The Church of Scotland is seeking a “resilient” minister who is willing to learn Arabic or Hebrew to share the gospel and advocate for peace, justice, hope and co-operation in the Holy Land.
The new Mission Partner and Minister of St Andrew's Memorial Church Jerusalem and Tiberias will support the Christian population in the region and communicate the realities of life in Israel and Palestine to people in Scotland.
The minister will be responsible for the life, worship, and witness of the parish, leading services primarily in Jerusalem and, when needed, in Tiberias on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Part of the role will include strengthening links with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, and other partners across Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza, whilst also building links with other faith communities in the city.
Kenny Roger, the Church of Scotland's resource and presence manager, said: "The minister of St Andrew's Memorial Church Jerusalem and Tiberias is a key role for the Church of Scotland based in a city which is central to the major world religions.
"It is a privilege and allows for the minister to gain an intimate understanding of the situation throughout Israel and Palestine through the eyes of the local Christian population."
The Church of Scotland has been active in the Holy Land since the mid-19th century. Today its approach is centred on providing practical and spiritual support through living and working alongside local communities in a region marked by uncertainty and conflict.
St Andrew's Memorial Church and St Andrew's Church in Tiberias have historical significance.The former commemorates Scottish soldiers who died in the First World War and the latter was founded by medical missionary Dr David Torrance who set up a nearby hospital.
Tiberias also offers accommodation for pilgrims, retreat guests, and potentially volunteers.
Pastoral duties extend not only to the congregation, but also to visitors and staff at the Scots House Hotel in Jerusalem, and staff, pupils and families at Tabeetha School in Jaffa, where the minister is expected to lead assemblies regularly at the Church of Scotland owned English-speaking school
The full-time post for a fixed period of four years and three months is only open to UK citizens who are licensed Church of Scotland ministers.
Roger said: "This role places high emphasis on ecumenical and interfaith working and is ideally suited to someone able to move easily from visiting places of poverty and injustice to dealing with heads of churches.
"As the church in Jerusalem is a memorial one, there is a requirement to be involved in many of the various Remembrance services throughout the country.
"The 100th Anniversary of the opening of the church is in 2029."
The deadline for applications is 29th June.