Curate/Assistant to the Rector
Position: Curate/Assistant to the Rector
Location: St. John’s Episcopal Church, Hampton, Virginia, https://stjohnshampton.org/
Reports To: Priest-in-Charge/Rector, the Rev. Lisa M. Erdeljon
Overview
St. John’s, a vibrant, historic, and welcoming Episcopal community, seeks a compassionate and dedicated Curate to join our team. The ideal candidate will be a dynamic, approachable Episcopal priest with a strong commitment to Christian formation, pastoral care, and shared worship leadership. The Curate will play a central role in nurturing the spiritual lives of our congregation of all ages, providing care and guidance, and assisting with liturgy. We are looking for someone who is grounded in hope, has a deep and living faith, and is eager to work collaboratively in a small, active team.
Key Responsibilities
Christian Formation
- Lead, coordinate, and support Christian formation programs for all ages, including children, youth, and adults.
- Develop and facilitate educational opportunities, including Bible studies, adult forums, and confirmation classes.
- Provide mentorship and spiritual guidance to parishioners seeking to deepen their faith. - Promote a culture of lifelong learning and spiritual growth within the congregation.
Pastoral Care
- Provide compassionate pastoral care, including visitation, counseling, and prayer for those in need.
- Assist with providing support for the sick, homebound, grieving, and those in crisis. - Collaborate with the Rector and other church leaders to ensure holistic care for the congregation.
- Support development of lay pastoral care programs.
Worship Leadership
- Share in the leadership and planning of worship services, including the celebration of the Eucharist, preaching, and leading prayers.
- Assist in planning liturgical seasons, feasts, and special services with a focus on meaningful and inclusive worship.
- Offer pastoral presence during worship, providing guidance and leadership as needed.
Team Collaboration
- Work closely with the Rector, staff, and lay leaders to implement ministry goals and support the needs of the congregation.
- Actively participate in staff meetings and planning sessions, bringing fresh ideas and a spirit of cooperation.
- Be flexible and open to taking on a variety of roles and responsibilities within the church community as needs arise.
Qualifications
- Recent seminary graduate. Ordained Episcopal priest, or in the process of ordination, with a deep and authentic faith rooted in the Episcopal tradition.
- Strong commitment to Christian formation and the nurturing of spiritual life in individuals and families.
- Pastoral heart, with the ability to provide empathetic care, especially to those in crisis or experiencing difficult life circumstances.
- Experience in leading worship and preaching, with an understanding of Episcopal liturgy and its rich traditions.
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
- Collaborative, approachable, and a team player with a positive attitude. - A willingness to engage deeply with a historic, tight-knit congregation and work within a flexible team setting.
- Strong communication skills and a desire to build strong, supportive relationships with all members of the church.
- Note: this position has an intentional aspect of mentoring, giving the ideal candidate an opportunity to learn more about nuances of serving as a parish priest. Previous parish experience is not required.
Personal Attributes
- Deep faith in Christ, grounded in hope and an optimistic vision for the church and its future.
- Genuine interest in building relationships with people of all ages and walks of life. - Approachability, warmth, and the ability to relate to people in an open and non judgmental way.
- A commitment to growth in ministry and personal development, including ongoing theological and pastoral education.
- Patience, resilience, and strong time management to honor healthy professional and personal boundaries.
Compensation
- The position includes a competitive salary, benefits, and support for professional development. Specific compensation details will be discussed during the interview process.
- This is a 2-year time-certain position, with the possibility of renewing for a third year, based on performance and available funding.
- Per diocesan practice, insurance is offered to the employee, including health, dental, and vision.
To Apply
Interested candidates should send a resume, a cover letter that speaks to their sense of calling to this role, and contact information for at least three references to
office@stjohnshampton.org, subject: Curate Search. Applications will be accepted until April 15, 2025.
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St. John’s Church is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life to apply.
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This Curate position offers a unique opportunity to serve in a vibrant, active church with a deep commitment to Christian formation, compassionate pastoral care, and meaningful worship. If you are a newly-ordained or soon-to-be-ordained transitional deacon or priest who is passionate about walking alongside others on their faith journeys, building relationships within a close-knit community, and collaborating with a dedicated team, we would love to hear from you.
