MinistryCareers.org

Pastor

Barren Ridge Church

Staunton, VA

Senior Leadership
Full-Time
Posted on 8/1/2025

Function and Authority

In accordance with the Barren Ridge Church Plan of Organization and polity of the Covenant Brethren Church, the pastor shall be a person whose faith, aptness to teach, preach, counsel, administer, along with acceptable educational qualifications have been examined and deemed appropriate for the position of Pastor.

The pastor shall be properly ordained or qualified and willing to be ordained in the Covenant Brethren Church. The pastor shall accept and adhere to the “Statement of Faith” and practices of the Covenant Brethren Church as adopted and accepted by Barren Ridge Church. The pastor’s life and conduct shall bear witness to the Christian faith.

The pastor shall be the spiritual shepherd of the congregation and ecumenical leader of the church mission and program. The pastor shall serve as an “ex-officio” member of the church boards, commissions, and committees. The pastor shall preach, teach, administer the sacraments, visit, counsel, and in various other ways lead the congregation in their worship of and service to God.

Line of Authority

The pastor is responsible to the Church Board and the Congregational Business Meeting directives. The Executive Team serves as the liaison between the Church Board and Congregation. Items relating to interpretation of contract, terms of employment, working conditions and relationships, and position description are to be reviewed, adjusted, and approved annually by the Executive Team through negotiations with the pastor.

Responsibilities

Preaching, Worship and Teaching Ministry

Preaching

  • The pastor shall provide a biblically based preaching ministry that will enhance spiritual growth of the congregation and lead others to their faith in Christ.
  • The pastor shall engage in disciplined study to ensure the quality of the sermons covering a variety of topics and allow sufficient time for preparation of those sermons.
  • The pastor shall preach each Sunday with the exceptions of Homecoming, the Choir Cantatas, scheduled vacations or any other absence/exception approved by the Executive Team.
  • The pastor may preach revival or renewal services in area churches as schedule permits with approval of the Executive Team.

Worship

  • The pastor shall provide a biblically based worship ministry.
  • The pastor shall coordinate the use of lay persons for assistance in worship.
  • The pastor shall work with the Nurture Commission to plan special services such as but not limited to Homecoming, Easter Sunrise, and Christmas Eve.
  • The pastor shall provide appropriate information in a timely manner to be included in the worship bulletin.
  • The pastor may suggest special hymn selections to the music team pertinent to the worship service in sufficient time for musician preparation.

Teaching

  • The pastor shall teach classes for those desiring baptism and church membership.
  • The pastor shall work with Sunday School teachers as needed to develop spiritual growth.
  • The pastor shall assist the Nurture Commission with planning any special outreach teaching ministries such as Vacation Bible School.
  • The pastor shall encourage/teach bible studies and special prayer groups.
  • The pastor shall encourage and enable lay persons to attend workshops and other Christian nurture experiences.

Pastoral Care Ministry

Visitation

  • The pastor shall visit, upon notification/request, a member in the hospital at least twice a week if local and once per week if in Harrisonburg or Charlottesville.
  • The pastor shall visit, upon notification/request, a member at home at least once if there is a serious illness or recovering from surgery and then checking as necessary by phone.
  • The pastor shall, upon notification/request, schedule a visit for prayer prior to surgery.
  • The pastor shall, upon notification/request, visit at least weekly in the home of a member in the case of a diagnosis of terminal illness.
  • The pastor shall, upon notification/request, at least once a month in the homes of shut-ins.
  • The pastor shall, upon notification/request, visit members in nursing homes at least every 3-4 weeks.
  • The pastor shall plan and carry out a schedule of visitation with the active members of the congregation resulting in a visit every 18-24 months or as requested.
  • The pastor shall work with the deacon body as necessary to ensure care for members on a regular basis.
  • The pastor shall plan a schedule of visitation for members who have become inactive along with other perspective members.
  • The pastor shall visit the homes of congregational members where life changing events have occurred such as births, marriage, death, divorce, etc., as needed.

Counseling and Crisis Management

  • The pastor shall provide counseling to any member who requests help, scheduling and appointment within one week of the request.
  • The pastor shall provide counseling to any non-member who requests help in a timely manner as possible
  • The pastor shall make referrals to professional counselors when deemed necessary.

Church/Social Functions

  • The pastor shall attend at least 75% of scheduled church activities/ functions.
  • The pastor shall provide help as requested in planning church activities/functions.

Priestly Function

Weddings

  • The pastor shall meet with all couples for at least 3 sessions of premarital counseling.
  • The pastor shall, in consultation with the couple, provide a meaningful worship service of marriage.
  • The pastor shall plan a home visitation with the newly married couple within 3 months after the wedding.

Funerals

  • The pastor shall go to the home as soon as possible upon notification of a death in the family of a member.
  • The pastor shall attend a portion of family night in order to be available to family members and friends of the deceased.
  • The pastor shall, in consultation with the family, provide a meaningful worship service of remembrance and celebration.
  • The pastor shall develop and implement a plan of follow up care for the immediate family.
  • The pastor should attend funerals of members or their family members when not officiating whenever possible.

Anointings

  • The pastor shall offer and interpret the anointing service to those he feels can benefit from this sacrament.
  • The pastor, with the help of the deacons, shall provide anointing services within a reasonable time of request.
  • The pastor shall explain and interpret the meaning and purpose for the anointing service whenever anointing takes place during the worship service.

Baptisms

  • The pastor shall teach annually a membership class for adults and youth explaining the process and meaning of baptism.
  • The pastor shall provide and announce scheduled opportunities for baptism at least once during the year.
  • The pastor shall baptize in a timely manner those who are ready to make a commitment to Christ and His Church.

Communion

  • The pastor shall provide opportunity for participation in Love Feast/communion services on Maundy Thursday and World Communion Sunday.
  • The pastor shall administer two Bread and Cup Communions during regular worship service twice per year (January and July).
  • The pastor shall provide home communion for those unable to attend upon request.
  • The pastor shall, along with the help of the deacon body, perform these sacraments as described above.

Parent/Child Dedications

  • The pastor shall visit the home of a newly born baby shortly after the birth to welcome the child and to offer and explain the service parent/child dedication.
  • The pastor shall, in consultation with the parents, arrange for the dedication of parents and child in a timely manner during a regularly scheduled morning worship service.

Administrative Ministry

  • The pastor shall coordinate along with the secretary timely required reporting to regional and CBC denomination.
  • The pastor shall maintain awareness of all church activities/programs and provide direction as necessary to coordinate them.
  • The pastor shall coordinate arrangements for their attendance in regional and annual conferences as needed.
  • The pastor shall make arrangements with the deacon body or other pastors for the pastoral care of the congregation in their absence.
  • The pastor shall meet regularly with the Church Board, Executive Team, and Commissions of the Church.
  • The pastor shall be present at the Congregational Business Meetings and present their quarterly report.
  • The pastor shall offer suggestions and help in meetings with the board, executive team, and commissions.

Outreach Ministry

Community Functions and Events

  • The pastor shall participate in special community events such as the Community Thanksgiving and Good Friday services.
  • The pastor shall represent the congregation in local ecumenical cooperative work.

Community Service

  • The pastor should be familiar with the community, its people and institutions providing help to those in need as time permits.
  • The pastor may provide services of worship and visitation in nursing home, jails, schools and such upon request as scheduling permits.
  • The pastor should consider participation in outreach ministries such as Samaritan’s purse and Operation Christmas Child.

Regional and Denominational Events

  • The pastor shall strive to keep abreast of all CBC and Blue Ridge Regional events along with local church related activities.
  • The pastor shall contribute time and leadership to CBC and regional programing as requested while coordinating those activities and responsibilities with the Executive Team.
  • The pastor shall promote and attend when possible Regional training events, celebrations and activities.
  • The pastor shall attend the Annual Meeting & Worship Conference and the Regional Conference and communicate as necessary any changes or concerns that may involve the church.

Professional Growth

  • The pastor shall routinely set aside time for personal growth through daily reading and prayer.
  • The pastor shall serve as an active member of the local clergy groups, both CBC and ecumenical.
  • The pastor shall dedicate 10 days each year in professional growth opportunities which will include the Annual Meeting & Worship Conference.
  • The pastor shall choose professional growth experiences that will both achieve their own personal growth and align with the ministry needs of the congregation.
  • The pastor shall seek out when necessary reliable and discreet counseling from CBC personnel or local persons involving personal or church related matters of concern.

Personal Time

  • The pastor shall take a day and a half off per week being free of parish responsibilities, with the exception of crisis ministry.
  • The pastor shall take off holidays, vacations, and personal leave according to the terms of the contract.

Send resume and cover letter to: [email protected].

Barren Ridge Church