Senior Pastor

Position Overview

Pelican Bay Evangelical Free Church is seeking a Senior Pastor who loves Christ, loves people and has a heart for shepherding God’s church.

The senior pastor will provide spiritual leadership and pastoral care for the congregation, faithfully preach and teach God’s Word, equip believers for ministry, reach out to the surrounding community and work collaboratively with church leaders and members to fulfill the church’s mission.

As a small church, this position requires a pastor who is comfortable being personally involved in the everyday life of the congregation—knowing people by name, visiting and praying with members, participating in community life, encouraging volunteers and working together with the church family.

The senior pastor should embrace the theological convictions and ministry philosophy of the Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA) and be in full accord with the church’s Statement of Faith.

Qualifications

• Be a man called by God to pastoral ministry with an established and true Christian character.
• Demonstrate spiritual maturity, humility, integrity, faithfulness and a genuine love for people.
• Be qualified to preach and teach the Word of God as described in 1 Timothy 3:1–7; 1 Timothy 4:12–15; 2 Timothy 2:15; Titus 1:5–9; and Philippians 3:12–17.
• Be committed to the authority and sufficiency of Scripture and be in full accord with the church’s Statement of Faith.
• Be willing to perform pastoral duties in accordance with Scripture and the Constitution and Bylaws of Pelican Bay Evangelical Free Church.
• Demonstrate clear, faithful preaching and teaching, along with a heart for pastoral care, discipleship, evangelism and service.
• Work collaboratively with the elder team, church leaders, volunteers and congregation.
• Have an appropriate Master’s level degree in theological studies, preferably a Master of Divinity degree.

The church may consider candidates whose ministry preparation has taken different forms when their theological convictions, character, calling and ministry experience demonstrate appropriate preparation for pastoral ministry. Candidates working toward a Master’s level theological degree may be considered with completion expected within three years of the date of hire.

Primary Responsibilities

Preaching, Teaching and Spiritual Formation

• Faithfully preach and teach God’s Word in complete agreement with the church’s Statement of Faith.
• Lead worship services in cooperation with worship leaders and volunteers.
• Teach or coordinate Bible studies, classes and discipleship opportunities as appropriate.
• Encourage prayer, biblical knowledge, spiritual growth, practical Christian living and service.
• Equip members to discover and use their spiritual gifts and help develop ministry leaders.

Pastoral Care & Congregational Ministry

• Develop caring, meaningful relationships with members and regular attendees.
• Provide pastoral counseling, prayer, encouragement and spiritual guidance within appropriate pastoral boundaries.
• Visit and minister to those who are sick, elderly, homebound, hospitalized, grieving or experiencing significant life circumstances.
• Conduct weddings, funerals, baptisms, communion and other pastoral ministries in accordance with church policy and EFCA convictions.
• Support ministry to children, youth and families and participate appropriately in congregational life.

Leadership, Outreach and Administration

• Provide spiritual and pastoral leadership in cooperation with the church’s governing leadership.
• Work with the elder team and church leaders to develop ministries appropriate to the size and needs of the congregation.
• Encourage unity, humility, mutual respect and biblical conflict resolution.
• Build relationships within the surrounding community and encourage the congregation in evangelism and Christian witness.
• Work effectively with volunteers and lay leaders, delegating responsibilities appropriately.
• Complete reasonable pastoral administrative responsibilities and communicate regularly with church leadership and the congregation.

Small-Church Ministry Expectations

• Know and care for people personally and be visible in the life of the church and surrounding community.
• Work comfortably with volunteers and be willing to assist with practical ministry needs when appropriate.
• Develop and equip leaders rather than attempting to carry every ministry responsibility personally.
• Recognize and encourage the contributions of church members.
• Build trust through consistent, relational ministry and remain flexible as ministry needs change.
• Be present in the church office at least four days each week.

Authority & Accountability

The authority of the senior pastor rests in the office as steward of the Word of God. Pastoral authority is not based upon the individual but upon the teaching authority of Scripture.

• The senior pastor is accountable to the elder team.
• The senior pastor will serve in cooperation with the church’s Constitution, Bylaws and established leadership structure.
• The senior pastor will maintain open communication with the elder team and church leadership and respect the responsibilities and authority assigned to elders, deacons and congregational members.
• The senior pastor will seek counsel when appropriate, encourage shared ministry and accountability and handle disagreements with humility, honesty, prayer and biblical principles.
• The senior pastor shall be an ex-officio member with full voting rights on all committees.
• The senior pastor shall provide the elder team with an annual evaluation of staff members who report to him.
• The senior pastor shall prepare a comprehensive report for the February congregational meeting.

Personal & Spiritual Expectations

• Maintain regular prayer and study of Scripture and pursue ongoing personal spiritual growth.
• Demonstrate faithfulness to biblical standards of character and conduct.
• Maintain appropriate family, rest and personal boundaries that support healthy, sustainable ministry.
• Pursue continued theological and pastoral development.
• Maintain appropriate accountability with trusted Christian leaders or peers.

Statement of Commitment

The senior pastor shall uphold the church’s Statement of Faith, Constitution, Bylaws, policies and ministry values and shall conduct himself in a manner consistent with the biblical standards and responsibilities expected of a pastor. The senior pastor is called to faithfully shepherd the congregation, preach and teach the Word of God, lead by example, equip believers for ministry, and work with the elder team and congregation to fulfill the mission of Pelican Bay Evangelical Free Church.