Christian Reformed Church
 
 
August 1, 2022
 
Dear Congregation:
 
Your council is pleased to provide you with information about a proposal for a Commissioned Pastor position at Princeton.
 
Council believes that a Commissioned Pastor position is a good step that would enhance Emily Hull’s role as our Connections Director.   This letter and the attached job description provide information about the proposal.  You are invited to an information session Sunday August 7 at 11:15 am and a congregational vote on August 28.  If approved by the congregation we can ask our regional Classis for approval in October.  You are also invited to contact me, any other council member or Pastor Steve with any questions or feedback.
 
As Connections Director, Emily is involved in one-on-one and group discipleship, community events, community service and many other actions that connect us with each other and our community. 
 
What is a Commissioned Pastor?  The office of commissioned pastor is recognized in the Christian Reformed Church as a flexible, very localized ordination into pastoral ministry. Commissioned pastor is an “umbrella term” for a variety of ministry positions such as evangelist, chaplain, pastor of outreach, of youth, of congregational life and more.   A commissioned pastor is called by a congregation, ordained in that office and supervised by the church council.   Each commissioned pastor must have a detailed job description approved by Classis (the regional governing body in the CRC structure).  There are 50+ new commissioned pastors in the CRC in 2021-2022 with a majority of those serving as part of a pastoral staff team.   
 
Why are we considering a commissioned Pastor?  In addition to Emily expressing interest in becoming a commissioned pastor, the work of the Connections Director fulfills the work of a commissioned pastor in the following ways:
 

• Discipleship and calling people to faith: leading Coffee Break, encouraging development of small groups, and one on one mentoring.
• Congregational Care: development of connecting events, coordinating member visits by our visiting teams and elder/deacon teams.
• Serving One another: Encouraging service within the community through IHN (Family Promise), Community Garden, etc.
• Preaching: As a seminary student, Emily was able to teach our congregation by preaching of the Word. Commissioned Pastor status would give Emily the continued ability to preach on occasion.

 
A few things we are not doing:
 

• We are not adding to Emily’s hours (this is still a half-time position).
• We are not changing the Connections Director compensation as a result of Commissioned Pastor status (no budgetary impact).

 
We view Commissioned Pastor status as enhancing Emily’s ability to continue and build on the work she is doing.  We encourage you to review the attached position description.  We welcome your feedback and questions.
 
Because a Commissioned Pastor must be called by a congregation, we are having a congregational vote on August 28.   If approved, the proposal would then go to Classis for review and approval there.
 
Once again, we are having an information session at 11:15 am Sunday August 7.  Thank you for joining us in learning about this opportunity.
 
                                                                                    Sincerely,
 
                                                                                    Harvey Koning
                                                                                    on behalf of the Council
                                                                                    of Princeton CRC
 
Enclosure:   Commissioned Pastor Position Description
 

 
Connections Pastor
Job Description
Updated: July 25, 2022
 
General Purpose:  Provide opportunities to connect people to God and to the Princeton Church Community.
 
Requirements:
 
Hours: 20 hours per week
Member of Princeton Christian Reformed Church
Familiarity (or willingness to learn) Planning Center Online
Experience with individual and group discipleship
Ability to discern and apply biblical and Reformed discipleship material.
 
Responsibilities:
 
Connecting people to God (50%)

• Discipleship & Care
  • One on One discipleship as needed
  • Assist in Leadership and Oversight of Coffee Break Ministry.
  • Assist in Leadership of Griefshare ministry.
  • Provide Leadership to Princeton’s Small Group ministries.
    • Recruit Train and Equip group leaders
    • Maintain opportunities for new people to join groups and be connected to others
• Assist Elders and Visiting Team in providing adequate care and connection between members.
• Work with the Lead Pastor to mentor individuals through the profession of faith process.
• Preach occasionally (when mutually agreed upon and  to be paid as honorarium)
• Administer sacraments occasionally and when appropriate. (when mutually agreed upon.)

 
Connecting people to one another. (25%)

• Coordinate and Lead the work of the Outreach Team.
  • Ensure there is good and regular communication with members and visitors.
• Assist in leadership of connecting teams. (Visiting team (who visit connect with our at-home friends) and the Greeting Card Ministry)
  • Connect the teams and members to the greater vision of Princeton.

• Assist in creating Opportunities for connection (Lunch with the staff, 4th Friday Game nights, Etc.)

Connecting people to the community. (25%)

• Coordinate the IHN program
• Coordinate the oversight of the Princeton Community Garden.
• Maintaining the church’s social media and group with appropriate and timely information.
• In coordination with the care and fellowship team, plan, produce, and execute a variety of internal and external events to connect Princeton to one another and to the community.

Staff Responsibilities

• Attends Monthly Staff Meeting
• Understands and committed to the mission and values of Princeton.
• Reports to Elders a minimum of twice per year.
• Meets with Lead Pastor (weekly)