Get ready, it’s time for SCOOPS

It’s been a while and there are a lot of you new to Scoops, therefore a few things you need to know.

  1. We have no magic crystal ball. WE do not make Scoops happen, you do! If you know of an opening large or small, full-time or part-time that you don’t see listed send us what you know. YOU are the Scoopmakers. Thank you.

  2. We get some Scoops that are 10 or more pages long in their description and we get some that don’t even give us a contact source. I had one this week for a church of 40 members that was 7 pages in it’s description. Frankly, I never know when I get these really long ones what to do. I don’t think YOU want to go through pages of material, so I reduce it. So, two things here. First, if you see one and want to know more, I might have it, ask and if I do I’ll send it. Second, if you see one with very limited info and you know more, send it and we’ll try to update it.

  3. The Jenkins Institute will not knowingly publish a Scoop from a church that: a. Has jettisoned the name church of Christ to NOT be associated with us. b. Uses instrumental music in it’s worship services. c. Has made the decision to use women in it’s worship services. Outside of that we do not have the ability to or the right to judge the soundness of a congregation. There are 10’s of thousands of them, we don’t know them all. As this has grown (and, man, has it grown), there are places we hear from that we know nothing about. This is the “want ads,” you kick the tires before you buy. If you don’t like that, feel free to start your own Scoop Blog (but I’d recommend a better name :)).

  4. We promise to make mistakes. Help us by letting us know when we do. When Scoops started about 15 years or more ago we’d post whenever we got six, that would be 4 to 6 weeks. Now we tend to get about 20 every two weeks. We miss some, we get some wrong, we mix up states, AND occasionally we make a really big blunder, like the time we posted a church as open before the preacher knew he was moving!!!! Oh me.

  5. If the church you left or were fired from is in your mind “terrible and awful and no one should go there.” Sorry, we will still post it. We believe even the worst leadership needs good preaching. We hurt with and for you, but the next guy might make, or you may have made, a difference.

  6. We don’t include everything sent to us: For instance we assume every church believes themself to be friendly. We imagine if the church is hiring a preacher he will be expected to preach and teach (you’d be surprised at how many list that as a responsibility). And we try to leave out that they want a “sound” preacher. You’d be shocked at how arbitrary that word is used by diverse brethren (I got stories). AND, if you want to have some fun, always note ANYTHING in “..” That means, it was either so unique, or so far out there YOU need to know it. Oh, and I also get a kick out of things like “send current resume” or “send your resume” - who’s the guy sending old resumes and other guys resumes??? :)

  7. We love doing this. Nothing prompted the above except an occasional need to keep folks informed. We’re just two brothers trying to help the Lord’s Kingdom!

  8. Send anything to TJI@TheJenkinsInstitute.com.

Before we get to employment Scoops three of things needed and for free:

TN: Tony Hoss is looking for 100-150 copies of the songbook Praise For The Lord. They are willing to pay for them if needed. Contact Tony at tmagho1@comcast.net.

TN: The Walnut Street Church in Dickson has a pulpit they are looking to give away. If interested contact them at 615 446-2909 for more information. Picture HERE.

MI: A small congregation in Michigan is planning a VBS for June. They are going to use past VBS material. The material is 2008 "Walking In Sonlight." They are looking for pre-school through the 4th grade. Even if it might be used, they still want it. Contact Mike Scholten lakeshorecoc@yahoo.com or text 616 795-5225. Minister, Lakeshore Church of Christ lakeshorechurchofchrist.net.

Now Scoops:

AL: The Falkville church in Morgan County has hired Todd Barrier to be their new preacher.

GA: The Central congregation in Dalton is looking for a new preacher. Contact Bob Lee at leesindalton@gmail.com for more information.

AL: The Valdosta church in Tuscumbia has hired Ed White.

LA: The Goodwood Church of Christ in Baton Rouge is seeking a full time minister. Their average Attendance is 165, and they have four elders.  They are seeking an individual with an outreach mindset and a focus on doctrine. They have a Spanish-speaking ministry that would be well-served by a candidate with Spanish language proficiency. College level education preferred with first consideration given to degree from Christian universities. Responsibilities of the position include: preaching from God's Word twice on Sunday and once on Wednesday, ministering to the congregation, maintain regular office hours, visitation of sick and shut in, supporting the work of the Elders, community outreach, and heading up various programs. Please submit resume to gcocpreachercommittee@gmail.com with any links/viewing instructions to sermons or lessons that are available for online viewing. Website is goodwoodchurch.org.

TN:   The Red Boiling Spring church is looking for a minister. Contact Chuck Jordan  4rbscoc@gmail.com or call 615 388-3515.   

MO: Green Forest in Poplar Bluff has hired Mitchell Rogers, who was at Bolivar, TN.

MS: The Eupora Church of Christ, in Eupora, MS. is looking for a full-time preacher.  They do not have elders and have approximately 42-51 that attend ages ranging from 5 years of age to 80 years of age. They have a 3 bedroom 2 full bathroom preacher’s home. Please send  resume to huntpe@yahoo.com or text Paul Hunt 662 634-1651.

TN: Scoop to Jeff Archey. Rome has hired Matthew Oxley to be their preacher. Matt and his family have been at Rome for many years. Hired internally a man they have known for years.

TN The Central Church of Christ in McMinnville is searching for a new youth minister. Please send a current résumé to centralyms22@gmail.com.

NC: The  Central Union Church of Christ, located outside of Charlotte in Monroe, is looking for a full time pulpit minister. The congregation is served by three elders and two deacons. The candidate is ideally an energetic family man who can help minister the congregation under the oversight of the elders, help lead the congregation in community outreach, and interact with the youth group. A 4-year degree or a graduate of a church sponsored school of preaching is preferred. Spanish as a second language is a benefit.  Social Media familiarity is a plus. Please contact Austin Watts centralunioncocnc@gmail.com with references and audio/video links of recent sermons.

PA: Situated between the City of Pittsburgh and the western ridges of the Appalachian Mountains in southwestern Pennsylvania, the Greensburg Church of Christ is looking for a mission-minded individual to serve as a part-time evangelist. The church in Greensburg has been around since 1974 and currently has a membership of about 30, spanning from families with teens and young children to middle-aged adults, retirees, and elderly shut-ins. They want to grow - spiritually, individually, relationally, and in number. They’d like for the selected evangelist to lead and help develop the talent and abilities among the men of the congregation, conduct outreach and evangelize the lost, and aid in the strengthening and growth of the congregation. They do not have elders. ● No formal pulpit preaching experience required, multiple years of preaching experience / ministry experience preferred ● Significant knowledge / experience in leadership ● Comfortable with using technology in sermons and lessons ● Able to connect with the youth. Key Responsibilities ● Help church members with evangelism efforts ● Assist with the planning and organization of worship services, lead and / or assist with special events and outreach ● Provide bible-based counseling as needed ● Develop relationships with other churches and ministers in our area ● Help maintain the church’s web and social media presence. This is a part-time role with potential for housing/healthcare subsidy.  Interested candidates are asked to please send cover letter, resume, writing/presentation samples, sermon recordings (audio or video), and references to: Greensburg Church of Christ 518 Cribbs Street Greensburg, PA 15601 OR greensburgcoc@gmail.com.

PA: Mission Ministry Opportunity: This work began in November, 2014, as the result of a dream to plant churches in Northern PA, where the Lord’s Church is not represented. They have a beautiful church building, fully paid for, in a nice neighborhood of Sayre. They are also blessed with incredible support from churches in several states with teams visiting for door-knocking campaigns and VBS presentations. They feel they lack nothing except a minister who lives in the community, and identify this as a pressing need to move to the next phase of becoming established. Located on the border with New York State, where the Chemung River feeds into the Susquehanna, the “Valley” includes the towns of Sayre and Athens in PA, and Waverly in NY. The total population is 14000 and the present membership is 15. If you are interested in exploring this possibility call Arthur Barry at 607 280-1732. Check them out on Facebook and at valleycitieschurchofchrist.org. Email: vccocsayre@outlook.com Arthur Barry, Evangelist at Valley Cities church of Christ Sayre, PA 607 280-1732.

PA: The Hermitage Church of Christ is a congregation of approximately 75 people located in beautiful Hermitage. The congregation is comprised of people from Hermitage and several communities within a 25-mile radius of Hermitage. They have two elders and five deacons. The congregation has been at its current location since 1954. Candidates considered for this position will have these boundary characteristics: • Prefer married but widowed or single will be considered. Single again or remarried will be considered after a conversation. • Education: Prefer ministry degree from Christian university or a ministry minor. Will consider someone with no ministry degree with good transferable skills who is current teaching and preaching on a semi regular basis. • Age spectrum: 27-50 but will consider someone a bit older (51-55). Objective is to have someone stay for ten years.

FL: Th Jay church is seeking a full-time minister who will help nurture and grow the congregation in faith, love and number. They are a church of 45 members whose attendance has nearly triples in the last 5 years. The primary responsibility of the minister is to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, engage with members of the church and community, and work for the continued development of the church in the town of Jay. Prospective candidates must complete a doctrinal questionnaire. Key Responsibilities and Duties • Work with the membership to fulfill the church’s mission, purpose and programs. • Maintain a regular program of personal spiritual development. • Establish a presence in the local community and participate in community activities for the purpose of being known and reaching the lost. (including a social media presence) • Various administrative tasks, such as: prepare a weekly bulletin, maintain the church calendar, cooperate with building maintenance efforts; and take a part in our Lads to Leaders programs. Required Skills & Qualifications: • Prefer 3+ years of experience. • Highly developed oral and written communication skills • Able to deliver engaging sermons and lessons • Willingness to build meaningful relationships with church members and community • Energetic and enthusiastic • Personal and Professional Organization skills Preferred Skills & Qualifications: • Degree from a Bible college or preaching school associated with the churches of Christ.  Apply by emailing a resume with “Jay Church” in subject line, to: Oscar Locklin 850 418-2121 ojlocklin@gmail.com, Lance Bird 850 572-4785  bird8287@gmail.com, Trey Burgess 850 259-0017 treysvinylandtrim05@gmail.com.

GA:  Burnt Hickory Church of Christ outside of Atlanta is looking for a Youth Minister. The ideal candidate will be married, have 3-5 years of relevant ministry experience, and possess at least a Bachelors degree in ministry or a related field. He will be responsible for teaching and mentoring BH students in grades 6-12, equipping parents with tools to disciple their children, integrating BH youth into the broader life of the church, leading off-campus events to spark and renew spiritual passion among the students, and working with the elders and other ministers to plan and execute vision for the church. Please send a resume, cover letter, and references to matt.c@burnthickory.org.

WI: The Tomah Church of Christ is looking for a new preacher. They are willing to postpone a start date in order to find the right candidate, so those about to graduate, please feel welcome to apply. At this time, they are a congregation of approximately 40 people of which 5 are children and 3 young adults. The building is located in a city of approximately 10,000+ people. They are involved in a Bible Camp in Black River Falls. The Tomah area also offers several recreational activities such as hiking, biking, water sports, golfing, and hunting. They are approximately 45 minutes from Wisconsin Dells, and 4 hours from Chicago and Minneapolis. They are seeking to hire an evangelist “who is on fire for Christ and willing to help reach out to the lost.” This person must preach Bible-based sermons and help prepare the church to serve Jesus by assisting with the planning and administration of God-centered curriculum for all age groups. Responsibilities will include using the applicant’s spiritual gifts/strengths to their fullest abilities and helping the Church develop their spiritual gifts/strengths to edify and encourage others. To be considered for this position please submit a resume and a letter of interest. If a video of your sermon(s) is available, please submit a link or provide a copy as well. The requested information can be sent to: Matt Stone at mcstone52@gmail.com Tomah Church of Christ 316 View Street P.O. Box 45 Tomah WI 54660.

TN: The Pond Church of Christ in Dickson is currently looking to fill the position of pulpit minister. The position will be a full time position, but part time for the right candidate will be considered. They would prefer someone who is married, and eager for growth, both spiritually and in number. Duties would include: visiting with those in need, community outreach, and working with the rest of the congregation on projects. The Pond congregation averages about 90 members. They are currently without eldership, due to the passing of a shepherd, but are currently working diligently to reestablish it. For more information or to apply, please submit your resume to info.pondcoc@gmail.com and an application and questionnaire will be sent to you.

GA: The Oak Hill Church of Christ in Covington is looking for a Youth Minister. Objective: Win young people to Christ, connect them with other Christians, and to help them grow in their faith. He is to serve, lead, teach, mentor, and encourage the youth in their walk with God. Responsibilities: Work under the leadership of the Shepherds. He will be considered a full, participating member of the church staff and will be assigned specific areas of responsibility. Those responsibilities include: • Teaching a weekly teenage Bible class on Sunday and Wednesday as well as coordinating other youth events. • Coordinate and lead teen fellowship activities, summer camp (counselor), Oak Hill’s fall area-wide youth day, service projects, outreach efforts, etc. • Minister to young people grades 6-12 and their families. It is our goal for the Minister to connect with the young people God has entrusted to this ministry. Because spiritual growth often takes place in the context of a relationship, it is important to spend a lot of time building relationships with youth. • The Youth Minister will be responsible for attending all youth related activities, exceptions being for pre-arranged time off or unforeseen circumstances such as illness. • Maintain daily hours, reserved for the youth and their needs, as well as Bible study for his own spiritual growth and Bible class preparation.  Many afternoons/evenings are spent with teens, developing relationships – either in group activities (planned and spontaneous) or one-on-one in counseling and prayer. It is important for the Youth Minister to be the go-to person for the youth of Oak Hill.  Availability is crucial, however they do understand time away for vacation and spiritual growth workshops are important.  Also, breaks in Bible class teaching will be regularly observed so the Minster can attend adult Bible classes as well. All relationships with teens and fellow church members shall be above reproach. There are NO exceptions to this policy. Dress, language, behavior, and attitude must be in accordance to God’s word at all times.  The youth minister must set a Christian example by his conduct. The Oak Hill congregation was started in October 2005 with about 30 members. Since that time, we have grown to average about 130 on Sunday mornings and have recently completed construction of a new building. They currently have about 23 kids that make up the 6-12 grade category with another 13+ under that age and about 10 college aged kids that participate each summer. Oak Hill is blessed to have a very active group of parents that are very involved and ready and willing to help. You can see more about who we are at www.oakhillcofc.org. Send resume, along with any additional information you wish to share, to Scott Whitmire at scott.whitmire@att.net.

TN: Happy Haven Children’s Home has a new opening for HOUSE PARENTS (husband & wife). The wife receives a full-time salary plus benefits; the husband would be free to work outside the home or to preach locally. Happy Haven helps young ladies in need of residential child care and is sponsored by Churches of Christ & other interested individuals. Please print off applications at our website & fill out: http://www.happyhaven.org/documents/EmploymentApplication.pdf. Office: 931 526-2052, email: happyhaven@frontiernet.net.   Houston Bynum, Administrator

AL: North Alabama Christian Children's Home, located in Florence, Alabama, has an immediate position open for faithful Christian house parents for the boys home on Campus. They hire both the husband and wife, even though one of them can work outside the home, or attend school locally. The financial package is very attractive, and offers a stimulus for those who work and stay with us for three years and longer. They help with medical insurance, as well as a insurance policy.  Free food, free housing, no utility bills, and use of vehicles and gasoline is just part of the package offered. For more information, call Don Williams, Executive Director, at 256 366-3327, or Melinda Jackson, Social Worker, at 256 710-9404. Visit nacch.com to learn more.

SC: The Southeastern Children's Home is seeking Ministry-minded Christian couples with strong marriages and team spirits to serve as foster parents. The couple will receive a monthly foster care stipend and live in a cottage and care for up to 5 foster children. Paid time-off, medical insurance, 24-hour backup and support by social work staff, housing, utilities, food allowance, gas allowance, and van for work use are provided.

They are also seeking a ministry-minded candidate to serve in the role of Director of Social Services. Master's Degree in Social Work or related field is required. The Director of Social Services is responsible for overseeing, directing, and managing all childcare related services at SECH. Must have excellent written and oral skills, possess the ability to be flexible, and meet deadlines. The ideal candidate is self-motivated and can consistently meet deadlines. Candidate should also have a passion for the Lord and a love for children and families in need. Salary and benefits are commensurate with degree and experience. Call or email Brad Brooks, Executive Director 864 439-0259 bbrooks@sech.org. Southeastern Children's Home 115 Children's Way PO Box 339 Duncan, SC 29334.

That’ll do it for this long post. Let us know what we missed or got wrong, TJI@TheJenkinsInstittue.com

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