Nihongo Mission Pastor

Position Description

The Mission of the Nihongo Ministry of the Japanese Presbyterian Church (Presby) is:

日本語を話す人々に働きかけ     聖書の言葉に養われ     イエスキリストの救いを信じ

共に神を礼拝する信者を育てる。

"To reach out to Japanese-speaking people with the message of salvation in Jesus Christ, to be equipped by the Word of God, and to worship together."

The Nihongo Mission Pastor will provide leadership toward the fulfillment of this mission.  This position may be filled by either a lay or ordained minister.  Whether lay or ordained, it is vital that this person have the heart of a missionary.

God has called the Japanese-speaking ministry of Presby (Nihongo Ministry) to a mission of reaching Japanese-speaking people in the region with the good news of Jesus Christ.  It is a mission of evangelism (outward), discipleship (inward) and worship (upward).  A significant opportunity exists for the Nihongo Mission Pastor to carry out the above stated mission in partnership with the existing lay leadership group.  The Nihongo Mission Pastor will report to the Session and is supervised by the Pastor, Head of Staff but the day-to-day working of the Nihongo Ministry will largely be carried out in concert with the Nihongo Roundtable. 

This position will be funded for 25 hours/week by the Japanese Presbyterian Church.  The person filling the position may raise self-supporting funds up to 50 hours/week.  In addition, free use of a church owned manse, including all utilities as well as medical coverage will be provided.

This Japanese-speaking mission is a ministry of a primarily English-speaking church.  While the ministry of the Nihongo Mission Pastor will be with and to Japanese-speaking people, there will also be significant communication and interaction in English-speaking contexts.

Qualifications:

1. Bible School training or equivalent
2. Proven effective ministry experience
3. Bilingual – English & Japanese

Ministry responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, the following:

1. Promote the spread of the Gospel with the goal that Japanese-speaking people become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.
2. Equip and mobilize believers for service and ministries effectively advancing the purposes of the Kingdom of God in reaching others with the life found in Jesus Christ.
3. Lead and engage in the spiritual growth of believers, especially through teaching and training, so they grow toward spiritual maturity and become faithful and fruitful disciples of Jesus Christ.
4. Plan the Nihongo worship services, provide and proclaim sermons at least 2 times each month, and arrange for pulpit supply as needed in consultation with the Nihongo Ministry Roundtable.

In addition, as a member of the staff, the Nihongo Mission Pastor will:

1. Participate in staff meetings as they occur.
2. Moderate the Nihongo Ministry Roundtable.
3. Participate in meetings of the Session, and appropriately in activities of the Presbytery.

Interested parties should contact the church office (contact information listed on the home page).