Associate Pastor

The role of the Associate Pastor is to assist the lead pastor in shepherding the congregation at Living Hope Community Church. The associate pastor will develop structured discipleship training through identifying teaching material for differing levels of discipleship training, encouraging the congregation to learn, grow and mature in Christ. The associate pastor will provide administrative support in developing structure and systems to support various ministries with an emphasis on developing and empowering lay leadership. The associate pastor is part of the preaching team and regularly assists in the delivery of Christ-centered, biblically faithful preaching and teaching.

EXPECTATIONS (By Priority)

DISCIPLESHIP/TRAINING
• Pray for and encourage members of the congregation
• Intentionally connect with individuals, couples and families in the church
• Make disciples of those within the congregation through relationship building, demonstrated care and sound biblical teaching
• Develop structured discipleship training for different levels of believers to stimulate on-going growth and maturity in believers at every level
• Build a culture of trust, collaboration and accountability within the church
• Assist in performing funerals, weddings, baby dedications, baptisms and communion
• Assist with hospital and care center visits

ADMINISTRATION
• Develop systems to bring structure and consistency to ministries in the church
• Encourage ministry leaders to use the systems, listening to feedback and adapting as necessary
• Empower ministry leaders in their roles, inspiring and supporting them as they lead
• In partnership with the lead pastor and elders, develop a leadership development program and process
• In coordination with the lead pastor, maintain weekly set office hours

PREACHING/TEACHING
• As part of the preaching team, prepare and preach messages on Sunday morning a minimum of 20% of services (approximately 10-12 Sundays annually)
• Participate/lead in a minimum of one life group/bible study

PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Meets the qualifications of an elder as described in Titus 1 and 1 Timothy 3
• Agreement with the EFCA Statement of Faith
• Bachelor’s degree in ministry with three (3) years of related experience
• Licensed, credentialed, in the EFCA (or willing to become so) or ordained through a doctrinally compatible church
• Has a heart for ministry in rural communities
• Possesses a deep love for and calling towards pastoral ministry
• Committed to a team-oriented approach to ministry

Key Responsibilities:

• Discipleship & Training:
  • Develop and lead discipleship programs to foster spiritual growth at all levels
  • Build relationships with individuals, couples and families to encourage maturity in Christ
  • Mentor and empower lay leaders in their discipleship efforts
• Administration:
  • Create and implement systems to structure and organize church ministries
  • Support and equip ministry leaders, adapting systems based on feedback
  • Collaborate with the lead pastor and elders to develop leadership training and church processes

If you are excited about the opportunity to serve a small-town, rural congregation that is experiencing growth and is committed to our shared values, we’d love to hear from you!