Lead Pastor at Berlin Alliance Church
The Christian and Missionary Alliance, Berlin, Pennsylvania, United States, 15530
Berlin Alliance Church is seeking a Lead Pastor.
Pastoral Expectations The next pastor should possess strong preaching and teaching abilities with a commitment to biblical exposition and practical application. Prayer must be a foundational discipline, as intercessory prayer has been identified as a high priority need. The pastor should be a visionary leader capable of casting compelling direction while developing other leaders within the congregation. Relational warmth and genuine pastoral care are essential, as the congregation highly values personal connection and shepherding. The pastor must be comfortable navigating generational differences with wisdom and grace, honoring tradition while embracing necessary innovation to reach children, youth, and young adults. Administrative competence is important given the church’s needs for organizational structure and volunteer mobilization. An evangelistic heart for community outreach is critical, as the church recognizes this as a significant weakness requiring growth. The pastor should be a unifier who can lead change without causing unnecessary division, addressing the congregation’s expressed concern about fear of compromise. Finally, the pastor must be spiritually mature, demonstrating personal integrity and authentic faith that inspires trust during a season when the congregation has shown remarkable unity despite depleted financial reserves.
The Opportunity Before the Next Pastor The next pastor will inherit a faithful, biblically-grounded congregation with strong relational bonds and a remarkable spirit of unity. This is a church that has remained generous and consistent in giving even through a season of transition, demonstrating the kind of resilience and commitment that provides a solid foundation for renewed growth. While financial reserves will need to be rebuilt through careful stewardship, the congregation’s track record of sacrificial generosity—including funding major capital improvements debt‑free—signals real capacity for a new chapter under effective pastoral leadership. Perhaps the most exciting opportunity is the chance to shape the next generation of this church. The congregation is eager for growth in children’s, youth, and young adult ministry—and a pastor with a young family would be uniquely positioned to cast vision and build these ministries from the ground up. This is not a church that will resist new ideas; they are actively praying for fresh energy and new families. The congregation has expressed a clear desire for blended worship, supported by approximately two‑thirds of members. They value their rich heritage of hymns and traditional worship while welcoming contemporary expressions—creating a wonderful opportunity for a pastor who can skillfully honor both streams and help the church grow into a vibrant, Christ‑centered worship experience. Berlin Alliance Church already has a footprint in the community through its Thanksgiving Community Meal, Operation Christmas Child, and Birthright support. The next pastor has an open door to expand this presence significantly—the church’s strategic street location and debt‑free facility make it an ideal launchpad for creative community engagement and evangelistic outreach. The congregation includes faithful members ready to be inspired, equipped, and mobilized for ministry. A pastor gifted in leadership development will find willing hearts eager to step into new roles as the church grows into its next season. In short, Berlin Alliance Church offers a rare combination: a loving, unified congregation; a beautiful, debt‑free facility; a strategic location; and a community that is genuinely ready for growth. The next pastor won’t be rebuilding—they’ll be building on a strong foundation with the full support of a church family that is praying for exactly the right leader.
Pastoral Role Priorities High Priority (Critical; Required)
Preaching / Teaching
Intercession
Vision Casting / Providing Direction
Moderately High Priority (Desired; Impacts Call from the Church)
Leadership Development
Administration
Evangelism
Shepherding / Caregiving
Ministries Service Times Prayer: 9:00 AM
Sunday School: 9:30 AM
Worship Service: 10:45 AM
Key Ministries & Programs: Women's Bible Study, Vacation Bible School (VBS), Annual Church Picnic, Men's Breakfast Fellowship, Thanksgiving Community Meal, Birthright Support, Operation Christmas Child. Worship Style Evangelical Blend – incorporating traditional hymns and contemporary worship in a Christ‑centered, biblically‑grounded approach.
Community Context Berlin is a charming borough nestled in the scenic Laurel Highlands of Somerset County, Pennsylvania—a region celebrated for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and strong sense of community. At one of the highest elevations in the state (2,323 feet), the area offers four‑season living with hiking, skiing, fishing, and family‑friendly attractions nearby. With a population of approximately 2,400, Berlin provides the kind of safe, close‑knit environment where families thrive—neighbors know each other, children play freely, and the cost of living is very affordable. Pittsburgh is just 64 miles away for big‑city amenities, healthcare, and cultural opportunities. The community maintains a strong sense of identity with deep German heritage and traditional values. Berlin has strong family orientation evidenced by over 70% family households, many with children, creating excellent potential for multigenerational ministry. The borough features a median household income of $53,973 and a relatively low poverty rate of 11.2%. With a median age of 51.3 years, the congregation and community are eager for the energy and fresh vision that younger leadership and young families would bring.
Analysis Of The Church Key Goals for the Next 3 Years
Launch and sustain a robust prayer ministry and Bible Studies
Develop comprehensive ministries to engage children, youth, and families
Launch and sustain young adult ministry initiatives
Develop comprehensive plan of outreach to the unchurched
Develop a plan for greater engagement of volunteers – including membership, recruitment, training, and continued development
Key Accomplishments of the Last 3 Years
Demonstrated exceptional generosity – raised significant funds for capital improvements without debt
Strengthened congregational connections through Sunday Café fellowship ministry
Expanded community involvement through Thanksgiving Community Meal, Operation Christmas Child, and Birthright support. Maintained consistent missions support to global workers and OCC initiatives
Most Significant Strengths/Resources
Warm, welcoming, and loving congregational culture
Strong commitment to personal care and relational ministry
Deep commitment to biblical teaching and sound doctrine
Strategic location on the main road to the heart of Berlin Borough
Debt‑free facility with recent capital improvements
Most Significant Challenges/Weaknesses/Obstacles
Limited community outreach and evangelistic engagement
Need for more robust prayer ministry infrastructure
Lack of meaningful youth and young adult programming
Insufficient volunteer base for expanding ministry opportunities
Navigating change while honoring tradition and avoiding compromise
Most Significant Opportunities
Increased community involvement and strategic outreach initiatives
Intentional discipleship pathways for spiritual growth
Creative utilization of facility for community impact
Development of vibrant youth and young adult ministries
Volunteer mobilization and leadership development
Expansion of prayer ministry as foundation for all ministry efforts
Property and Facilities Berlin Alliance Church features a well‑maintained, modern, and completely debt‑free facility strategically located on the main street to the center of Berlin Borough. Built in 1998, the building is in excellent condition thanks to recent capital improvements funded entirely through generous congregational giving. The spacious sanctuary seats 350 people, and the fellowship hall can accommodate 300 for meals and gatherings. The facility also includes eight classrooms for Sunday School and small group ministries, a church office, and a pastor’s study. This versatile building is well‑positioned to serve both the worship and fellowship needs of the congregation while offering outstanding potential for expanded community outreach, youth programming, and creative ministry initiatives. The church does not own a parsonage.
Other Important Information Church financial statements and compensation information will be made available to applicants in the course of the interview process.
To be considered for this position, please complete the application to include your testimony, resume and other background information related to the position.
If the district office has reviewed your application and they think you may be a potential match for the position, that the hiring manager will reach out to you for next steps.
This position requires licensing with The Christian & Missionary Alliance. To learn more about The Alliance and requirements for licensing, please visit our website.
Please do not contact the church directly.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Pastoral Expectations The next pastor should possess strong preaching and teaching abilities with a commitment to biblical exposition and practical application. Prayer must be a foundational discipline, as intercessory prayer has been identified as a high priority need. The pastor should be a visionary leader capable of casting compelling direction while developing other leaders within the congregation. Relational warmth and genuine pastoral care are essential, as the congregation highly values personal connection and shepherding. The pastor must be comfortable navigating generational differences with wisdom and grace, honoring tradition while embracing necessary innovation to reach children, youth, and young adults. Administrative competence is important given the church’s needs for organizational structure and volunteer mobilization. An evangelistic heart for community outreach is critical, as the church recognizes this as a significant weakness requiring growth. The pastor should be a unifier who can lead change without causing unnecessary division, addressing the congregation’s expressed concern about fear of compromise. Finally, the pastor must be spiritually mature, demonstrating personal integrity and authentic faith that inspires trust during a season when the congregation has shown remarkable unity despite depleted financial reserves.
The Opportunity Before the Next Pastor The next pastor will inherit a faithful, biblically-grounded congregation with strong relational bonds and a remarkable spirit of unity. This is a church that has remained generous and consistent in giving even through a season of transition, demonstrating the kind of resilience and commitment that provides a solid foundation for renewed growth. While financial reserves will need to be rebuilt through careful stewardship, the congregation’s track record of sacrificial generosity—including funding major capital improvements debt‑free—signals real capacity for a new chapter under effective pastoral leadership. Perhaps the most exciting opportunity is the chance to shape the next generation of this church. The congregation is eager for growth in children’s, youth, and young adult ministry—and a pastor with a young family would be uniquely positioned to cast vision and build these ministries from the ground up. This is not a church that will resist new ideas; they are actively praying for fresh energy and new families. The congregation has expressed a clear desire for blended worship, supported by approximately two‑thirds of members. They value their rich heritage of hymns and traditional worship while welcoming contemporary expressions—creating a wonderful opportunity for a pastor who can skillfully honor both streams and help the church grow into a vibrant, Christ‑centered worship experience. Berlin Alliance Church already has a footprint in the community through its Thanksgiving Community Meal, Operation Christmas Child, and Birthright support. The next pastor has an open door to expand this presence significantly—the church’s strategic street location and debt‑free facility make it an ideal launchpad for creative community engagement and evangelistic outreach. The congregation includes faithful members ready to be inspired, equipped, and mobilized for ministry. A pastor gifted in leadership development will find willing hearts eager to step into new roles as the church grows into its next season. In short, Berlin Alliance Church offers a rare combination: a loving, unified congregation; a beautiful, debt‑free facility; a strategic location; and a community that is genuinely ready for growth. The next pastor won’t be rebuilding—they’ll be building on a strong foundation with the full support of a church family that is praying for exactly the right leader.
Pastoral Role Priorities High Priority (Critical; Required)
Preaching / Teaching
Intercession
Vision Casting / Providing Direction
Moderately High Priority (Desired; Impacts Call from the Church)
Leadership Development
Administration
Evangelism
Shepherding / Caregiving
Ministries Service Times Prayer: 9:00 AM
Sunday School: 9:30 AM
Worship Service: 10:45 AM
Key Ministries & Programs: Women's Bible Study, Vacation Bible School (VBS), Annual Church Picnic, Men's Breakfast Fellowship, Thanksgiving Community Meal, Birthright Support, Operation Christmas Child. Worship Style Evangelical Blend – incorporating traditional hymns and contemporary worship in a Christ‑centered, biblically‑grounded approach.
Community Context Berlin is a charming borough nestled in the scenic Laurel Highlands of Somerset County, Pennsylvania—a region celebrated for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and strong sense of community. At one of the highest elevations in the state (2,323 feet), the area offers four‑season living with hiking, skiing, fishing, and family‑friendly attractions nearby. With a population of approximately 2,400, Berlin provides the kind of safe, close‑knit environment where families thrive—neighbors know each other, children play freely, and the cost of living is very affordable. Pittsburgh is just 64 miles away for big‑city amenities, healthcare, and cultural opportunities. The community maintains a strong sense of identity with deep German heritage and traditional values. Berlin has strong family orientation evidenced by over 70% family households, many with children, creating excellent potential for multigenerational ministry. The borough features a median household income of $53,973 and a relatively low poverty rate of 11.2%. With a median age of 51.3 years, the congregation and community are eager for the energy and fresh vision that younger leadership and young families would bring.
Analysis Of The Church Key Goals for the Next 3 Years
Launch and sustain a robust prayer ministry and Bible Studies
Develop comprehensive ministries to engage children, youth, and families
Launch and sustain young adult ministry initiatives
Develop comprehensive plan of outreach to the unchurched
Develop a plan for greater engagement of volunteers – including membership, recruitment, training, and continued development
Key Accomplishments of the Last 3 Years
Demonstrated exceptional generosity – raised significant funds for capital improvements without debt
Strengthened congregational connections through Sunday Café fellowship ministry
Expanded community involvement through Thanksgiving Community Meal, Operation Christmas Child, and Birthright support. Maintained consistent missions support to global workers and OCC initiatives
Most Significant Strengths/Resources
Warm, welcoming, and loving congregational culture
Strong commitment to personal care and relational ministry
Deep commitment to biblical teaching and sound doctrine
Strategic location on the main road to the heart of Berlin Borough
Debt‑free facility with recent capital improvements
Most Significant Challenges/Weaknesses/Obstacles
Limited community outreach and evangelistic engagement
Need for more robust prayer ministry infrastructure
Lack of meaningful youth and young adult programming
Insufficient volunteer base for expanding ministry opportunities
Navigating change while honoring tradition and avoiding compromise
Most Significant Opportunities
Increased community involvement and strategic outreach initiatives
Intentional discipleship pathways for spiritual growth
Creative utilization of facility for community impact
Development of vibrant youth and young adult ministries
Volunteer mobilization and leadership development
Expansion of prayer ministry as foundation for all ministry efforts
Property and Facilities Berlin Alliance Church features a well‑maintained, modern, and completely debt‑free facility strategically located on the main street to the center of Berlin Borough. Built in 1998, the building is in excellent condition thanks to recent capital improvements funded entirely through generous congregational giving. The spacious sanctuary seats 350 people, and the fellowship hall can accommodate 300 for meals and gatherings. The facility also includes eight classrooms for Sunday School and small group ministries, a church office, and a pastor’s study. This versatile building is well‑positioned to serve both the worship and fellowship needs of the congregation while offering outstanding potential for expanded community outreach, youth programming, and creative ministry initiatives. The church does not own a parsonage.
Other Important Information Church financial statements and compensation information will be made available to applicants in the course of the interview process.
To be considered for this position, please complete the application to include your testimony, resume and other background information related to the position.
If the district office has reviewed your application and they think you may be a potential match for the position, that the hiring manager will reach out to you for next steps.
This position requires licensing with The Christian & Missionary Alliance. To learn more about The Alliance and requirements for licensing, please visit our website.
Please do not contact the church directly.
#J-18808-Ljbffr