Position Description
From the 2022 150th Anniversary Celebrations where 3 former pastors returned to celebrate with us. Pictured here with Megumi, our office manager.
Tokyo Union Church is currently seeking English-speaking candidates with experience in international ministry for the position of Associate Pastor.
The appointment will be for two years, ideally starting anytime between March to June 2025.
The Associate Pastor’s primary role is to attend to the spiritual welfare of the congregation through prayer, pastoral counseling, encouraging and assisting people in their ministries, leading thought-provoking and inspiring worship services, administering the Sacraments, and assisting the Pastor in his ministry and management of the TUC staff. He shall act on behalf of the Pastor in the absence of the Pastor, and when requested by the Pastor.
Key responsibilities include:
Spiritual formation for the congregation (leading of public worship, preaching the gospel, administering the Sacraments, praying with and for the people, counseling and pastoral care, and conducting weddings and funerals).
Developing and nurturing the childrens’ ministry, youth ministry, adult education including the young adults ministry
Implementation of decisions and policies of Council and directing the day-to-day operations of the church, its office, and employees and working with children, youth and families.
Initiating and maintaining ecumenical relationships with other church bodies.
Candidates must be willing to learn about Japan, be open to multicultural experiences and diverse theological perspectives.
Candidates will be expected to administer baptisms (both immersive and sprinkling) and dedications to both infants and adults.
Only ordained ministers of Word and Sacrament from churches that are ELIGIBLE for World Council of Churches (WCC) membership will be considered for this position (i.e. The successful candidate will need to come from a denomination that believes in the Lordship of Jesus Christ).
Compensation
Remuneration will be based upon the applicant’s experience. TUC will provide fully furnished housing in a nice area of Tokyo for the use of the Associate Pastor. Housing and utilities are included in the pastor’s benefits. Benefits include pension, health insurance, home leave, relocation allowance, and some professional expenses, the details of which are negotiable.
TUC has a program to provide schooling assistance for dependent children (up to Senior Year in High School).