First Methodist Church of Coushatta, Louisiana is looking for a Pastor. Our current Pastor has retired after faithfully serving the Methodist church for over 37 years. We have recently disaffiliated with the United Methodist Conference. In the future, a decision will be made on whether to remain independent or affiliate with a Wesleyan based conference. This is an interim and transitional position, whose term will be completed if/when a newly designated lead pastor assumes their duties. The Transitional Pastor is eligible to apply for a permanent lead pastor position.

Coushatta is a town in, and the parish seat of, Red River Parish in north Louisiana. It is situated on the east bank of the Red River. We are approximately 45 miles south of Shreveport on U.S. Highway 71.

First Methodist Church of Coushatta desires a Pastor that lives as a committed disciple of Christ and a student of the Bible. The Pastor must love people and relate to people of all ages and from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds. As our religious leader, it is also important to lead with sincerity, humility and with a passionate drive to provide pastoral care for the needs of both the congregation and community. The pastor should demonstrate high moral character, integrity and adhere to scripture based in the Wesleyan traditions and theology. Likewise, the Pastor must exhibit a desire to cooperate with congregations from varied church backgrounds while faithfully articulating a mission, vision, values, and strategy that fulfill the Great Commission and bring glory to God.

Experience Requirements:

We’re looking for a Pastor who possesses the following requirements:

• Ordained

• Public speaking proficiency (proven clear and effective communicator)

• Theological perspective aligning with the Wesleyan/ Methodist

Responsibilities (in line with Pastoral responsibilities found in 2016 Book of Discipline) include:

• Serve as preaching and teaching pastor

• Plan and lead Sunday worship services

• Lead the ordinances of Baptism and Communion

• Officiate weddings as requested

• Visit the sick and officiate funerals as requested

• Visit members and prospective church attendees

• Provide biblical-based spiritual counseling

• Disciple and grow the local body

• Encourage, support and assist with local missions

• Ensure the pulpit is supplied with a qualified preacher on any Sunday he/she is not in attendance

Schedule:

• Holidays

• Monday-Thursday, Sunday. Friday and Saturday are scheduled days off unless asked to be available.

• On call

• Weekend availability

• starting minimum of 2 weeks of vacation time per year

Salary: $40K-$50K per year

Housing: Parsonage adjacent to the church. 3BR, 2 bath, 2 car covered garage.

All resumes should include a cover letter, ministry experience, and references. Clear background checks will be required. If interested in applying for this position, please mail your resume to: First Methodist Church of Coushatta: Pastor Search Committee P.O. Box 487, Coushatta LA, 71019