Associate Pastor - Youth

Grace Church of Eagle Grove, Iowa, is currently searching for an associate pastor. While we believe that God has prepared and called a unique individual for this position, our responsibility in the search process involves prayerfully defining and describing the position, along with outlining the criteria we think will be important for the ideal candidate to possess. This position will entail a youth ministry focus, with the remainder of time devoted to small groups, occasional preaching and/or community outreach as fitting with the applicant’s gifts.

Calling and Passion

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The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
○ A drive to equip and facilitate disciplemaking at all ages.
○ Passion for the spiritual growth of our congregation.
○ Ability to train and develop leaders in the church.
○ A heart for strengthening families according to a biblical framework.
○ Vision for developing a youth ministry that has a lasting impact beyond graduation.
○ Passion for reaching beyond the walls of our local church into the communities our members live in.
○ Willingness to serve in missions in and beyond the local community.
○ A willingness to work with/through the DNA of this church, including our Spanish-speaking congregants.

Skills

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The associate pastor shall have:
○ Required:
■ Ability to lead and communicate with God’s people.
■ Ability to teach the Word of God, explaining concepts and making application.
■ Ability to motivate others to participate in mission.
■ Ability to relate well to people of all ages.
■ Organized with attention to detail and with a strong follow through to accomplish the goal.
■ Ability to delegate as they disciple others.
■ A strong desire to shepherd youth in youth ministry.
■ Willingness to preach from the pulpit based on churches’ needs.
■ Ability to work as a team under the direction of the elders.

○ Desired, but not required:
■ Collaborative spirit and experience in a multi-staff setting.
■ Good financial sense regarding personal/church finances.
■ Comfort with learning and using technology as tools for ministry.
■ Bi-lingual (English/Spanish)

Character requirements

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The associate pastor shall have:
○ A personal and growing relationship with Jesus Christ, including a consistent prayer life.
○ A habit of following Jesus in their personal and family life.
○ A love for and commitment to his own family and community.
○ A reputation for being morally above reproach.
○ A consistent demonstration of integrity and humility.
○ A humble and compassionate courage to teach and apply God’s truths without being swayed by culture.
○ A shepherd’s heart and an ability and willingness to speak difficult truths with love.

Education and Experience

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The ideal candidate will have, or be willing to complete, a ministry-related undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited evangelical college or university. He should not consider his degree to be the completion of his training but should be a life-long learner.

Ideally, the candidate will have at least two years of volunteer or paid employment experience in a local church or parachurch organization, preferably in a pastoral role or youth-related ministry. Your past experiences should confirm that God is calling you into pastoral ministry.

Beliefs

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The associate pastor candidate must hold to theEFCA Statement of Faith. If he is not already licensed or ordained by the EFCA, he must be willing to pursue one of those credentials.