Pastor/Church Planter: Providence Reformed Church

Job Description

Providence Reformed Church is a new confessional Reformed church plant in Bellefontaine, Ohio, serving Logan County and surrounding communities in west-central Ohio. In its early stages, we have a core group of six committed families, strong local interest, and a growing desire to establish a lasting Reformed gospel witness in a rural and small‑town context where the Presbyterian tradition is largely unknown. Bellefontaine is experiencing revitalization and growth, with many families moving from larger cities for its affordability and close‑knit community.

We are committed to historic Presbyterianism, the Westminster Standards, covenant theology, the ordinary means of grace, strong Lord’s Day worship, household discipleship, evangelism, and long‑term kingdom optimism. We need a shepherd‑builder who preaches the Word faithfully, gathers and disciples people patiently, establishes biblical order, and leads with warm, winsome persuasion—helping ordinary Ohioans discover the beauty and richness of Reformed faith, worship, and life.

Primary Responsibilities

• Preach and teach the whole counsel of God with clarity, warmth, confessional fidelity, and persuasive joy.
• Shepherd the flock through pastoral care, counseling, visitation, prayer, and encouragement.
• Lead public worship in a reverent, joyful, and distinctly Reformed Presbyterian manner.
• Help develop the church’s culture, membership process, discipleship pathways, and leadership structure.
• Evangelize in the community and equip the congregation for gospel witness, emphasizing the winsome appeal of Reformed theology.
• Work with the core group and church‑planting leadership to provide wise, orderly oversight.
• Give attention to household discipleship, catechesis, and the formation of covenant families.
• Guide the church toward eventual membership in a confessional Reformed Presbyterian denomination.

Position Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Meet the biblical qualifications for an elder as set forth in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1.
• Agree substantially with the Westminster Standards and our confessional Reformed Presbyterian convictions, with openness to paedocommunion.
• Hold a theological degree or demonstrate a willingness to complete one.
• Be able to preach expository, Christ‑centered, application‑rich sermons that draw people into Reformed riches.
• Demonstrate pastoral warmth, humility, maturity, winsome persuasion, and a servant‑hearted spirit.
• Have a heart for evangelism, discipleship, and church planting.
• Be able to lead patiently in a start‑up setting that requires flexibility, initiative, and wise administration.
• Build trust and ministry momentum in a small‑town setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior church‑planting or revitalization experience.
• Experience in pastoral ministry, especially in a Reformed or Presbyterian context.
• Familiarity with liturgical worship and psalm/hymn‑singing traditions.
• Ability to connect well with blue‑collar, agricultural, trades, and small‑business communities.
• Experience discipling families and leading household‑oriented ministry.