Posted May 2026 · Position open
We Are Seeking a Pastor
Bethany Presbyterian Church (USA) is a small but very active congregation located in Ontario, Oregon. After nearly a decade of faithful leadership from Reverend Linda Toth, we are seeking a part-time pastor for up to 20 hours per week on a renewable contract basis. We hope you'll read on and consider whether God might be calling you to join us.
About the Position
Role & Responsibilities
Our new pastor will serve as moderator of the session and congregation as appointed by the Snake River Presbytery Commission on Ministry. As ministry leader, the pastor will lead worship and preach at regular Sunday services and special services authorized by the session, and administer the Sacraments as agreed with session.
The pastor will maintain office time for administrative duties, worship service preparation, and work with session and its committees, and will be available for emergency contact and special celebrations for congregation members.
The session and other congregational leaders share an active role in these responsibilities. We see this work as a partnership. We expect our pastor to set healthy boundaries around this part-time role, and the session commits to honouring those boundaries. To this end, session provides committees on worship, mission, buildings and grounds, and décor, as well as committees on budget and finance, personnel, financial audit, and nominating.
Terms & Benefits
- Part-time · up to 20 hours per week
- Renewable contract basis
- 4 weeks' vacation (including Sundays)
- 2 weeks' study leave (including Sundays)
- Pension and medical benefits are not currently offered
About Our Congregation
We like to describe ourselves as joyful rebels, decidedly Presbyterian, and equally willing to challenge "how we've always done things."
Who We Are
We are a Matthew 25 church with approximately 36 members, most of whom are retired. Our worship services are live streamed. We are a warm and generous congregation, intentionally experimental, willing to make mistakes in good humour, and committed to being an inclusive and open community of faith.
We are decidedly Presbyterian, with a love for our theology, polity, and governance, but we also are willing to challenge "how we've always done things." We desire the direction and focus that a pastor provides, and we also see the work as a genuine partnership.
Community Involvement
We participate in many programmes throughout our community. Several members have been actively involved in the leadership and volunteer effort of the Next Chapter Food Pantry and Garden since its founding in 2006. We support the Oregon Food Bank Grant, the Treasure Valley Community College Nursing School endowment, and other local organisations including Oasis House, Angel Wings, and many more. Denominationally, we support the PCUSA Special Offerings.
Communidad de Fe
We are home to a Spanish-speaking congregation nested within our building. As Covid shutdowns were being lifted, Comunidad de Fe found themselves outgrowing their pastor's home. The Holy Spirit led Pastor Ezequiel to stop at our church and ask about space to worship, and that same Spirit would not let Bethany say no.
We wrote up a Covenant, worked with Presbytery, and they moved in. The relationship is joyful and messy, and we don't always understand each other. Comunidad de Fe is more free-church and Pentecostal in their style; we are Presbyterian. Our unwritten commitment is to help each other be the best version of the people of God. They have brought life, joy, and little children into our midst.
The pastors of both congregations are responsible for maintaining a shared building calendar and for combined services several times a year. The Covenant is reviewed annually. As part of our covenant, Comunidad de Fe provides janitorial services and all seasonal grounds maintenance.
About Ontario, Oregon
Ontario is a border town and the largest city in Malheur County, Oregon, with approximately 10,000 residents. Just across the border in Idaho are the towns of Fruitland and Payette, with approximately 5,000 residents each. Farming is the primary industry in this rural area.
Ontario has a high school, middle school, and three elementary schools, and is home to Treasure Valley Community College. The community offers a Boys and Girls Club, a swimming pool, and small skate and water parks. Ontario also hosts the Four Rivers Cultural Center and several city parks.
The area provides excellent access to outdoor activities including skiing, fishing, rockhounding, the BLM's Vale District, and several National Forests. Healthcare access is excellent, and Boise International Airport is one hour to the east.
You are warmly invited to experience our community firsthand. Join us for Sunday worship in person or watch us live on Facebook at 10:00 AM Mountain Time.
Expressions of Interest
Please send a cover letter, statement of faith, and résumé to our Clerk of Session.
Questions? You are also welcome to contact the church office.