Membership 250 members, 87 regular Sunday Worship
Experience 5 years or more
Full-Time Position
Owensboro population 55,000
Statement of Faith required
Please email resume with references or any questions to:
[email protected]
PNC Chairman
First Presbyterian Church, Owensboro, Kentucky
is an inclusive community of faith called to proclaim the good news of the love of Jesus Christ for all people. And join God in the building of a just, peaceful, and compassionate world.
Tasks, expectations, duties, supervision, assignments, and responsibilities for the position
- Moderate Session, lead meetings, guide discussions, and support Presbyterian polity.
- Coordinate worship with the worship committee and music staff so that our worship aligns with the Christian year and reflects the whole of scripture.
- Prepare biblically based sermons, teach bible studies, and offer spiritual guidance.
- Work with Session to encourage and equip the people in the worship and service of God in the church and the world.
- Offer pastoral care, emotional and spiritual support during crises, and visit the sick and homebound.
- Supervise the daily operations of the church, and lead and mentor church staff.
- Support Deacons and Elders and other ministry teams to cultivate fellowship, stewardship, and evangelism.
- Participate in church and community events, collaborate with other churches, and represent the church in Presbytery activities.
- Promote unity and cooperation within the broader Christian community.
The congregation’s/organization’s specific vision for ministry, vision impact
First Presbyterian Church is committed to hospitality and welcome, seeking to express Christ’s love in our community. We have a strong and long-standing commitment to showing that love. Our mission and outreach work touches many, through the Daniel Pitino Shelter, Habitat for Humanity, the Help Office, the Boulware Mission, and local animal shelters. We pack school supplies, bake cookies for first responders, clean yards, and visit assisted living facilities. Our church hosts a Presbyterian Weekday School for 35 preschoolers. The children’s laughing, singing presence in our halls is an inspiration.
Owensboro is home to a vibrant immigrant population. For over 25 years, our church has hosted an annual Multicultural Festival to celebrate this diversity. On the third Saturday of August, our tree lined front yard is filled with booths represented by different cultures and community groups. The people of Owensboro come together for this festive celebration of diverse cultures, music, and cuisines.
Our church partners with the International Center to help welcome new refugee families settling in Owensboro. We set up furniture and kitchen supplies for newly arrived refugees, helping them create a home here. Several times a year, we dedicate Sunday worship to service. After prayer and communion in our sanctuary, we go out into the community to volunteer in various projects and to share our gifts and love.
The nature of the community in which our congregation lives out its mission/vision
Owensboro, located in western Kentucky along the Ohio River, is the county seat and the 4th largest city in the state with approximately 60,000 residents and a metro population of approximately 120,000. Spanning 22 square miles, the city boasts a strong economy with over 125 manufacturing businesses, including international employers like US Bank Mortgage and Toyotetsu Mid-America. It also features four colleges, multiple school systems, performing arts and convention center, world-class medical facilities, and resources for the homeless, disabled, families, and immigrants. Known as the Bluegrass Capital of the World, Owensboro is home to the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum and offers a vibrant arts scene including an Emmy nominated symphony. The city’s sports facilities have earned national recognition, and its award-winning 6-block riverfront park includes a fully accessible children’s playground and spray park.
First Presbyterian Church, founded in 1868, (with a men’s Bible class that dates back to 1847) is located on historic Griffith Avenue, part of the Dogwood-Azalea Trail, known for its spring display of white and pink flowers. The area features many 1800s buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The church values its central location and serves the community through outreach programs, meeting spiritual, physical, and emotional needs locally and globally.
We look for ways to continue to hear and believe the good news of Jesus Christ, his compassion, his love, and his forgiveness. The pastor, staff, officers and members work together to bear an attractive, winsome Christian witness to a waiting world. We want to grow spiritually and in numbers. Our location, in the center of the city of Owensboro, offers a unique opportunity for vibrant ministry. We expect our pastor to engage with the wider Owensboro community beyond the walls of the church. Our full-time staff includes an Office Manager and a Youth Director. Our part-time staff include a Music Director/Organist and a Custodian. Our bookkeeper serves as a volunteer.
Your short and long goals complement the responsibilities of other staff/volunteer positions
We expect our pastor to deliver messages that inspire and encourage us in our faith. However, we do not expect the pastor to “do it all.” We seek a leader who can facilitate, guide, and empower the congregation and staff to expand our ministry and mission, working together toward common goals. Our congregation has many retired and elderly members who primarily need end-of-life spiritual guidance. We also need support for families caring for ill relatives or those in care facilities. Connecting to college students and nurturing young families and children in faith is imperative. Ultimately, we are looking for a pastor who can help us sharpen our focus, deepen our faith, care for one another, grow our family of faith and become more actively engaged with our congregation, community, and the world.
The candidate will be ordained to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Education beyond the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) will be weighed as a benefit. Previous experience in a pastoral role is essential, as is an understanding and commitment to Presbyterian polity. The pastor is set apart by ordination, which implies an important role in modelling and teaching ethical principles.
Description of the skills, gifts, and training
The candidate should demonstrate abilities in preaching, communication, pastoral care and counseling, and administration. Our church enjoys a committed staff and strong congregational leadership with whom our new pastor will work effectively and collaboratively. Our character is reflected in strong outreach and service ministries. The pastor should be committed to our wider community. The pastor should have skill and interest in technology, as technology has value for worship, communication, and church administration. Excellent communication and speaking skills are necessary as is the ability to provide compassionate care. Additional qualifications include experience in leading worship services and religious ceremonies, strong organizational skills and commitment to ethical principles consistent with Presbyterian beliefs. The candidate should also be willing to engage in continued theological education and professional development.
Ministry task, assignments, programs
The pastor called to serve our church will be entrusted with a sacred role grounded in the covenant of faith and prayer with the congregation. This individual will help lead worship and guide the church in spiritual growth through their involvement in weekly services, including preaching biblically based sermons and ensuring that worship aligns with the Christian year and reflects the full breadth of Scripture. As Moderator of the Session, the pastor will lead meetings, guide discussions, and uphold Presbyterian polity, ensuring that all decisions align with our values. Pastoral care will provide emotional and spiritual support during crises, visiting members in homes, hospitals, and care centers. The pastor will train and prepare elders for ministry, empowering them to serve effectively.
The pastor will lead youth Confirmation and offer teaching through Bible studies and Sunday School. The pastor will support mission efforts, encouraging involvement and representing the church in the Christian community and the Presbytery.
We are looking for a pastor who will listen, teach, and improve communication in our congregation. A key priority will be to develop new members, nurturing their faith and building a welcoming, impactful church community. This will include collaborating with the leadership team to develop a comprehensive growth strategy, engaging all age groups, and fostering unity within the congregation.
May God’s calling be with you for First Presbyterian Church, Owensboro, Kentucky.
Please send resume with references or any questions to:
[email protected]
PNC Chairman
All correspondence is confidential