Associate Pastor
Job Description
What you bring
The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Associate Pastor:
Education and Experience
Education
Degree Level: A bachelor’s degree in ministry, theology or a related field (Master of Divinity preferred).
Theological Training: The candidate must be committed to reformational theology or be willing to be trained in it. Full agreement is required with the church’s Statement of Faith, as well as the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy, the Nashville Statement and the Ligonier Statement on Christology.
Experience
Duration: The ideal candidate will ideally have at least five years of ministry experience.
Ordination: Ordination is required for this position.
Leadership Scope: The role requires “proven experience in church ministry leadership roles” with the ability to manage multiple ministries simultaneously.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge
Theological Framework: A strong commitment to sola scriptura (Scripture alone) and tota scriptura (all of Scripture). The candidate must be committed to reformational theology or willing to be trained in it.
Doctrinal Agreement: Full agreement is required with the church’s [Statement of Faith](as well as the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy, the Nashville Statement and the Ligonier Statement on Christology.)
Curriculum Development: Knowledge of how to select and/or develop Christian education curriculum for all ages.
Skills
Operational Leadership: The ability to provide operational leadership to ensure ministries function effectively, including managing a departmental budget.
Volunteer & Staff management: Proven skills in recruiting, training, developing and mentoring both staff and volunteers across multiple age-group ministries.
Event Planning: The ability to cast vision for and execute major events, specifically VBS, Fall Festivals, Youth Camps ( every other summer), Family Camps and summer mission trips.
Teaching: The skill to provide the main teaching for youth midweek services when needed and assist with Sunday worship services.
Program Oversight: Specific ability to oversee the AWANA program and work with the AWANA Director.
Abilities
Energetic & People Focused: The candidate is explicitly described as needing to be “energetic and outgoing” with a natural ability to build relationships.
Multi-Generational Connection: The ability to connect with people of “all ages and stages of life,” bridging the gap between children, youth, young adults and parents.
Teachable Spirit: A “curious, learning spirit” is required; the candidate does not need to know everything but must display a desire to keep growing in biblical knowledge.
Collaborative Autonomy: The ability to work well independently while also following the senior pastor’s leadership and directives.
Initiative: The capacity to be a “self-starter” who is creative and willing to try new things rather than just maintaining the status quo. Also willing to be actively involved in ministry of the church. While this person needs to be a delegator and discipler of others, it is best caught by living out the ministry and “getting your hands dirty.”
About this Church
Evangelical Free Church of Oroville is a Christ-centered, Bible-believing evangelical congregation in Oroville, California, committed to worshiping God, teaching Scripture and making disciples both locally and globally. Their community emphasizes faithful preaching, spiritual growth and serving others with heart, welcoming people from all walks of life to join in worship and fellowship. In addition to Sunday services and discipleship classes, the church supports a range of ministries including children’s programs, student and women’s groups, volunteer opportunities and global missions, and it also sponsors Oroville Christian School, a Christ-centered school for preschool through eighth grade.
What it’s like to live in Oroville, California
Oroville, California is a place that moves at a different speed, and for many, that is exactly the point. Life here breathes a little deeper. Mornings are quieter, skies feel wider, and the land itself invites you to slow down and stay awhile. With Lake Oroville, the Feather River and miles of open trails nearby, nature is not a weekend escape. It is part of everyday life.
This is a town shaped by hard-working people who value simplicity, space and showing up for one another. Homes are more attainable than in much of California, yards are bigger and there is room to stretch out, both physically and mentally. You will not find endless nightlife or big-city bustle, but you will find neighbors who wave, landscapes that steady you, and a rhythm of life that feels grounded and real. Oroville is not trying to be everything. It is for people who want less noise, more beauty and a community where life is lived a little closer to the land and closer to what matters most.