Vineland Missionary Church, Vineland On is seeking an experienced Lead Pastor who loves Jesus and desires to shepherd our church family. Our congregation supports a complementarian view of leadership. We are looking for a lead pastor who will nurture the community within the church and is gifted in biblical teaching and leadership. The successful candidate will be gifted in evangelism and will equip and empower us to reach into our community.

• A successful candidate will need to be approved by the EMCC (Evangelical Missionary Church of Canada)
• Will be required to provide a vulnerable sector police check
• Aligns with our conservative evangelical theology and fosters elder-led leadership of our congregation

Job Summary:

The pastor will provide spiritual leadership to the congregation of Vineland Missionary Church. He will properly use scripture for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in the righteousness of God’s people (2 Timothy 3:16). He will also eagerly serve and humbly set an example that others can follow (1 Peter 5).

Objectives:

• To lead the congregation spiritually.
• To protect the congregation from false teaching.
• To care for the pastoral needs of the congregation.Spiritual Leadership

Responsibilities:

• Champion planning processes for vision and long-term ministry goals.
• Facilitate the key elements of our mission: Missions, Outreach, Church Family Unity, Youth & Kids, and Sunday.
• Provide spiritual oversight to ensure that all aspects and activities are consistent with the Bible and the church's vision/mission and ministry goals.
• Train and equip people in their Disciple Making relationships.
• Attend Vineland Missionary Church.
• Communicate regularly with the Board and church congregation in order to inform and build excitement for what is going on in our church.
• Relationship-Building - Develop strong relationships with staff and key leaders in the church, community, and denomination.
• Preach on Sunday mornings at VMC.• Provide pastoral counsel to people in need.
• Provide mentoring and support to other staff and volunteers.
• Visit with people (particularly those new to the church and shut-ins).
• Be available for emergencies.
• Manage work and self/family time ensuring neither is neglected.
• Administrative Responsibilities:
• Hold regular staff meetings.
• Prepare and submit reports to the Board.
• Collect and prepare announcements.
• Liaise with all committees within the church.

Qualifications:

• Have strong and visible faith in Jesus.
• Meet the qualifications found in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1.
• Meet the qualifications of the EMCC Licensed Minister Credential.
• Have the desire to shepherd the flock as outlined in 1 Peter 5.
• Be self-motivated.

Vineland Missionary Church Congregational Profile

"Known as “the church on the hill," we were founded in 1881 after a spiritual renewal swept through the Old Order Mennonites of Ontario. Those who had experienced new life in Christ were no longer welcome in their churches and formed the Mennonite Brethren in Christ denomination which eventually became the Evangelical Missionary Church, with which we are still affiliated. Our present church building dates from 1960 and our sanctuary seats 180-200.

We are incorporated so have a board of directors to deal with legal and financial issues, but we are working to again be an elder-led church. We also have a diaconate that assists the elders with the more practical aspects of congregational care.

Ours is a multi-generational congregation, mostly of British, German, and Dutch ancestry, who enjoy worshipping and fellowshipping together. About half of our adults are seniors (like our community profile) and most of our adults are employed in (or retired from) "blue collar" trades and service industry jobs. Only a few are university graduates or professionals.

Visiting us on a Sunday, you would find us friendly, welcoming, and family-oriented. All ages meet together until the sermon when the youngest leaves for a nursery or Jr church. Our worship teams use both contemporary and traditional numbers and most enter into worship enthusiastically. We like to have "family” updates and prayers for specific needs to keep us connected as a body. Monthly communion and “mission moments” enrich our services. Lastly, it is a priority to hear from God's Word, as we believe the Bible to be the sole authority on Christian doctrine and living.

One of our priorities has always been to reach children and youth with the gospel while young and teach them in the scripture. We are known in the community for our excellent mid-week programmes and our V.B.C. in July. We have a Next Gen Director and some very committed parents who do an excellent job in these areas. Our youth are involved in the local Youth Unlimited YFC Lincoln, where one of our elders is the director.

Personal support of our missionaries is also a priority with video updates, visits, mission trips and fundraising for specific needs. Some of our ladies with community friends have a weekly “project mission" day where they produce large quantities of clothing, blankets, toys, bandages etc. that go to needy people worldwide. COVID isolation for 2 years was hard on our congregation and coming out we experienced a significant drop in attendance. However, we are trying to regroup and be a “lighthouse on the hill” in our community."

Present attendance statistics are:

• Seniors: 37 (plus 19 “shut-ins”)
• Adults: 55 (ages 25 – 65)
• Teens & College Age: 7
• Children: 27Average
• Sunday Attendance: 100
• Membership: 79

Please submit applications to hr@vmchurch.com until Sept 30, 2023.