Walnut Hill Church is an ecumenical church, springing from a historic relationship with the Episcopal and Presbyterian traditions, relating to and seeking unity and understanding of all Christian church traditions. We welcome all people who seek God’s love and comfort. We believe that the true basis of Christian fellowship is love which is greater than all our differences and without this love we have no claim to Christian Fellowship.

Our mission is to provide public worship, the apostolic ministry of word and sacrament, religious instruction, pastoral care and counseling, and a witness to the community of the need for life and work in the name of Jesus.

Walnut Hill Church was established in 1785 on land donated by Mary Todd Lincolns’ grandfather, Levi Todd. The current sanctuary was constructed in 1801, replacing a log structure and making it the oldest Presbyterian Church building in Kentucky. The church sanctuary, the adjoining Trinity Hall and cemetery are beautifully situated on land registered on the National Registry of Historic Places and are just minutes from downtown Lexington, Kentucky in a lovely country setting.

Desired Experience/Characteristics

Walnut Hill seeks a full-time interim pastor, with at least three years of experience, who is spiritually mature, compassionate, and collaborative. The interim pastor should also be an effective communicator, preacher, and worship leader, who is authentic and possesses the ability to engage people and build relationships.

Functional Areas of Responsibility

The interim pastor will help guide the congregation through a process of assessment and discernment to clarify its present and future priorities in preparation for calling a new pastor and, during this period of transition, will provide continuity through worship services and pastoral care.

Worship

• Plan, prepare, and lead weekly worship services; additional seasonal services (i.e., Advent, Christmas Eve, Easter)
• Select hymns and coordinate with music director regarding other music selections
• Administer sacraments of communion and baptism

Faith Development

• Sunday Morning Topical Conversations
• Select discussion topics and related materials for weekly adult study group
• Facilitate conversation surrounding the topic or study series
• Guide/advise Youth and Children’s Faith Formation activities

Pastoral Care

• Provide pastoral care for members, as needed/requested
• Follow-up with visitors and new attendees
• Conduct emergency or hospital visits, as notified
• Visit homebound members regularly
• Officiate at weddings and funerals

Leadership and Administration

• Lead the congregation through a process of ministry discernment and organizational assessment
• Serve as non-voting member of the Vestry and work together with persons such as Treasurer, Building Chair, Grounds Chair, etc.
• Work cooperatively with 4 part-time staff members (Administrative Assistant, Music Director, Children’s Program Coordinator, Custodian)
• Collaborate with volunteer leaders and teams for events and community service activities, such as:
• Sandwich ministry, in partnership with the Catholic Action Center (monthly)
• Backpack ministry, in partnership with Brenda Cowan Elementary School (weekly/monthly)
• After-service refreshments (weekly)
• Fall and Spring potlucks (semi-annually)
• Ecumenical Sunday (annually)
• Walnut Hill Bike Ride, in partnership with Bluegrass Cycling Club (annually)
• Write/send email communications to the congregation each week and one printed newsletter per month

Term

The position will be for one year and can be extended with mutual agreement. It may be cancelled by either party with 60 days’ notice.