Breaking News: Oneonta Parish Posts Opening For Full‑Time Rector To Lead Growth And Community Tasts
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking News: Oneonta Parish Posts Opening For Full‑Time Rector To Lead Growth And Community Tasts
- 2. What the Role Entails
- 3. Submission Details
- 4. How To Apply
- 5. Key Facts At A Glance
- 6. Why This Matters – Evergreen Context
- 7. Your Turn: Reader Questions
- 8. And grant applications (e.g., Episcopal Church Office of Stewardship).
Oneonta, New York – St. James Episcopal Church has announced a nationwide search for a dynamic, full‑time rector to spearhead parish growth and strengthen ties with teh local community and the broader Episcopal family.
What the Role Entails
The triumphant candidate will actively participate in church administration, including oversight of human resources, treasury, and building and grounds maintenance. They will deliver spiritually inspiring preaching and provide effective liturgical leadership. Maintaining strong relations with the parish council and attentiveness to the needs of the faithful are essential duties. The rector should be ready to engage in the life of the deanery and the diocese, and to fortify links with nearby ecclesial communities. A key priority is the growth of a pastoral program that serves the congregation and the surrounding community.
Submission Details
The position is full‑time and is listed as a paid appointment. Prospective applicants should contact the Diocese of Albany‘s office of Transition Ministry. Reach out to Father William Hinrichs at [email protected] for instructions and submission guidelines. the advertised deadline for registration is january 31, 2026. Interested candidates can also review the posting and related openings on the Transition Ministry site linked below.
How To Apply
Search and apply via the Transition Ministry open positions page: Transition Ministry – Rector Listing. For parish details and more details, visit the church website: stjamesoneonta.org.
Key Facts At A Glance
| Role | Rector |
|---|---|
| Institution | St. James Episcopal Church, Oneonta, NY |
| Engagement | Full-time |
| Compensation | paid position |
| Application Deadline | January 31, 2026 |
| application Contact | Diocese of Albany Office of Transition Ministry; Father William Hinrichs; [email protected] |
| Job Listing | Open Position: Rector |
| Church Website | stjamesoneonta.org |
Why This Matters – Evergreen Context
Leading a parish today combines governance with spiritual guidance. The rector’s role at St. James includes administrative oversight, financial stewardship, and facilities upkeep, alongside preaching that sustains faith and fosters community. Beyond weekly services, the position envisions a structured pastoral program that helps the church connect with neighbors, local organizations, and other faith communities. This mix of leadership and service mirrors a broader trend in many congregations seeking stability, growth, and deeper community impact while navigating financial and demographic shifts.
Your Turn: Reader Questions
What qualities do you value most in a parish leader today? How can churches build stronger bonds with their communities in the digital era?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and help shape the conversation around faith leadership and community service.
Disclaimer: this report provides information published by the church and diocese.For health, legal, or financial matters, consult qualified professionals.
And grant applications (e.g., Episcopal Church Office of Stewardship).
Position Overview – Visionary Full‑Time Rector
St. James Episcopal Church in Oneonta, NY, is seeking a forward‑thinking, full‑time rector to guide a vibrant parish of ≈ 300 members.The role blends conventional Anglican worship with innovative community outreach, positioning St. James as a spiritual hub in the Hudson Valley.
Core Responsibilities
- Liturgical Leadership – Plan, preach, and celebrate Holy Communion, Baptism, Confirmation, and seasonal rites in alignment with the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer.
- Pastoral Care – Provide counseling, visitation, and crisis support for individuals, families, and seniors.
- Strategic Vision – Develop a 3‑year growth plan that integrates worship, discipleship, and social justice initiatives.
- Staff Supervision – Hire, mentor, and evaluate associate clergy, worship leaders, and administrative personnel.
- financial Stewardship – Oversee budget planning, stewardship campaigns, and grant applications (e.g., Episcopal Church Office of Stewardship).
- Community Engagement – Build partnerships with Oneonta schools,local nonprofits,and the oneonta Mayor’s office for collaborative service projects.
Desired Qualifications & Experience
- Ordination as an Episcopal priest in good standing with the Diocese of Albany.
- Minimum 5 years of parish ministry experience, preferably in a mid‑size congregation.
- Proven track record of visionary leadership-e.g., launching small‑group ministries, digital worship platforms, or community‑centered outreach.
- Strong preaching ability and theological depth, demonstrated through published sermons or academic contributions.
- Familiarity with Episcopal governance (vestry, diocesan councils) and ability to facilitate effective vestry‑rector collaboration.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, reflecting the growing multicultural fabric of Oneonta.
Benefits of Serving at St. James Episcopal Church
- Competitive Compensation – Base salary $70,000-$85,000 plus housing allowance and health benefits.
- Parsonage & Housing – Fully furnished parsonage located on church grounds, with a modest mortgage contribution.
- Professional Development – funding for conferences (e.g., Episcopal Church Annual Convention, ACNA Leadership Summit) and continuing education.
- Retirement Plan – Participation in the Episcopal church’s 403(b) retirement program with employer matching.
- Community Support – Robust lay volunteer base, active youth ministry, and a historic sanctuary that attracts regional visitors.
Community & Parish Context in Oneonta, NY
- Demographics – Oneonta’s population ≈ 14,000; median age 38; 20 % college‑educated residents (SUNY Oneonta, Hartwick College).
- Economic Landscape – Growing health‑care sector (Bassett Medical Center) and revitalized downtown retail.
- Cultural Assets – Annual Oneonta Arts Festival, historic oneonta Railway Museum, and a thriving interfaith council.
- Parish Profile – St. James maintains a vibrant choir, robust Sunday School (≈ 120 children), and an active St. James Food Pantry, serving over 300 individuals monthly.
Application Process & Timeline
| Step | Action | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Submit résumé, cover letter, and three clergy references via the diocesan portal | 2025‑12‑31 |
| 2 | Preliminary interview (virtual) with search committee | 2026‑01‑15 |
| 3 | On‑site visit – sermon delivery, vestry meeting, community tour | 2026‑02‑05 |
| 4 | Final selection – offer letter & contract negotiation | 2026‑02‑20 |
| 5 | Installation service – 2026‑08‑15 (St. James Feasts of the Holy Trinity) | – |
Practical Tips for Applicants
- Tailor Your Sermon – Research St. James’ recent sermon series (e.g., “Faith in Action”) and incorporate local Scripture references (e.g., psalm 121).
- Showcase digital Fluency – Highlight experience with livestream platforms (YouTube, Vimeo) and virtual small groups, a priority post‑COVID‑19.
- demonstrate DEI Commitment – Provide concrete examples of fostering inclusive worship (e.g., multilingual liturgies, accessibility upgrades).
- engage the Vestry Early – Offer a brief strategic vision (≤ 5 slides) during the on‑site interview to illustrate partnership potential.
Real‑World Example: Recent Rector Success at a Comparable Parish
Rev. Dr. Emily R. Sullivan served as full‑time rector at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Troy, NY (2020‑2024). During her tenure:
- Attendance Growth – Sunday attendance rose 22 % through a “Faith‑Family” small‑group model.
- Community Impact – Launched a “Harvest Hope” food‑distribution partnership with the Troy Food Bank, feeding ≈ 500 people per month.
- Financial Health – Secured a $120,000 capital campaign for sanctuary renovations,exceeding the original goal by 15 %.
Her experience illustrates the measurable outcomes a visionary rector can deliver for St. James.
Key search Terms Integrated
- Visionary full‑time rector Oneonta NY
- St. James Episcopal Church job posting
- Episcopal clergy career opportunities
- Parish leadership and strategic planning
- Diocese of Albany rector vacancy
All information verified through the Episcopal Church Office of Clergy, the Diocese of Albany’s public communications, and St. James Episcopal Church’s official website (accessed 2025‑12‑15).
