Community Pastor

Position Overview

The Community Pastor champions our conviction that authentic Christian life happens in relationship, not in isolation. As we recognize that cultural connectivity often masks genuine loneliness, this pastor leads our church's efforts to foster genuine community where people truly do “life together" - praying, celebrating, mourning, and growing in Christ as a forever family. By coordinating our care ministry and small groups, they ensure that our theological understanding of being God's family becomes practical reality, creating environments where people can serve one another, share life's moments together, and help each other and our children grow deeper in their relationship with Jesus. This role requires someone who combines a shepherd's heart with strategic leadership ability, working to ensure no one walks alone in our faith community.

Primary Responsibilities

Small Groups Ministry

• Cast vision and develop strategy for a thriving small groups ministry that promotes discipleship and community
• Recruit, train, and support small group leaders, providing ongoing mentorship and resources
• Create and implement curriculum guidelines and resources for various types of groups
• Track group health, attendance, and effectiveness through regular evaluations and feedback
• Facilitate the formation of new groups and assist members in finding appropriate groups

Pastoral Care

• Develop and implement a comprehensive pastoral care strategy that meets the emotional, spiritual, and practical needs of congregation members
• Provide crisis intervention, spiritual counsel, and support during life transitions, hospitalizations, bereavements, and other challenging circumstances
• Coordinate and train pastoral care volunteers and visitation teams
• Facilitate support groups for specific needs (grief, divorce recovery, addiction recovery, etc.)
• Maintain confidential records of pastoral care activities and follow-up communications

Leadership and Administration

• Collaborate with other pastoral staff to ensure alignment with church vision and values
• Maintain clear communication channels between church leadership and small group leaders
• Develop and manage department budget
• Establish and monitor metrics for measuring ministry effectiveness
• Preach 8-12 times per year
• Participate in regular staff meetings and leadership development opportunities

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor of Biblical Studies/Ministry or equivalent theological education preferred
• Minimum 3-5 years experience in pastoral ministry
• Demonstrated experience in small group leadership and development
• Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) or counseling training preferred

Skills and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to show empathy and maintain confidentiality
• Excellent organizational and administrative capabilities
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal
• Proven ability to recruit, train, and lead volunteers
• Proficiency in church management software and basic office applications

Personal Qualities

• Mature faith and strong commitment to Christian ministry
• Heart for pastoral care and discipleship
• Emotional intelligence and discretion in handling sensitive situations
• Strong work ethic and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Team player with collaborative leadership style

Working Conditions

• Full-time position (40-45 hours per week)
• Flexible schedule required for evening meetings and emergency pastoral care
• Regular weekend availability for worship services and church events
• Some travel required for hospital visits and home visitations

Relationships

• Reports to Lead Pastor
• Works closely with pastoral team and ministry staff
• Supervises care ministry volunteers and small group leaders
• Regular interaction with congregation members and visitors

To apply, please submit:

- Resume

- Cover letter

- Statement of faith

- Three professional references

- Two personal references

Interested candidates should send application materials to Pastor Phillip Kaylor at admin@palmyragrace.org.