Baptist Church of the Covenant, in Birmingham, Alabama seeks the right person to serve as Associate Pastor, Minister of Christian Formation. BCOC was born from the civil rights movement, and we remain committed to providing space for all those who seek a relationship with God. We are active in local community ministry and support people and programs around the world. We are a diverse family of faith, including those who are: young and young at heart; Baptist since birth and those from other faith traditions or no faith at all; straight, LGBTQIA+, and those figuring it out; PhDs and GEDs. It’s been said we are like the “Island of Misfit Toys.”
Ordaining women into ministry since 1970 and committed to embracing the call to ministry for all who hear it, we are members of the Alabama Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, the Baptist World Alliance, Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists, and the Alliance of Baptists.
We seek the right person who will give leadership to areas of Christian formation: coordinating the Education Committee for a robust calendar of learning opportunities during the week; supporting neuro-diverse, trauma-informed family programs; leading youth programming; and providing pastoral care for all ages. The full position description is available HERE. This minister will be working with staff, ministers, and lay leadership to meet the needs of a growing congregation with a plan for the future.
It’s a big job, no doubt, and this minister will serve alongside active lay leaders who care deeply for the minister’s success, and the success of these programs. BCOC provides a salary consistent with experience, with an anticipated starting salary of $60,000, and the following benefits: health insurance, retirement contributions, sabbatical, and others. The full compensation and benefits package will be negotiated during the call process. Research shows that while men apply to jobs when they meet about 60% of job criteria, women and other marginalized groups tend to apply only when they check every box. So, if you think you have what it takes but are unsure that you check every box, Baptist Church of the Covenant still wants to hear from you.
We will be receiving application materials until August 17. Please email search@bcoc.net with your letter of introduction, résumé, and links to recorded sermons or other presentations.
JOB TITLE: ASSOCIATE PASTOR FOR CHRISTIAN FORMATION
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: REGULAR FULL-TIME
POSITION OVERVIEW
To provide support and broad oversight for the spiritual formation of children, youth, and adults. Work alongside colleagues, committees, and laity to accomplish the church’s objectives for worship, spiritual formation, pastoral care, local ministries, global mission, and a healthy congregational life. Perform and assist with weddings, funerals, community faith gatherings, and other events in the life of the church.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
EDUCATIONAL MINISTRY
• Develop and implement a strategy for meeting the church’s Christian formation objectives.
• Guide the selection of spiritual formation and missions curriculum for learners of all ages.
• Lead in planning special educational events, including but not limited to retreats, camps, and conferences.
• Coordinate weekly programing for preschoolers, children, youth, and adults.
LEADERSHIP
• Collaborate with the Education Committee in determining and meeting Christian formation objectives for all parishioners.
• Guide the Education Committee in the recruitment of all teachers in Christian formation classes and volunteers, as well as the support and development of such leaders.
• Provide support, pastoral care, and counsel to parishioners as needed, with particular concern for parents and caregivers of children and youth.
• Lead in worship weekly and preach as requested by the Pastor.
• Manage the hiring and oversight of paid child-care staff and volunteers in the nursery.
• Give oversight to and guide children and youth leaders in planning and promoting educational themes, seasonal events, and activities.
• Provide guidance and support to the leaders and volunteers for Beach Retreat, Trunk or Treat, and Live Nativity.
• Represent BCOC at community, ecumenical, and denominational events.
• Receive notifications of child or vulnerable adult abuse in the congregation and report accordingly.
ADMINISTRATION
• Develop the budget for the overall Christian formation ministries.
• Develop budgets and coordinate facility needs for three church-wide annual events: Beach Retreat, Trunk or Treat, and the Live Nativity.
• Communicate plans and objectives with colleagues, committees, Christian formation and missions leadership, volunteers, and parents/caregivers.
• Collaborate with the Education Committee to oversee the church’s objectives related to Child Protection policies and procedures.
• Participate regularly in meetings of the Education Committee, Council on Mission, and Deacons.
• Participate in weekly staff meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Pastor or in cooperation with other church staff.
• Participate in annual continuing education opportunities.
REQUIREMENTS
• Master’s degree or equivalent in related field
• Theoretical understanding of developmental psychology and faith development of persons throughout the life cycle
• Ability to plan worship and provide worship leadership as requested
• Understand and support the mission of BCOC
• Administrative, pastoral care, and ministerial skills
• Ability to delegate tasks as necessary
• Competent in interpersonal communication
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Exemplify Christian character as appropriate for the office of Associate Pastor for Christian Formation
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