Church profile & Listening Session Input

Pastoral Transition
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The Leadership Board (including the new members joining the Board in 2026 and representatives from the Welcome & Belonging Movement) met in late November to delve into the inputs from the Congregation Listening process that occurred in the fall. That session resulted in the final Church Profile that is being submitted to the Minnesota Conference to use as they begin the search for Park Avenue’s new senior pastor. The full Church Profile is available to everyone via this link.  While it is lengthy, it is rich with information about our neighborhood, our church, its history, its strengths and ministries and its needs.  We encourage you to take the time to read it.

In summary, participants shared a desire for Park to grow into a healthier, more connected, more vibrant congregation and focused the hopes and vision for our church for the next five years.  This vision blends spiritual, relational and organizational aspirations for Park’s future:

  • Become the church we say we are:  a truly multicultural, racially diverse LGBTQ+ affirming community rooted in Christ.

  • Deepen spiritual life, grounding the congregation in prayer, discipleship, and connection with God.

  • Serve and engage the neighborhood more deeply

  • Grow attendance and membership, including stronger youth and young adult engagement, and deepened weekday relational life.

  • Strengthen financial sustainability, ensuring responsible stewardship while supporting ministry and staff.

  • Address building needs honestly and strategically, recognizing upcoming costs and long-term facility considerations.

Therefore, the characteristics and skills Park Avenue Church needs to lead us forward are: 

Required: A Black (African American) or BIPOC pastor, with:

1.  Deep experience in multicultural, urban American ministry; lived experience from a marginalized identity, commitment to racial justice

2.  Dynamic, Christ-centered preaching and teaching: deep personal faith in Jesus

3.  Strong intercultural competence and agility; community building

4.  Commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion

5.  Strength in conflict navigation and organizational leadership

6.  Ability to support and value staff and work collaboratively

7.  Revenue development including donor cultivation, stewardship methodologies, and income stream diversification

The District Superintendent from the Minnesota Conference, Michelle Hargrave, who will be leading the search for our next Senior Pastor, is scheduled to join us at a Worship Service and Gathering Time in January to explain the process of the search and appointment and to hear your questions. We will let you know when the exact date is confirmed.

View The Church Profile
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Listening Sessions