Central Congregational has been an influential and trailblazing UCC congregation in the northeast. The next Senior Minister has the opportunity to build upon a committed and financially strong congregation to envision its next season of ministry. This is a great opportunity for a strategic visionary who is able to lean into and appreciate the rich history of a storied congregation, and who will want to put down roots for a long tenure in Providence.
Central Congregational Church, a member of the United Church of Christ, was established in 1852. An Open and Affirming Global Mission Church, Central is open to all regardless of age, race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, mental facility, economic circumstance, or physical condition. Central strives to be a community of God’s people in a way that calls each of us to active discipleship through worship, caring, sharing, and outreach.
Central has been known for its thoughtful and timely sermons that inspire members long after they have left the Worship Service. Sermons that are able to thread the needle on issues surrounding politics, emphasizing our commonalities as Christians rather than our differences, have been an important part of how the church has maintained its membership and influence.
The church has emerged from the pandemic in solid financial shape, with a balanced budget and a strong endowment, with 535 members, of whom around 300 are active. The people who attend Central are generally well-educated professionals who are civically engaged. The church does draw from a wide geographic area beyond Providence, including parts of Southeastern Massachusetts.
Central is seeking a new Senior Minister who can lead as a hands-on administrator and transformational leader. The ideal candidate should have a track record of successfully implementing change while maintaining a strong focus on the needs of the congregation.
They should possess excellent communication skills and the ability to build consensus among members while providing direction and guidance to staff and volunteers. The successful candidate will be able to articulate a clear vision for Central’s future and inspire others to work towards that vision.
Key Responsibilities:
What a Strong Candidate Would Look Like: