Pastor

OVERVIEW:

The pastor provides spiritual oversight and leadership direction to the church body. He will preach, teach, disciple, evangelize and counsel as needed. He will champion the church’s statement of faith and by-laws. He will have authority over all committees and church ministries.

CHARACTERISTICS:

The pastor will perform all the Scriptural duties of the office. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, he will have freedom of the pulpit. He must meet the criteria of 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9:

- have solid Biblical doctrine

- be unwavering on the authority of God’s word

- be hospitable and even tempered

- maintain a good testimony in the community

- rule his own house well

- demonstrate compassion, humility, and dedication to God’s word

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

* Preach and teach Sunday morning services and mid-week Bible study. Messages must be well prepared, honoring the Lord.

* Work with the worship leaders in selecting appropriate hymns and songs for worship.

* Lead and demonstrate effective ways to witness and win the lost to salvation in Christ.

* Lead the congregation in the Lord’s Supper; perform baptisms, weddings, and funerals.

* Work with the deacons and other key leadership to carry out the mission and purpose of the church.

* Provide direct supervision to paid staff as well as oversight and guidance to leaders in all areas of ministry from children to teens to adults.

* Oversee Christian education and materials used for all ages and classes.

* Provide administration of the church including preparing and presenting the annual budget, monitoring expenses and oversight of the building and grounds maintenance.

* Oversee all church discipline matters and the management of conflict issues in the church.

* Communicate with the congregation through bulletins, announcements, worship services, special meetings, and electronic media.

* Provide short term counseling as needed and be available in crisis situations to provide pastoral care. Be available to minister to the needs of the congregation.

* Maintain contact with church sponsored missionaries.

* Invest time in visiting or meeting with congregants socially, outside of service times to build relationships and stronger connections.

* Prepare annual reports to membership including baptisms, weddings, new members, and missionaries.

*Maintain a vital and wholesome personal relationship with the Lord through daily Bible study and prayer.

* Maintain a library of study materials and pursue personal growth and expanded vision through other pastors, authors, conferences, etc.

EDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE:

The pastor must have a Master of Divinity degree (MDiv) and/or a Bachelor of Arts/Science degree in Pastoral Ministries and Biblical Studies from an accepted college or seminary as well as a minimum 5 years of experience in Biblical teaching, associate pastor, youth pastor or other combination of experience and training.