The Congregation:

HopeGateWay is a denominationally independent community of faith with long and deep Methodist roots in Portland, Maine. Today we are old and young, lifelong Mainers and new immigrants, gay and straight, and differently abled. We are “cradle Christians” and newly exploring faith — full of questions, often skeptical, striving to be authentic. We are rethinking what it means to follow Christ — or considering this question for the first time. Together, in all our great diversity, filled with hope, we are striving to do justice, and love kindness, and walk humbly with God. 

• Our Vision: We envision a world that embraces community, celebrates inclusivity, expresses creativity, seeks transformation, and practices simplicity.
• Our Mission: Inspired by the words of Micah 6:8, our mission is to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God.

Statement of Purpose: 

The Intergenerational Pastor works closely with the Lead Pastor and the Administrator to deepen and enrich a diverse, intergenerational beloved community where all are valued, welcomed, and enabled to use their gifts as well as find ways to connect and stay spiritually grounded even through challenging times.

The ideal candidate will be seeking the opportunity to grow personally, professionally, and spiritually, not only serving in the church but also contributing one’s personal gifts to the collective task of discerning and embracing HopeGateWay’s future.

Responsibilities: 

The Intergenerational Pastor will:

• Collaborate with Lead Pastor and others in developing and implementing programming that aligns with the vision, mission, core values, and programmatic priorities of HopeGateWay with a particular focus on nurturing intergenerational community
• Contribute as an important member of a small staff team, serving as a resource and collaborator at all levels of the congregation
• Coordinate a team of volunteers and offer leadership for monthly HopeGateWay Kids Sunday morning programming as well as opportunities for parents to connect during that window and beyond
• Collaborate on weekly worship design
• Co-lead Sunday morning worship and serve on a preaching rotation with Lead Pastor and lay leaders
• Co-manage the Community Outreach Fund and respond to requests in consultation with Lead Pastor and Administrator
• Coordinate Sunday morning hospitality teams
• Help to nurture positive relationships within the HopeGateWay community, with partners, and with the broader community
• Attend Leadership Team meetings, assist with mission-centered planning, and help to nurture a culture of creativity, courage, and compassion
• Respond to pastoral care needs in coordination with the Lead Pastor
• Manage building use on assigned days   
• Write occasionally for social media, newsletter, and other congregational communications

Note: The duties and responsibilities described here do not represent a comprehensive list. Additional tasks may be required from time to time.

Desired Qualifications

• Personal faith commitments in alignment with progressive Christian values and theological perspectives
• Strong resonance with the mission, vision, and core values of HopeGateWay
• The ability to design worship and source or create liturgy that is creative, hopeful, and theologically rich
• Evidence of training and experience in efforts to examine and eradicate forms of systemic oppression in self, congregation, community, and world. These oppressive systems include but are not limited to: white supremacy, religious bias, socioeconomic inequity, sexism, anti-LGBTQ bias, and ableism.
• Effectiveness in caring for people’s material, emotional, and spiritual needs through a variety of life stages.
• Highly effective verbal and written communication skills
• Able to use one’s voice at the table while being attuned to and sensitive to the voices and views of others
• A desire to be part of a vibrant, growing congregation, serving on an engaged and committed team
• Technical competencies: Google & Microsoft suites; Canva

Desired Characteristics

• Collaborative spirit and intent
•  Actively pursuing personal, professional, and spiritual growth
• Well-developed administrative, organizational, and leadership skills
• Attention to detail
• A self-starter, able to take initiative, working independently yet collaboratively
• Ability to establish and uphold personal boundaries in the context of congregational ministry
• Flexibility, adaptability, and ongoing practice of self-reflection
• Ability to strategize, plan, and delegate effectively

Desirable Experience:

Graduate-level theological education at an accredited institution

Pastoral experience with children, families, and elders

Preaching experience

Volunteer coordination experience

Salary & Benefits:

This is a part-time, exempt position, anticipating 15-20 hours per week, offering the following compensation: 

• Salary: $25,000 – $30,000, commensurate with experience
• Three (3) weeks personal paid time off annually plus a sabbatical option
• 12 paid holidays
• Opportunities for professional development
• Access to a professional expenses account
• At least two regular days off per week with flexible schedule
• One Sunday off each summer month (June, July, & August) when HopeGateWay gathers in alternative ways

Collaboration & Accountability:  The Intergenerational Pastor works collaboratively with and under the supervision of the Lead Pastor, in close collaboration with the Administrator and the Leadership Team.

Work Space: The position will be oriented toward the church facility located on Woodford Street in Portland, Maine, with flexibility for a hybrid office / at-home work balance.

Start date: October 1 or when a qualified candidate is found. 

To Apply: Please send a thoughtful cover letter and resumé to both Pastor Sara Ewing-Merrill at sara@hopegateway.com and the church office at hello@hopegateway.com.