MINISTRY INFORMATION PACKAGE Senior Pastor www.ritsonalliance.church For more information, please contact: C&MA Eastern Canadian District 11 Stanley Court, Unit 12 Whitby, ON L1N 8P9 john@easterndistrict.ca
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND In June of 1954, the work of The Christian and Missionary Alliance began in Oshawa under the leadership of Rev. William Newell. The congregation began meeting in a large tent and later that year moved its services to a schoolhouse. The church was formally organized with 29 charter members in March of 1956. The steady growth of the church led to the purchase and renovation of a building in 1957 as well as the construction of a parsonage. The church grew throughout the sixties under the ministry of Rev. Newell, Rev. Victor Freeman, and Rev. Richard Baker. Ground breaking took place at the present location at 605 Ritson Road North in May 1970. The church during this period met at Hillsdale Public School until the completion of the new building and occupancy in January 1971. A service of dedication was held in April with Rev. William Newell (now District Superintendent) delivering the dedication message. The congregation has enjoyed the godly leadership of a number of pastors including Rev. John Robb, Rev. Kenneth Weston, Rev. David Phillips, Rev. George Ross, Rev. Alan Nikkel, Dr. Ron MacKinnon, Rev. John Westenberg and presently Interim Pastor, Rev. Mark Jealouse. Ritson Road Alliance Church celebrated its 60th Anniversary in September 2014. OUR DENOMINATION Ritson Road Alliance Church is affiliated with The Christian & Missionary Alliance in Canada. Our Message: Jesus Christ is our Saviour, Sanctifier, Healer, & Coming King. We are a group of approximately 440 local churches in Canada, and we send people to live on mission locally and globally. We aim to be a Christ-centred, Spirit-empowered, Mission-focused movement in everything that we do. OUR COMMUNITY Ritson Road Alliance serves the entire Durham Region. We have people attending from Clarington, Bowmanville, Whitby, Ajax, Brooklin and Oshawa. The Durham Region continues to grow as people move out of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in take advantage of better housing prices and easier commuting with Highway 407. This growth is bringing with it a greater cultural diversity that has not previous existed to any great extent. 2 P age
Oshawa itself is a well-established city with a solid history of manufacturing and industry. Education is also a growth area for the community as Durham College, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) and Trent University invest in their numerous campuses in the area. Like many communities, Oshawa has an aging population. While students and young professionals are curbing this, seniors are the fastest growing component in the population. PRESENT CHURCH CHARACTERISTICS Ritson Road Alliance has been in existence for 63 years and at its current location since 1970 with a current average weekly attendance of 130. There are many ministries on the go that reach almost all age groups. The Sunday School program is active with classes for all age groups. Youth ministries include a midweek Kid s Club, Jr./Sr. High group and Bible quizzing. Men s and women s Bible study groups are ongoing. There is a potential need for a young adults ministry. Many church family members are also involved in numerous support ministries in included (but not limited to) facilities management, ushering/greeting, hospitality and worship team. Over the last several years, we have operated without a Senior Pastor, but God has sustained the church both financially and numerically with growth in both areas. The generosity and persistence of the church family cannot be understated. The church has been blessed with gifted leaders and teachers who have been able to fill the pulpit over the last number of years. The Board of Elders together with our Interim Pastor provide ongoing leadership to the church. OUR VISION We want to be a loving community of believers who seek a deeper relationship with God, each other and our neighbours. 3 P age
THE OPPORTUNITY Ritson Road Alliance Church is prayerfully seeking God s appointed Senior Pastor to lead our congregation. We are looking for a man that has a heart for God and His people, who is not only a preacher, but a pastor as well. Critical Qualities Demonstrated Discipler: Not just in agreement with discipling, but actually in discipling relationships with other men. Unapologetic Preaching: With a deep respect and understanding of God's Word, communicating both the content and the relevance/application. Passionate about Jesus: Able to motivate others with his affinity for Christ and His work. Relatable to Millennials: While able to communicate/relate well with all ages, the ability to understand Millennials is key. Adventurous: If we are going to do the new things God is calling us to, we need someone who is willing to follow God in faith just as Abram did when God called him out of Ur and cheerlead the church to do the same. Unwavering in Conviction: With a legacy as long and roots as deep as Ritson's, a new leader while following the leading of the Holy Spirit will be in tune with the needs of the church family. Responsibilities 1. Teaching - In this role, he functions as our primary preacher, and may take on additional teaching as he deems advisable for the instruction of members, adherents, and new comers as his schedule permits. 2. Shepherding - This includes many types of people matters such as counseling, visitation, etc. 3. Overall leadership - In this role, he meets regularly with the Elders and various church committees to support and insure that our church continues to move in the overall vision and direction. He is welcome to attend any meetings of any of the various committees as an ex officio member. 4. Overseeing ministries and volunteers - In this role, he acts as the team leader and manager overseeing each team leads objectives and progress as well as their personal growth. 5. Administration In this role, he directs the activity of the Office Administrator and Custodian who shall be responsible directly or indirectly to him. 6. Other - These include denominational meetings, local pastor gatherings, attending community events as a leader of the church, etc. 4 P age
Experience, and Education Theological training with a minimum of Bachelor degree from reputable Bible College or Seminary Accredited worker of The C&MA Ordained or in the process of becoming ordained Committed to continuing professional development 5 years minimum experience in a pastoral role Compensation Salary level will reflect the District suggested salary scale Allowances paid to attend annual District Prayer Retreat and biennial District Conference and General Assembly Insurance coverage & benefits Alliance Retiral Fund Books Car Allowance Leadership Development Accountability Elders Board District Superintendent APPLICATION Interested candidates are requested to submit a detailed résumé no later than January 15, 2018, including a doctrinal statement and a personal philosophy of ministry. In addition, a submission of a CD or DVD of a recent sermon would be appreciated. If you wish to grow with us, please send your resume to john@easterndistrict.ca The successful applicant will need to be licensed by The Christian and Missionary Alliance of Canada, Eastern Canadian District. 5 P age