Associate Rector
For our next Associate Rector, we seek a parish priest energized by celebrating, preaching, teaching, and pastoring a vibrant, loving, justice-seeking congregation as part of a talented, dynamic lay and clergy staff. The Associate Rector will support and assist in leading numerous aspects of parish life, including preaching and liturgy, pastoral care, outreach and formation, with a particular focus on youth ministry. This is a position for a priest who exhibits curiosity, warmth, and theological depth.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Share responsibility for preaching and presiding at Sunday Holy Eucharists, midweek services, funerals, weddings and seasonal/festal gatherings
Join with Rector and Newcomers’ team in actively welcoming and incorporating new members and seekers into the life of the community
Share in coordinating and offering pastoral care
Support and contribute to parish communications
Serve as key pastoral presence for middle school and high school youth, including formation, social, and service opportunities.
Oversight/coordination of Youth Ministry and collaboration with ChattEY (Chattanooga Episcopal Youth) leaders
Assist in planning and coordinating Adult Formation offerings, including teaching and facilitating classes periodically
Be a visible, warm presence at parish gatherings, community breakfast, coffee hour and community events
Participate in staff meetings, (occasional) vestry meetings, clergy team collaboration, relevant ministry team meetings, and engage in ongoing professional development
Participation in outreach, social justice and creation care initiatives involving Grace, local ecumenical and multi-faith action groups, and organizational partners
Other Opportunities for Ministry Include:
Work with and support the Children’s Ministry Director in the continued development of growing children’s ministry programs
Opportunity to share from the candidate’s unique gifts and talents
Leadership development and empowering the saints for ministry in creative, innovative and faithful ways
Qualifications, Characteristics & Competencies:
Ordination to the priesthood in the Episcopal Church
A deep faith in Jesus Christ and commitment to forming disciples
Experience and enthusiasm for working with teenagers and being a pastoral presence to their families
Ability to articulate the Gospel faithfully and skillfully to a theologically diverse and progressive-leaning congregation
Collaborative spirit and willingness to learn and to lead
Ability to extend open-hearted welcome and care to a community that is diverse in terms of age, education, income, ability, race, gender and orientation
Sense of humor and ability to minister through non-anxious presence
Additional Consideration for:
Spanish language proficiency
Experience engaging in public witness, or desire to grow in this area
Community organizing training/experience
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and links to two or three sermons to:
The Rev. April Berends, Rector by July 31st, 2026.
