My Job Description

What do I do all day? This is a list I started in 2012. It’s not comprehensive, but it’s an attempt to capture the variety of what I might be doing from one day to the next. Also, I’m not going to cheat and add this, but I should be listing prayer under each of these areas.

In no particular order…

WORSHIP

Sundays

• plan service
• plan and proof bulletins
• plan seasonal liturgies (Lent, Pentecost, Advent, etc.)
• study for and write sermons
• attend clergy sermon group meetings, weekly
• lead Sunday service and preach
• oversee ministry leadership (lectors, ushers, chalice bearers, acolytes)
• collaborate on music w/ music director
• collaborate with the altar guild
• arrange supply priests and other leadership when I go on vacation

Other Worship Services

• write sermons for special events: funerals, weddings, Holy Week
• coordinate, plan, and officiate at weddings & funerals
• coordinate special liturgies and participants (Christmas, Holy Week, Pet Blessing, Rogation, All Saints, Pentecost, Feast of St. Benedict…)

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION / FORMATION

• Wednesday Night Bible Study: prep and lead weekly
• Sunday seminars: coordinate topics, coordinate other speakers, prepare & lead sessions
• Sunday School: recruit and coordinate teachers, communicate with parents, plan other activities, oversee curriculum and program
• Inquirers’ Class: plan and teach in Lent (6 classes, meets weekly)
• Lent and Advent: research, order, and distribute special devotion materials
• Baptismal preparation with parents or adult candidates
• Confirmation: preparation with teens or adults
• Ordination process: teach, guide, and prepare those who feel called to be deacons or priests to enter the process, first at the local and then diocesan level

PROGRAMMING, ACTIVITIES, EVENTS

• coordinate with lay leaders on various projects and events
• visits to ministries/groups
• retreat planning (occasional)

COMMUNICATIONS

• ensuring that events, logistics changes, , etc, are communicating clearly and effectively
• maintain email communications
• answer voicemail
• coordinate newsletter articles with newsletter editor
• write newsletter column, monthly
• update website
• facilitate announcements in the bulletin
• point person for the church calendar of events
• write thank you notes

PASTORAL CARE

• individual meetings with parishioners (one-on-ones)
• pastoral care via email, phone call, text message, and in passing
• pastoral visits to hospital
• stay in touch with elderly members with visits and phone calls
• pray for parishioners and their families
• counseling individuals or couples
• pre-marital counseling
• meeting with families to plan funerals
• presence with members in times of crisis

EVANGELISM

• connect with newcomers
  • in person
  • by note, email, or phone call
  • meet for coffee
• update website and make sure its design is clear and hospitable
• ensure that narthex and sanctuary are welcoming and hospitable
• ensure that bulletin and paper materials are welcoming and hospitable
• ensure that church events are being publicized well
• ensure that newcomers are being included in events and invited into leadership, as appropriate
• attend local community events (high school, village, church networks)

ADMINISTRATIVE

• serve as liaison to the diocese and national church
• stay connected to finance team and church finances
• plan and attend wardens’ meetings (monthly)
• serve as liaison to stewardship and fundraising planning (fall)
• serve as liaison to building and grounds needs
• oversee groups that rent or use our space
• log services and attendance numbers
• log membership and contact information
• prepare annual report on attendance and membership numbers
• prepare report and agenda, and chair Annual Meeting (January)

CONGREGATIONAL & LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

• empower leaders to share in carrying out the mission and vision of our congregation
• guard our healthy communication, and the integrity of our mission and vision
• serve on the Bishop’s Committee (“BC”) (monthly meetings)
• prepare agendas for wardens’ meetings
• share leadership practices with BC and other leaders
• plan, coordinate, and lead BC retreat (annual)
• inspire congregation with vision and dreams of what is possible
• pray for guidance

PERSONNEL

• staff supervision
  • weekly meetings with music director
  • check-ins with nursery caretaker and secretary
  • sign timesheets
  • supervise vacation and sick time off
  • performance review for music director (annual)
• hiring and interviewing, as needed
  • advertise position, update job description, and review resumes
  • interviews by phone and in person
  • finalize Letter of Agreement, background check, and tax documentation
  • train new staff
• supervision of Keeping God’s People Safe Training

DIOCESAN PARTICIPATION

• Serve as a member of the Commission on Ministry (monthly meetings, read files, attend retreats)
• Attend Diocesan Convention (November)
• Attend Clergy Days (Lent, other) and Clergy Conference (October)
• Meet with liaisons from Congregations Commission and Bishop and Trustees
• Complete paperwork for Bishop and Trustees’ financial support and mission evaluations
• Deanery meetings (quarterly)
• Attend ordinations and installations of other clergy (3x times a year or so)

PERSONAL SPIRITUAL LIFE AND GROWTH

• personal bible study
• prayer life
• Clergy Quiet Days
• retreats
• spiritual reading
• clergy bible study (weekly)
• clergy support group (monthly)