Why We Love This Opportunity
This is an incredible opportunity for an experienced leader with a passion for evangelism and outreach. The Missions Director at First Pres Bakersfield will be empowered to design, build, and lead local and global efforts for the lost, the least, and the lonely. This individual will focus their time and energy on raising the temperature for evangelism and outreach at First Pres by networking and creating partnerships in the community and in the world. The Missions Director will also build a strategy to equip and mobilize Christ-Followers to impact the places and people in Bakersfield and beyond.
Church or Org Description
For more than 130 years, First Pres has been illuminating Jesus from the heart of downtown Bakersfield. First Pres has a rich history of collaborative leadership between staff and volunteers. Staff surrounds themselves with people who have both passion and gifts for a specific area of ministry; prayerfully imagine God’s desire for that area of ministry; then implement God’s vision for the greatest kingdom benefit.
First Pres believes every member is a minister. This is why their mission is to invite People into Meaningful Life through knowing Christ, loving one another, and blessing the world. They encourage the congregation to actively express their personal story of faith with neighbors, friends, and co-workers; invite others to join them at First Pres; and actively serve in the greater community.
First Pres is located in downtown Bakersfield, often described as the biggest small town in California. It is a community that has ample opportunities for children and families – from recreation to education, sports to the arts – both locally and within a two-hour drive. While hosting a large population, the residents of Kern County have a genuine love and concern for one another.
Position Description
The Director of Missions at First Presbyterian Church serves as the primary staff person responsible for strengthening the Missions ministry among our membership. Working in conjunction with the Pastoral Staff and Missions Committee, the Director is tasked with encouraging, empowering, and facilitating the congregation in its ongoing effort of “inviting people into meaningful life through… blessing the world.” This will be accomplished by working within a ministry plan developed in collaboration with the Pastoral Staff and Missions Committee.
This team member will direct First Pres’s local and global mission endeavors and initiatives. The Director will seek to maintain and grow existing partnerships; help discern and identify possible new mission opportunities; and serve as a bridge between the congregation, missionary partners, programs, and activities.
