Senior Pastor

The pastor’s primary responsibility is to work with the elders in the Spirit-empowered shepherding of the congregation by providing spiritual leadership, vision and guidance to the local church body. The candidate will have a strong commitment to fostering spiritual growth, discipleship and unity in community.

Required Qualifications

1. A Spirit-led passion and vision for mobilizing the body of Christ for mission and equipping the saints for service.
2. The biblical qualifications of an elder which include a growing relationship with God that encourages the same in our congregation, leading by example and being trustworthy, sacrificial, transparent and supportive of the congregation and church vision
3. Master of Divinity degree (or equivalent) or intent to pursue
4. Five or more years of experience as an associate, senior or solo pastor
5. Demonstrable effectiveness in compelling, gospel-centered, theologically-sound preaching
6. Able to engage and minister to our intergenerational congregation and to welcome newcomers; be personally involved in church life
7. Able to interpret and apply the Word within the context of the culture
8. Supportive of biblical counseling
9. Embraces the EFCA statement on the “significance of silence” in recognizing freedom of conscience among believers when Scripture is silent on a particular issue
10. In full agreement with EFCA Statement of Faith
11. Eligible and willing to be EFCA-credentialed
12. Willing to live in our community or an area in close proximity

Responsibilities

The pastor is expected to:

1. Spend time in prayer and Bible study to experience spiritual growth and educational development in his personal life and ministry;
2. Prepare and deliver the weekly Sunday sermon that is biblically sound and that will inspire and challenge the church to grow in their relationship with God, with other believer and in mission to unbelievers;
3. In collaboration with church leadership, facilitate and encourage the church vision, spiritual development and discipling of congregants;
4. Shepherd and care for the congregation by providing pastoral guidance, support and counseling as needed, and by facilitating the contact/visitation of hospitalized, house-bound or grieving congregants;
5. As part of the elder team, oversee the church staff and ministry teams;
6. Engage with the other pastors and local agencies to understand community needs to guide the church in developing outreach activities that share the gospel effectively;
7. Lead in observance of the ordinances of the church;
8. Officiate at weddings, funerals and baptisms;
9. Support and provide guidance to the worship team and other volunteers in the planning of the regular and special church services and programs;
10. Provide guidance for Christian education and equipping classes