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Learn more about Bella Vista Community Church and what we are looking for in an Associate Pastor.
POSITION OPEN DUE TO RETIREMENT:Immediate
opening for Associate Pastor of Pastoral Care and Discipleship in
dynamic, interdenominational Bella Vista Community Church, located in
the beautiful hills of the Ozarks. This non-charismatic
church has approximately 1,400 members from over 30
Christian denominations. Church programs include pastoral care, Stephen
Ministry, ChristCare Small Group Ministry, and parish nurse, youth,
music, and outreach programs. This individual will serve as one of two
associate pastors to the senior pastor, with the primary responsibility
of pastoral care. A Masters of Divinity or its equivalent from an
accredited seminary and at least two years of experience in pastoral
care are required to apply. Salary commensurate with education and
experience.
Job Description:
Location:Spectacular Bella Vista is a growing and affordable community of 26,000 (http://bellavistapoa.com) in Northwest Arkansas. This flourishing city and area offer a number of amenities
.
Applications will be received until August 15, 2011. Cover letters and resumes may be mailed to:
Search Committee
Bella Vista Community Church
75 E. Lancashire Blvd.
Bella Vista, AR 72714
or emailed to:
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Please contact the church office with any questions: 479.855.1126
Position DescriptionPosition: Associate Pastor of Pastoral Care and Discipleship
Reports to: Senior Pastor
Qualifications:
Attributes:
Responsibilities:The Associate Pastor is responsible to the Senior Pastor for the following:
ProfileBiblical Qualifications:1 Timothy 3:1-7 An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Since an overseer is entrusted with God’s work, he must be blameless – not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. Titus 1:6-9 I. Personal Character and Walk with God Needs to have a consistent devotional life of prayer and Bible study. Applicant’s devotional life should lead them to be ethical in business dealings and a good citizen of the community. II. Leadership Style Should have a leadership style that is familiar with a large church and comfortably accepts the example of servant-hood set by Jesus in John 13 where he washed the disciples’ feet. Applicant is expected to be able to speak uncomfortable truths with courage and authority. III. Experience and Education Requirements Must have two (2) years of full-time ministry in pastoral care, however at least five (5) is preferable. Applicant must have a Master of Divinity from an accredited seminary. We strongly prefer someone who has had clinical pastoral education training. IV. Philosophy of Ministry Must have a clear sense of calling to pastoral care and discipleship ministries. Applicant needs to be a team player with a philosophy of ministry that is compatible with the Senior Pastor’s, with our Constitution and By-Laws, and with our mission and vision statements. Applicant must be willing to work in an interdenominational setting accepting all Christians. V. Faith Development Needs
to have a strong faith that is evident by their personal commitment to
Christ, with a willingness to share their faith with non-Christians and
to attend continuing education events to grow in their faith.
Bella Vista Community Church
Profile
Sharing Our Profile Bella Vista Community Church is located in Bella Vista Village, a beautiful residential area in the Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas. While the majority of our congregation is 65 years of age or over, early retirement and an influx of young families into the community are increasing the number of younger members. It should be noted that our retirees are well-educated, very active and comparatively young people who are used to fine community living and church responsibility. A Short History of Our Church
Bella
Vista Community Church was chartered in 1974 as an interdenominational
church. It is growing and today has over 1,400 members - the largest
congregation in Bella Vista. Two services are offered each Sunday, 8:30
and 10:15 a.m., with an average total attendance of 750.
Most
Bella Vista residents have moved here from eleven Midwestern states
between Texas and Minnesota, but all states are represented. Bella
Vista Community church has members from 28 denominations.
Physical Plant
Our
beautiful house of worship was built and dedicated in 1980 on land
donated by Cooper Communities, the developer of Bella Vista. A chapel,
classrooms, and an office wing were added in 1984-85. More class and
meeting rooms and an expansion of our Fellowship Hall and kitchen were
completed in 1992. There is no parsonage.
From
its earliest days, Bella Vista Community Church has taken the
"community" in its name seriously, providing meeting space for community
organizations such as the community band, and a number of Alcoholics
Anonymous, Al-Anon, and Gamblers Anonymous groups.
Staff
Our professional staff consists of a
Senior Pastor and two Associate Pastors, plus a Director of Music and a
Parish Nurse Program, which actively seeks to serve the physical and
spiritual needs of its parishioners. The office duties are covered by
an Office Manager/Financial Secretary and two Secretaries.
Some of Our Programs
In
addition to conducting our two services of worship on Sundays, our
pastors lead Bible study groups and occasional book studies. Individual
counseling and visiting shut-ins and hospitalized members are very
important pastoral responsibilities.
The
governing body of the church is the Board of Ministries, made up of
officers elected by the congregation plus the chairpersons of the
Ministries of Church Growth, Worship, Member Care, Outreach, and
Christian Education. These all meet monthly during daytime hours. Our
pastors are ex-officio members.
The Sanctuary Choir consists of 50 members and we also have adult and youth bell choirs.
The
Stephen Ministry Program, with the Associate Pastor for Pastoral Care
and Discipleship serving as a liaison, trains and supervises lay persons
who provide one-on-one Christian care to individuals facing life
challenges and difficulties. The program has over 20 highly-trained,
active Stephen Ministers and several Stephen Ministry Leaders who form a
strong lay ministry team sharing in the pastoral care ministry of the
church.
The
ChristCare Small Group Ministry, also developed by Stephen Ministries
of St. Louis, provides extensive training, resources, and support to
develop Christ-centered, life-changing small groups in the
congregation. Each group of five to twelve people focus on four
activities: community building and care, Biblical Equipping, prayer and
worship, and missional service. The Associate Pastor for Pastoral Care
and Discipleship serves as liaison for this ministry, which currently
has four Equippers, fourteen active Small Group Leaders, and eight
ChristCare Groups, with two more to begin in the fall.
Our
Church's Parish Nurse Program encourages healthy, God-centered living.
The parish nurses provide health education and counseling, lead various
support groups, blood pressure clinics, and also support the pastors in
providing pastoral care.
Our
youth and children's ministry is directed by the Associate Pastor for
Young Families and Students, and by our Director of Children's
Ministry. Sunday school for all ages is available, and there are also
Wednesday night activities for youth and their parents.
These
are just a few of the many programs offered. For more information
about Bella Vista Community Church and the ways in which we minister
God's love both within and outside of the congregation, please visit our
website at www.bvcommunitychurch.org. Bella Vista, Arkansas Profile
Bella Vista Village is a retirement/recreational community located in the gently rolling hills of Northwest Arkansas. The village was established and developed as a private retirement community by Cooper Communities, Inc. in 1965. Since the beginning, the area has experienced steady growth. Today, according to the latest census, there are approximately 26,460 residents and approximately 38,400 Bella Vista Village Property Owners Association members, hailing from all 50 states and several countries. Membership in the POA, which now lies within the City of Bella Vista, is determined by ownership of a “lot” or “living unit” within the city.
The POA owns the village’s common property and operates the amenities offered to members and their guests. Village amenities include eight golf courses, seven lakes, four clubhouses with dining facilities, a gun range, RV park, two recreational complexes that offer fitness, tennis and swimming, walking trails, and a wide range of social and cultural activities. The POA is responsible for the water system and the amenities of Bella Vista. The City of Bella Vista is governed by a mayor and six city council members and is responsible for many of the municipal services, including trash service and street maintenance. The city is also responsible for the police and fire departments.
While it continues to attract many retirees, Bella Vista’s proximity to nearby communities that are home to major corporations has drawn many working people and young families to live there as well. People who want natural beauty, four distinct seasons, affordable housing, excellent schools, and low property taxes find those needs met in Bella Vista.
Bella
Vista has been recognized as one of the foremost cities in the state
for volunteer involvement in several hundred different activities. Recently ranked one of America’s top 10 healthy places to retire by U.S. News and World Report, and one of the top 25 places for affordable homes by CNNMoney.com and Money Magazine, Bella Vista is a desirable community that people of all ages gladly call “home.”
Community Profile
Cultural Life The Ozark hills are alive with music, from the Symphony of North Arkansas to local bands. Bella Vista has its own community band and many vocal performing groups. There are a number of community theater companies in the area, and the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville offers a wide variety of arts and entertainment, from classical musicians such as internationally renowned violinist Joshua Bell to the ever popular Broadway show series.
Due to open on November 11, 2011, the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in nearby Bentonville will house a permanent collection of masterworks ranging from colonial masterpieces (such as Gilbert Stuart’sGeorge Washington) to contemporary works. It will include approximately 100,000 square feet housing gallery, library, meeting, and office space, as well as a 250-seat auditorium, an outdoor area for concerts and public events, a sculpture garden, and walking trails.
Education Bella Vista is home to Cooper Elementary School, offering kindergarten through 5th grade. Secondary school students attend campuses in Bentonville or Gravette, depending upon their residential location within Bella Vista.
A number of higher education opportunities are available within 50 miles of Bella Vista, including Northwest Arkansas Community College in Bentonville, and two four-year institutions, University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and John Brown University in Siloam Springs. NWACC has a satellite location in Bella Vista; its College at the Crossing provides lifelong learning for all Bella Vista residents.
Recreation Bella Vista is well-known for its six 18-hole and two 9-hole golf courses, offering a choice for every skill level. It boasts seven beautiful lakes for fishing, boating, and other water sports. Bella Vista also offers 13 parks, several with pavilions, and miles of walking trails. There are two outdoor swimming pools, a miniature golf course, and two fitness centers, one with an indoor pool. Several of the park areas have tennis courts, and a new tennis center is slated for completion in June 2011. There is also a lighted softball field for the young at heart.
Healthcare Residents of Bella Vista are fortunate to have access to several nearby healthcare systems, providing a full range of services. The largest is Northwest Health System, which operates three hospitals in Northwest Arkansas. The nearest of the three, in Bentonville, has 130 beds and offers services including cardiac care, emergency medicine, and a nearby physicians clinic. Northwest also operates a doctors’ clinic in Bella Vista.
The Mercy Medical Center in nearby Rogers is the newest facility in the area. The 200-bed hospital boasts full services and state-of-the-art equipment. Mercy Physicians Plaza is located in an attached facility for patient convenience.
Shopping Nestled in the wooded beauty of the Ozarks, Northwest Arkansas is a shopping oasis. From upscale boutiques to rustic antiques, the region offers one-of-a-kind shops as well as modern shopping centers and the newest, an outdoor “lifestyle” mall in Rogers
Dining Northwest Arkansas offers an abundance of quality restaurants, both chain and independently owned eateries.
Airports There are four airports in the area. The nearest, Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA), is located at Highfill, just 14 miles from Bella Vista. Six
airlines currently serve this airport, and the completion of another
concourse, currently under construction, will allow the facility to
accommodate additional carriers. BY-LAWS ARTICLE XVIII: Ministers
The
Ministers are responsible for the spiritual leadership of the church as
Ministers of the Word and Counselors to the Congregation. As the
Church grows, the size of the Ministerial Staff will be increased as
needed.
A. MINISTERIAL PERSONNEL:
The Ministerial Staff will consist of a Senior Minister and Associate Ministers. The Senior Minister and Associate Ministers are to be chosen on the basis of congregational needs. 1. POLICY:
The Church will have at last one minister available at all times.
2. PROCEDURE:
The Senior Minister will be responsible for assuring that
ministers' schedules are coordinated. B. PREREQUISITES FOR POSITION OF MINISTERS:
1. ACADEMIC:
a. Bachelor's Degree - 4 year college or university.
b. Master of Divinity - 3 year degree, or equivalent, from a
school accredited by the American Association of
Theological Schools.
2. PHILOSOPHICAL AND THEOLOGICAL COMMITMENT:
Subscribes to the statement of faith, mission and membership
of Bella Vista Community Church.
3. EXPERIENCE
The Senior Minister must have a minimum of five to ten years
Ministerial experience that prepares him/her for the needs of
Bella Vista Community Church. Associate Ministers should have
at least a minimum of two years Ministerial experience. This
requirement may be waived in the case of an outstanding
seminary student with exceptional qualities. Youth minister
candidates should have at least two years experience and have
clearly demonstrated his/her self to be an outstanding Christian
leader in working with youth.
4. PERSONAL SKILLS AND TALENTS:
a. Excellence in preaching and teaching, combined with strong
leadership qualities and high commitment to Ministerial care
and counseling.
b. Energetic self-starter with a friendly personality.
c. Administrative, organizational ability.
d. Personal integrity and involvement in community activities.
e. The Senior Minister and Associate Ministers may not have
strengths in all skills, but each should complement the others. C. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SENIOR
MINISTER:
1. Provide direction to the Ministerial Staff and to the
congregation to achieve and maintain a high level of
spiritual and administrative leadership.
2. Define and coordinate areas of responsibility for the Associate
Ministers, who will have access to the Senior Minister on a
continuing basis for counsel, advice and direction.
3. Define and assign duties and responsibilities for the Church
staff, and provide direction and supervision for these employees.
4. Assist the Ministerial Liaison Committee and the Personnel
Committee in employment, performance evaluations, and
counseling of the Church staff.
5. The Senior Minister will be an ex-officio member of the Board
of Ministries, and all other organizations, boards and committees
of the Church.
D. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF ASSOCIATE
MINISTERS:
1. Leadership, development and direction in their area of ministry.
2. Coordinate spiritual goals, objectives and projected developments
with the Senior Minister.
3. At least one minister will be available at all times.
4. Associate Ministers will be ex-officio members of the Board of
Ministries, and all other organizations, boards and committees of
the Church, if assigned by the Senior Pastor.
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