Job Description
Hillsborough United Church of Christ is seeking a full-time settled pastor to join our progressive, inclusive, open and affirming congregation in historic Hillsborough. We are a small, multigenerational, LGBTQ+ affirming church committed to thoughtful worship, social justice, compassionate pastoral care, and putting our faith into action.
We welcome people wherever they are on their faith journey and value questions, diverse perspectives, and authentic relationships. Compensation, benefits and housing arrangements based on experience.
Who We Are
Hillsborough United Church of Christ (HUCC) is a small, progressive, multigenerational congregation located in historic Hillsborough, North Carolina, near Chapel Hill, Durham, and the Research Triangle.
We are an Open and Affirming congregation that welcomes and fully includes LGBTQ+ individuals and families. We believe that faith is a continuing journey and that thoughtful questions, different perspectives, and a willingness to learn from one another enrich our spiritual lives.
Our congregation includes longtime members, retirees, working professionals, young families, and individuals who have found a spiritual home with us after experiencing other faith traditions or periods away from organized religion.
We seek to follow the teachings and example of Jesus Christ through meaningful worship, compassion, service, and a commitment to justice.
Our Vision For the Future
We envision a church where faith is lived not only on Sunday mornings but also through meaningful engagement with the wider community.
We want to continue strengthening our congregation while reaching people who may not have felt welcomed or comfortable in traditional church settings.
Our priorities include:
Meaningful, thoughtful worship that connects scripture and Christian teachings to contemporary life.
A welcoming and affirming environment where people of different backgrounds and beliefs can explore faith together.
Strong pastoral relationships and compassionate care for our members.
Continued engagement with social justice, service, and community partnerships.
Sustained opportunities for children, youth, and families to participate in congregational life.
Creative ministry approaches that respond to changing needs and opportunities.
Building connections with the broader Hillsborough community and increasing the diversity of our congregation.
The Pastor We Seek
We seek a pastor who is grounded in progressive Christian theology, communicates thoughtfully and authentically, and recognizes the importance of both spiritual leadership and personal relationships.
Our next pastor should be someone who:
Delivers engaging, relevant, and intellectually thoughtful sermons that connect faith to everyday life.
Provides compassionate pastoral care and develops meaningful relationships with members across generations.
Values collaboration and recognizes the gifts, talents, and leadership of the congregation.
Supports our commitment to being an Open and Affirming church and to pursuing justice and inclusion.
Encourages children, youth, and families to be active participants in congregational life.
Is comfortable with different theological perspectives and encourages respectful conversation and spiritual exploration.
Is creative and open to trying new approaches to worship, outreach, and congregational life.
Communicates clearly, listens carefully, and helps the congregation navigate change and challenges.
Wants to be visibly engaged in Hillsborough through relationships with local organizations, schools, nonprofits, community leaders, and residents.
We strongly prefer a pastor who will live in Hillsborough or nearby and make this community a meaningful part of their personal and professional life.
Primary Responsibilities
The pastor will provide spiritual leadership for the congregation, including:
Worship and Spiritual Leadership
Plan and lead weekly worship services, preach sermons, administer the sacraments, and collaborate with the church musician and worship leadership to create meaningful and engaging worship experiences.
Pastoral Care
Provide care through visitation, counseling, support during illness or loss, and participation in significant life events, including weddings, funerals, and baptisms.
Congregational Life
Build relationships with members, support children and youth ministries, encourage fellowship, and collaborate with the Church Council and committees. Our committees carry out many responsibilities independently, allowing the pastor to focus on spiritual leadership and relationships.
Community Engagement
Represent HUCC in the broader community, develop relationships with local organizations and leaders, and help identify opportunities for service, outreach, and meaningful community partnerships.
Leadership and Administration
Work collaboratively with church staff and lay leadership, participate in planning and communication, and provide appropriate oversight and guidance for the congregation's ongoing ministries and operations.
Position and Compensation
Position: Full-Time Settled Pastor
Location: Hillsborough, North Carolina
Salary basis: $64,000 and up depending on experience
Benefits and housing: Compensation arrangements may include benefits and a housing allowance or parsonage, subject to the terms of the call.
How to Apply
We welcome inquiries from candidates who believe their gifts, experiences, and understanding of ministry align with the mission and future direction of Hillsborough UCC.
Interested candidates should submit the following materials electronically:
Cover Letter: Introduce yourself, explain your interest in Hillsborough UCC, and describe how your approach to ministry aligns with our congregation and its vision.
Ministerial Profile or Résumé: A current UCC Ministerial Profile, if available, or a detailed résumé/CV outlining ministerial education, experience, and qualifications.
References: Contact information for professional or ministerial references, or available recommendations.
Sermon Samples: Links to one or two recorded sermons that reflect your preaching style and approach to worship.
Additional Materials: Any other information you believe would help the Search Committee understand your experience, gifts, and sense of call.
Submit materials to:
Hillsborough UCC Pastoral Search Committee
Email: hillsboroughuccsearch@gmail.com
Subject line: Settled Pastor Application – [Your Name]
Candidates applying through the formal UCC Search and Call process should follow the Southern Conference's instructions for submitting their validated Ministerial Profile.
Learn More About Us
Church website: https://hucc.org
Official UCC Ministry Opportunities Listing: https://oppsearch.ucc.org/id/6746
We are excited about the next chapter in the life of Hillsborough United Church of Christ and look forward to connecting with candidates who share our commitment to inclusive, thoughtful, and community-centered Christian ministry.
