We are seeking a church planting pastor to lead the establishment and shepherding of a new international, bi-lingual (English/German) Reformed Presbyterian church in the Basel Region (Liestal Area) of Switzerland. This is a strategically positioned, diverse, and intellectually vibrant region with a growing international community and significant opportunities for Gospel witness. This church plant is grounded in historic Reformed theology and Presbyterian polity and aims to serve both expatriates and Swiss nationals through Word-centered worship, discipleship, and community life
Summary:
* Location: Basel Region (Liestal Area), Switzerland
* Church Type: International, Bi-lingual (English/German), Reformed Presbyterian Church Plant
* Status: Full-time
* Start Date: Summer 2026
Tasks
Position Summary:
The Church Planting Pastor will serve as the primary leader and vision caster for the church plant in the Basel Region (Liestal Area). He will oversee all aspects of establishing and nurturing the congregation, including regular preaching and teaching, evangelism, leadership development, pastoral care, and community integration. The pastor will work in collaboration with mission partners and supporting churches, with a long-term vision of planting a self-sustaining, elder-led Reformed Presbyterian church.
Key Responsibilities:
* Preaching & Teaching: Regularly preach the Word in a way faithful to the Reformed tradition and accessible to a cross-cultural audience. Lead public worship and administer sacraments.
* Leadership Development: Identify, disciple, and train local leaders and future officers (elders and deacons) in cooperation with mission and denominational partners.
* Evangelism & Discipleship: Create outreach strategies for expatriates and locals, and establish structures for discipleship and small group ministry
* Pastoral Care: Provide spiritual oversight, counseling, and shepherding for individuals and families.
* Organizational Development: Manage the structural and logistical aspects of the church, including legal recognition, partnerships, and facilities.
* Cultural Engagement: Engage the culture of the Basel Region (Liestal Area) with Gospel clarity, humility, and cultural sensitivity.
* Fundraising & Partnership Development: Build and maintain support networks with individuals, churches, and mission agencies. Provide regular updates and communicate the vision to ensure sustainability, especially in the first ten years.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications:
* Education: MDiv from a conservative, Reformed, Presbyterian seminary (e.g., Westminster, RTS, Covenant, Greenville).
* Ordination: Must be an ordained minister in good standing with a conservative Presbyterian denomination (e.g., PCA, OPC, EPCEW).
Experience:
* Minimum 10 years in cross-cultural ministry.
* Minimum 10 years in ordained Reformed Presbyterian ministry (U.S. or Europe).
* Church planting, revitalization, or start-up experience strongly preferred.
* RUF or similar campus ministry experience is a plus.
Doctrinal Commitments:
Full subscription to the Westminster Confession and Catechisms; affirm inerrancy and infallibility of Scripture; value ordinary means of grace ministry.
Language:
Proficient in English; willing to learn and minister in German.
Personal Qualifications
* Spiritually mature, biblically grounded, and passionate about shepherding.
* Strong leadership with cross-cultural sensitivity and emotional intelligence.
* Vision-driven and patient; can pioneer while nurturing sustainability.
* Humble, teachable, and committed to biblical ecclesiology and elder-led governance.
Benefits
Support & Oversight
The church plant will be under a Reformed Presbyterian mission committee or presbytery, with mentoring from experienced church planters. Support and fundraising partnerships may be facilitated depending on the candidate's sending body.
To apply, please submit:
1. Cover letter outlining your interest and fit
2. CV or resume
3. Personal doctrinal statement affirming the Westminster Standards
4. Three references (at least one pastoral, one mission-related)