POSITION DESCRIPTION
St. John’s Lutheran Church
Salisbury, NC

Associate Pastor

MINISTERIAL FOCUS: Adult Education and Small Groups

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:
Equip the people of God for the work of ministry through programs of adult education and the development of small groups.

REGULAR ASSOCIATIONS AND COLLABORATIONS:
Congregation Council, Education Board, Service and Fellowship Board, Worship Board, various committees of these Boards, and pastoral and office staffs.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Provide the public ministry of Word and Sacraments with a regular rotation of preaching and Eucharistic leadership, including worship planning.  Conduct weddings and funerals as requested.

Visit in hospitals, nursing homes and homes of members and prospective members.

Guide the congregational leadership in the development of  rich and varied adult Christian education programs for members of St. John’s and for the Church and community.

1.	Provide pastoral support to the Education Board and help the Board develop a comprehensive educational plan in accordance with congregational goals.
2.	Recruit and develop lay teachers for the church by providing professional support, encouragement and educational resources.
3.	Develop lay leaders for worship and educate the congregation in the theology and practice of worship.  Assist in the planning and introduction of new worship forms.
4.	Help the members of the congregation in their understanding and exercise of “ministry of daily life” so that the witness of the Gospel will be shared in the community.
5.	Organize and offer Bible studies and encourage the daily reading of Scripture.

Guide the congregational leadership in the development of small group ministries designed to create a more intimate Christian community, deepen the spiritual life of St. John’s members and respond to human need.

1.	Develop a small group ministry to identify the interests, relationships and specific ministry needs of our members.
2.	Form small groups designed for fellowship, spiritual renewal, training in caring and outreach ministries that will challenge and support our members in their Christian faith and ministry to others.

RECENTLY FORMED PROGRAMS IN THE AREA OF MINISTRY:
Men’s group, Marriage Enhancement seminars, Ventures in Christian Education, Via de Cristo weekends, Eagle’s Nest – St. John’s outreach ministry to renovate apartments for families.

ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES FROM THE WORK OF THE ASSOCIATE PASTOR FOR ADULT EDUCATION AND SMALL GROUP MINISTRIES

Adults in the congregation will grow in their knowledge of the faith through a variety of educational opportunities:
•	Sunday School sessions led by a cadre of trained teachers
•	Ventures in Christian Education sessions
•	Bible study groups of varying length and intensity
•	Trips to religiously significant places (e.g., Greece, Israel, Rome, Germany)
•	Retreats and/or Seminars
•	Lay Academy of Theology conferences and seminars
•	NC site for Southern Seminary courses

Adults in the congregation will grow in their sense of spiritual connection to Christ and a connection to this community of faith through:
•	Small groups organized around interests, needs or relationships
•	Extensive and organized caring ministry which supports those in physical or emotional need
•	Seminars for marriage enrichment, parenting, divorce, grief, etc.
•	Via de Cristo retreats for spiritual renewal
•	Prayer chain, prayer groups
•	Mid-week service of Holy Communion
•	Interaction within a specific geographic area (“block party”)

Adults in the congregation will express their faith by ministering to the community and the world through:
•	Training of persons to invite and welcome visitors
•	Volunteer support for Rowan Helping Ministries
•	Servant Events for the whole congregations
•	Mission trips
•	“Adoption” of missionaries or mission congregations
•	Seminary intern program
•	Supporting one major new ministry every three years, for example: building a Habitat for Humanity house, providing a hospice home for persons with AIDS, providing a group home for the developmentally disabled, etc.

Adults who are initially drawn to the congregation by the programs for children and youth will find a full spectrum of programs to meet their own needs for community, spirituality and service.  They will encourage others to participate based on their own positive experiences.

Adults who have a solid grounding in theology will be able to mentor young people in our Confirmation program and new members who enter the Church with limited religious backgrounds.

June 1997
Used with permission from St. John’s Lutheran Church, Salisbury, NC