Pastor

Pastoral Search

Toledo, Ohio

We are seeking a pastor who senses God's call to shepherd a congregation that treasures its history while embracing the opportunities of the future. We believe the right person will see tremendous potential—not simply in our beautiful building, but in the people God has assembled here.

Welcome

Dear Prospective Pastor,

Thank you for taking the time to learn about First Congregational Church.

For nearly two centuries, God has faithfully used this church to proclaim the Gospel in Toledo. As we prayerfully seek our next pastor, we are looking for more than someone to fill a position—we are seeking a spiritual leader who shares our passion for Christ, His Word, and His Church.

We believe God has exciting days ahead for First Church, and we invite you to prayerfully consider whether He may be calling you to join us.

Our Story

Founded in 1833, First Congregational Church is the oldest Protestant congregation established within the original boundaries of Toledo.

Our historic sanctuary, completed in 1916, is home to breathtaking Tiffany-stained glass windows and has stood as a beacon of faith in Toledo's historic Old West End for generations.

While we treasure our history, we are not content simply preserving the past.

We believe our greatest ministry is still ahead.

Our Mission

To glorify God by:

• Proclaiming Jesus Christ
• Making disciples
• Loving our community
• Serving others
• Equipping believers for ministry
• Passing our faith to future generations

What Makes First Church Unique?

Highlight:

• Historic architecture
• Beautiful worship space
• Tiffany-stained glass
• Vintage Skinner Organ
• Traditional yet welcoming worship
• Blended worship of praise music along with traditional hymns
• Livestream capabilities
• Active missions
• Food pantry ministry
• Women's Fellowship
• Community outreach

We Are Looking for Someone Who...

Loves Jesus First

·       Someone whose personal relationship with Christ overflows into every aspect of ministry.

Biblical Preacher

·       A pastor who faithfully teaches God's Word in a way that is both biblically sound and practically relevant.

Shepherd

·       Someone who genuinely loves people and invests deeply in pastoral care.

Visionary Leader

·       We desire someone who can help lead our church into a new season of growth while respecting our heritage.

Community Builder

·       Someone who sees the church as more than Sunday morning and desires to engage the surrounding community.

Technology Minded

·       We recognize that effective ministry today extends beyond the walls of the church.

·       We're looking for a pastor who embraces technology to:

• Expand outreach
• Improve communication
• Strengthen discipleship
• Grow online ministry
• Connect with younger generations

Leadership Developer

Someone who equips others rather than doing ministry alone.

As Ephesians 4 teaches, we believe pastors are called to equip the saints for the work of ministry.

Responsibilities

Spiritual Leadership

• Lead the congregation spiritually
• Preach weekly
• Administer Communion
• Conduct baptisms
• Lead prayer
• Biblical teaching

Pastoral Care

• Hospital visitation
• Counseling
• Weddings
• Funerals
• Member care

Church Leadership

• Work alongside Deacons
• Support Ministry Leaders
• Help develop future leaders
• Encourage volunteer engagement

Community Outreach

• Build partnerships
• Represent First Church in the community
• Evangelism
• Local missions

Administrative Leadership

• Staff leadership
• Vision planning
• Strategic growth
• Communication
• Church operations

Qualifications

Ideal candidates will possess:

• Ordination (Congregational or equivalent)
• Strong biblical teaching ability
• Excellent communication skills
• Demonstrated pastoral leadership
• Heart for discipleship
• Experience leading change with wisdom
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Organizational leadership
• Passion for church growth
• Ability to minister across multiple generations

Our Vision for the Future

We desire a pastor who will help us:

• Grow spiritually
• Grow numerically
• Reach young families
• Honor our traditions
• Expand community ministry
• Develop new leaders
• Preserve our historic campus
• Utilize technology effectively
• Strengthen online ministry
• Build a thriving future while honoring our rich past

Compensation

• Competitive salary

(Specific compensation will be shared with qualified candidates.)

Application Process

We are prayerfully seeking God's direction throughout this search.

If you believe God may be calling you to First Congregational Church, please submit the following materials:

Required Application Materials

• Current resume
• Cover letter sharing your testimony and sense of calling
• At least three professional or ministry references
• A link to one or more recent sermons (video preferred)
• Statement of faith (if available)
• Ministry philosophy (optional but encouraged)

Applications may be submitted to: pastorsearch@firstchurchtoledo.com please make the subject line: Pastoral Search Committee

"Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain." — Psalm 127:1

We covet your prayers as we seek the individual God has already prepared to lead First Congregational Church into its next chapter of faithful ministry.