Religious | Presbyterian Church in America
Full-Time
Posted: Jul 1, 2026
Application Deadline: Oct 31, 2026
Description
First Church Boxford exists to glorify God by making and maturing disciples of Jesus Christ in Boxford, the North Shore and Merrimack Valley, and beyond. Rooted in God’s Word and sustained by His grace, we seek to be a faithful community of worship, discipleship, and service.
As a historic congregation (founded in 1701) with a rich heritage of gospel ministry, we are committed to proclaiming Christ, nurturing authentic Christian community, and equipping believers to live out their faith in everyday life. Everything we do flows from our desire to love God, love one another, and share the hope of the gospel with our neighbors and the world.
First Church joined the PCA in June 2026 and is a Mission Church of the Southern New England Presbytery, with the session of Center Grace Church in Beverly, MA, serving as the temporary session. We are a revitalizing congregation, financially stable but needing a pastor and ruling elders in place in order to particularize.
Situated on 11 acres in the heart of Boxford Village, MA, our beautiful facilities include a 19th-century meeting house, a recently-built Family Life Center, a 3,000+ sq ft manse, meeting rooms and classrooms.
To learn more about First Church Boxford, please explore our website or contact us directly.
Job Description: Pastor
Job Summary: First Church is looking for a full time Pastor to work alongside our temporary session to shepherd our congregation, serving in all aspects of pastoral ministry in the church. Necessary areas of focus will include preaching, teaching, community outreach, and discipleship/community-building. Other focus areas may be explored based on the giftings and experience of the Pastor and the current needs of the church.
Primary Roles & Responsibilities:
- Preaching regularly
- Teaching regularly
- Cultivating a readiness in the congregation to share the gospel in various callings and contexts
- Leading the worship services and administering the sacraments
- Moderating the session
- Training and developing officers with the goal of particularizing
- Overseeing the nurture and development of the congregation through relationship building, large and small group activities and retreats, mentorship, outreach and community engagement
- Encouraging service to the church and community
- Shepherding the congregation through the means of relational connection, pastoral care and counsel
Other Responsibilities:
Moderating all session meetings, attending weekly staff meetings and other staff functions as necessary. Assisting in support of the diaconate, staff, ministry leaders and committees. As a member of the Southern New England Presbytery, serving on committees and commissions as time allows.
Additional areas of focus (based on gifts/interests/church needs) could include:
Global Missions, Local Outreach, Christian Education, Community Groups, Foster/Adoption Ministry, Music Ministry
Compensation & benefits:
This is a full time, salaried position with benefits. We offer a competitive compensation package that includes a four-bedroom, three-bathroom manse for use by the pastor’s family.
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume and/or MDF, and a preaching sample to RE Corey McLellan, at coreymclellan@gmail.com. We look forward to getting to know you!
Salary: >=$90K
Requirements
Qualifications
Character:
- The most important and essential character qualities of a pastor are outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9
- We seek a servant-hearted Christ-follower, grounded in prayer and the Scriptures and gifted to preach God’s Word with wisdom and authority
- We welcome a variety of personality styles and giftings. Our congregation values compassion, teachability, humility and the ability to relate well to and connect with people of all ages
Education & Experience:
- Completion of an M.Div. degree
- Ordained in the Presbyterian Church in America, (or any NAPARC denomination), or be in immediate pursuit of ordination
- Reformed in theology as articulated in the Westminster Standards
- 3-5 years of ordained or relevant ministry experience preferred
- Experience and passion for church revitalization and/or church planting preferred