Boards and Committees facilitates this interaction. 

The Minister serves as staff administrator.  He/she provides direction, monitors performance and provides performance feedback to the Church Council as appropriate. 

CCB offers its ministers a rewarding experience supported by the love and encouragement of a congregation open to new ideas and leadership.

Position Description:  Senior Minister

Position Title:  Senior Minister                      Accountable To:  Congregation In Meeting 

Church By Laws Statement:
The Senior Minister shall be an individual whose experience, talent and leadership will qualify him/her to be the Chief Operating Officer of the Church.  He/she shall be a member of the Church Council with voice, but not vote, and shall direct, supervise, and appraise the activities of the Associate Minister(s), the Minister and/or Director of Christian Education, the Director of Music, and all other Church employees. 

Summary Of Responsibilities:
1. Serve as spiritual leader of the Church.
a. Preach the gospel, administer the sacraments, manage and direct all services of public worship, and render pastoral care to the Church.
2. Serve as Chief Operating Officer of the Church.
a. Hire, in concert with appropriate governing Boards and Committees, supervise, support, coordinate, evaluate, and terminate staff after consultation with appropriate governing Boards and Committees.
b. Administer the activities of the Church in cooperation with the Church Officers, the Church Council, and the various Boards and Committees of the Church.

Duties And Responsibilities:
1. Plan and execute all services of worship or see that worship leadership is secured.  Work with the Board of Worship in this endeavor.
2. Meet with and counsel congregation members in need of pastoral support.
a. Maintain office hours at times when the Senior Minister will be accessible to congregation members
b. Visit those who are ill in hospitals and those who are homebound in their homes or nursing homes.  Work with the Nurture and Care Committee to coordinate care in the congregation.
3. Counsel with the family members and plan and officiate at funerals/memorial services at times of death.
4. Counsel with bride and groom and plan and officiate at weddings.
5. Administer and conduct youth confirmation programs.
6. Provide active leadership for adult education programs.
7. Secure new members for the Church through calling on prospective members and providing membership orientation classes for them.  Work with the Church Growth Committee in this effort.
8. Communicate regularly with the congregation through the Church newsletter “Happenings”.
9. Meet with and counsel Boards and Committees, as needed, to fulfill their appointed functions.
10. Supervise all Church staff personnel and evaluate each one annually along with the guidance of appropriate Board and Committee heads, and with the support of the Personnel Committee.
11. Hire when needed, in concert with the appropriate Boards and Committees, such staff as is needed by the Church.
12. Serve on Conference and Association boards and committees as time and talents allow.
13. Perform such duties as shall arise from time to time that are appropriate to this position.