Senior Pastor

Job Description

Job Description: Swisshome Evangelical Church

Our Story

Swisshome Evangelical Church has long been a faithful rural congregation. The church was greatly affected when the logging industry collapsed in the 1980’s. For many years Sunday worship attendance was less than 25 people and several years less than 20. In 2003, the Lord brought a new pastor, and through his leadership God revived the church and many came to know Jesus Christ.

After more than two decades of ministry, our pastor is retiring. We are now prayerfully seeking the shepherd God is preparing to lead us into the next season of ministry. Swisshome Evangelical Church is part of the Pacific Conference of The Evangelical Church. We are committed to the authority of Scripture, the transforming grace of Jesus Christ, and a life of holiness shaped by the work of the Holy Spirit. Our Pastoral Search Committee is working closely with the Pacific Conference Superintendent throughout this process.

Our Community:

Swisshome Evangelical Church is located in Swisshome, Oregon, nestled in the beautiful Siuslaw River Valley of western Oregon. We are situated in the Coast Mountain Range approximately one hour west of Eugene and 30 minutes from Florence. This rural area along highway 36 consists primarily of small and largely unincorporated communities. Mapleton Schools are less than fifteen minutes away.

Though the logging industry is not what it once was, its hardworking, independent spirit still shapes much of the community’s culture. Many residents are retired or commute significant distances for work. The area also attracts people seeking a quieter pace of life and the opportunity for greater independence and self-sufficiency. Like many rural communities, there are many in this valley who do not yet have a church home and who need to hear the good news of the gospel.

Being this close to the ocean there is more rain than other areas in the Pacific Northwest, but this means the region is lush and green, offering abundant opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation. Those who appreciate rural life and natural beauty will find this area especially attractive.

Our Church

Our church building was constructed in 1955, complete with bell and steeple. Structural engineers have confirmed that the facility is sound and in good condition. The grounds are well-maintained with lawn and trees, and the church has its own well. Recent improvements include fresh interior paint, new carpet, heat pumps, a concrete patio, and updated playground equipment. The church is debt-free, with a current annual budget of $135,500. (There is no parsonage.)

Typical Sunday attendance ranges from 40–60 in worship, with 15–20 attending adult Sunday School prior to the service. Weekly ministries include prayer meeting, Bible studies, evening gatherings, and a Men’s Breakfast. A monthly potluck fosters fellowship within the body.

Swisshome Evangelical Church seeks to be active in both word and deed. Our ACTS Men’s group regularly serves practical needs in the community, such as providing firewood and assistance projects. A Mercy Fund Committee prayerfully administers financial assistance to needs within the church family and surrounding area. Each year we gather at a nearby creek for baptisms and fellowship, and we participate in a joint Easter Thursday service with two neighboring churches.

Our congregation is diverse in background and perspective, yet united in a desire to pursue Christ wholeheartedly. We seek to maintain unity in non-essential matters while remaining firmly committed to biblical truth. Many current leaders are older members of the congregation, and raising up the next generation of leaders is an ongoing matter of prayer.

Above all, we desire to love the Lord fully and love those whom God places around us.

Pastoral Expectations

Swisshome Evangelical Church is a Bible-believing congregation that holds firmly to the full authority of God’s Word. We believe God is who He says He is, we are who God says we are, including our basic problem of sin, and the solution of our sin problem can only be found in Jesus Christ and our salvation is found solely through His atoning blood and redeeming love.

We are prayerfully seeking a pastor who:

• Walks in the Spirit and loves the Lord Jesus Christ deeply
• Is clearly called by God to pastoral ministry
• Loves, studies, and faithfully preaches God’s Word
• Shepherds the flock with humility and conviction
• Has experienced personal spiritual growth and victory, while continuing to pursue deeper holiness
• Has the support and partnership of his family
• Leads faithfully while remaining accountable to the Pacific Conference and local church leadership
• Equips the saints for the work of ministry (Ephesians 4:11–12)
• Appreciates rural, outdoor life
• Applies biblical truth not only to the mind, but to everyday life and spiritual growth
• Will be, or will work toward being, ordained in the Pacific Conference

Application Process:

All applications go through the same process. Those who feel led and meet the desired qualifications should apply including:

Your resume.

• A cover letter of not more than one page that includes your reasons for applying and how you heard about the position.
• A video in digital format (links to videos, YouTube postings, a podcast, or DVD) of you delivering a sermon to a large group that best represents your preaching and teaching ability.
• Applications should be submitted electronically to jobs@thepacificconference.com

Or mailed to:

The Pacific Conference Attn: Superintendent Brian Hotrum 11501 SE Sunnyside Road, Suite 200 Clackamas, OR 97015

For More Information:

www.swisshomeevangelicalchurch.com

www.ThePacificConference.com