Pastor

Below are descriptions of the various requirements and responsibilities that the pastor will need to be involved with.

1. Education/Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree, Master’s from seminary preferred
• Willingness to pursue Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA) credentialing
• Five to eight years of related ministry work or experience desired (paid or unpaid)
• Alignment with the current EFCA Statement of Faith, compatible theologically and compliment philosophically with lead pastor.
• Ability to communicate well verbally and written form.
• Spanish speaking ability is a plus.

2. Preaching:
Preach with an emphasis on exegetical/expository preaching with a sound unwavering commitment to the Word of God; preach the whole counsel of God, not for agendas, political correctness, nor fear of man’s opinions; being able to accurately handle the Word of God.
• Shepherd the congregation and share biblically sound teaching and preaching as needed.

3. Leadership:
Lead by biblical example and lifestyle, putting God first; eager to serve with humility and have a teachable spirit.
• Committed to servant leadership.
• Partner with the church elders in carrying out the church vision and purpose.
• Development and growth of new and ongoing ministries, helping people apply the Word daily.
• Upon approval of the church members, become a member of the elder board.
• Commit to working as a team with the staff and members of Living Word.

4. Pastoral Care/Counseling:
As part of the elder board, consider the needs of the entire church family; watch over the flock; guard the church body against false teachings and secular ideas; encourage and reach out to all members of the church family; promote a spirit of unity and of love among the people; leave the ninety-nine for the one. Provide sound biblical counsel, advice and guidance. Encourage those mature believers in the faith to assist with spiritual counseling opportunities.
• Provide pastoral care to people and families to strengthen their relationship with Christ and each other.
• General pastoral responsibilities including, but not limited to preaching, leading Bible studies or other training classes, baptisms, weddings, funerals and visitation.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule that meets the needs of those who he shepherds.

5. Personal Character & Devotional Life:
Pray diligently for the saints and encourage a lifestyle of prayer; commit to both public and private prayer; lead by example.
• Maintain a growing personal relationship with Jesus Christ through personal Bible study and prayer.
• Maintain biblical qualities of an elder.
• Maintain our regular, public reading of the Scriptures at worship services.
• Devote substantial time to study the Scriptures in sermon preparation.

6. Fellowship:
Actively participate, encourage and promote fellowship within the body.
• Assist in coordinating and participating in retreats, camps, mission trips and other activities of the church.
• Connect through fellowship in the members’ lives and activities.
• Know the congregation by engaging relationally and showing interest in them. This will include getting to know personal and family stories of the active members of the church.

7. Discipleship/Outreach/Evangelism:
Equip the saints by first having the Word impact and change them so that they can be ready for acts of service, evangelism and discipleship training; actively promote opportunities to share the gospel with unsaved and to grow all believers to maturity in Christ.
• Ability to teach and relate well to all ages in various ministries.
• History of making disciples, commitment to relationship discipleship—involved in people’s lives.

8. Administration:
Work with and guide existing church staff; delegate responsibilities appropriately; encourage the efforts of the church committees, ministries and missions to effectively function as a church body; recognize the elder board’s responsibilities in governance and work in cooperation with the board and the congregation.
• Work with the worship leader to ensure weekend services are planned and executed to glorify God and strengthen His people.
• Provide input as needed for church administrative and annual budget needs.
• Attend scheduled church business meetings.
• Prepare for elders workshops and annual meeting.