What are the responsibilities and job description for the Pastor/Church Planter position at Providence Reformed Church?
We are seeking a qualified man to serve as the founding pastor of a confessional Reformed Presbyterian church plant in Bellefontaine, Ohio, serving Logan County and surrounding communities in west-central Ohio. Our church plant is in the early stages, with a core group of people, strong local interest, and a growing desire to establish a lasting Reformed gospel witness in a rural and small-town context where the Reformed tradition is largely unknown.
Bellefontaine is enjoying a season of revitalization and growth, with a very close-knit small-town feel. Situated within an easy commute to Columbus, Dayton, Lima, and Springfield, many families are moving here from cities for the lower cost of living and welcoming community vibe.
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.
Qualifications
We are seeking a man who:
● Meets the biblical qualifications for an elder as set forth in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus
1.
● Agrees substantially with the Westminster Standards and our confessional Reformed Presbyterian convictions, with openness to paedocommunion.
● Holds a theological degree or demonstrates a willingness to complete one.
● Is able to preach expository, Christ-centered, application-rich sermons that draw people into Reformed riches.
● Demonstrates pastoral warmth, humility, maturity, winsome persuasion, and a servant-hearted spirit.
● Has a heart for evangelism, discipleship, and church planting.
● Can lead patiently in a startup setting that requires flexibility, initiative, and wise administration.
● Is able to 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.
Compensation
This is a full-time position. Compensation includes:
● Salary commensurate with experience and calling.
● Housing provided.
● Additional ministry support details available during the search process.
About Our Setting
Bellefontaine is benefiting from community revitalization, with thriving businesses and state-wide recognition as "Ohio's most lovable small town." Logan County has a solid economic base in agriculture, manufacturing, trades, and small businesses, alongside easy commutes to Columbus, Dayton, Springfield, Lima, and other cities. This draws families from urban areas seeking affordability and close-knit small-town life, creating a strategic location for a Reformed church plant amid sparse Presbyterian witness and growing interest in Reformed theology.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit:
● A current resume or ministry profile.
● A brief statement of faith and ministerial convictions (including views on paedocommunion).
● A sample sermon link or manuscript.
● References from current or recent ministry leaders.
● Evidence of theological education or commitment to pursue it.
Pay: $45,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
Salary : $45,000 - $75,000