Associate Pastor (Flexible Role)

We’re looking for a full-time pastor who is faithful in the regular duties of a pastor (leading, teaching, shepherding) and able to give specific leadership and oversight to two areas of church ministry. We understand all pastors are given different gifts and we want to be flexible to align the job description with the pastor as much as possible. First Free is in a season of re-organizing its ministries, so this is an opportunity for the pastor to not just oversee but also shape some meaningful ministries.

GENERAL PASTORAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Practice faithful rhythms of prayer for life and ministry.
• Teach the Scriptures regularly (Sunday preaching, midweek elective classes, youth programming and informal settings are all available).
• Lead and help with weddings, funerals, hospital visits and the like.
• Counsel and coach as needed and refer when longtime or specialized help is needed.

SPECIFIC MINISTRY RESPONSIBILITIES

We want to be flexible and match the gifting of the pastor. Our expectation is that the pastor could lead two of the below ministries.

Children & Youth Ministries

• Ensure that all the formal discipleship programming for children and youth is for the purpose of growing in the image of Jesus Christ, and not merely traditional or entertaining programs and events.
• Recruit and develop leaders.
• Oversee all training, scheduling, use of technology and any other support systems.

Music Ministry

• Must be able to sing, play an instrument and effectively lead corporate worship.
• Plan worship services honoring the current “Isaiah 6” format.
• Work with the music and media teams to train, recruit and schedule musicians and media volunteers.

Pastoral Care Ministry

• Work with the care team to oversee church care for widows, homebound and those in crisis.
• Ensure that the ultimate goal of the ministry is discipleship and not merely meeting physical needs.
• Develop clear communication paths for informing congregation of needs.
• Officiate most funerals and be the primary pastor for hospital visitation.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Meet character requirements listed in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9.
• Able to teach the Bible faithfully and effectively as required in 1 Timothy 3:2 & Titus 1:9.
• Alignment with the current EFCA Statement of Faith, compatible theologically and philosophically with lead pastor.
• Currently ordained with the EFCA or willing, able and eligible to do so.
• Endorse and support the doctrinal, mission and vision statements of First Free.
• Bachelor’s degree expected; Master’s from seminary preferred.

TERMS OF CALL

The tenure of this call shall be indefinite.

ACCOUNTABILITY

• Responds to and works under the supervision of the lead pastor.
• Serve as a member of the advisory council in fulfilling the mission and vision of the church.

BENEFITS

• Competitive salary range depending on experience.
• Health insurance.
• Retirement contribution.
• Vacation and sick leave.
• Sabbatical policy.
• Conference, books and mileage budgets.