Brochure 1 - Langley Immanuel Christian Reformed Church

Pastoral Ministry Needs
The following is the current description of pastoral responsibilities as
adopted by our church council for our previous pastor, Bill Versteeg.
Pastoral Responsibilities: Senior Pastor, LICRC
Prayer:
1. Scripture makes it clear that the primary responsibility for those who
would lead the church is prayer. The Apostles chose deacons so that
they could, in preparation for all their work including preaching, commit
themselves to prayer. Our pastor is expected to immerse himself in prayer.
(“ 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not
be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait
on tables. 3 Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known
to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to
them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”
(Acts 6:2-4)
2. A significant portion of this prayer is to include intercession on behalf of
the congregation. Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, prayed for those
whom he shepherded and those who would come into the flock. Our pastor,
in imitation of the Great Shepherd is expected to spend significant time in
intercessory prayer for the needs of the congregation. (See John 17)
3. We expect prayer to be measured in hours per week on our Pastor’s time
record keeping as along with preaching, it is his primary task.
Preaching:
1. Preaching both services each Sunday with the exception of 14 Sundays
due to holidays (5 weeks), Study Leave (2 weeks) and Discretionary (6 week
intervals, 7 Sundays).
2. Preaches at all special services (Christmas, Good Friday, Easter,
Pentecost, Ascension, New Year’s, and Reformation Day) and any other that
the Council may deem “special.”
3. Officiate on request at weddings and funerals of congregational members.
Make effort to attend funeral while on holidays if possible, compensated for
this in additional time.
Teaching:
1. The evening service will generally focus on “teaching” topics that may
range from studies from the Catechism to topics applicable to church,
family and societal issues.
2. Provide pre-marital counselling to couples. Will utilize the “Saving
Marriage Before it Comes,” course. Two sessions. Total of 5 hours.
3. Teach a Profession of Faith Class: Twice a year. Six evenings for each.
Two and one-half hours each evening.