Job DescriptionJob Description

Living Hope Bible Church (Glendive, MT) - Pastor

The Big Picture

Living Hope Bible Church () is searching for a full-time Pastor (Lead Vocational Elder).

Requirements

Definition

The Vocational Elder (Pastor) is responsible for providing elder oversight for the preaching, vision, and general direction of LHBC. Oversight of this ministry includes leading by aligning the Church with the vision of the Elders of LHBC, feeding the body with the Scriptures, guarding the doctrine and practice of the ministries of LHBC, and guiding the Church by shepherding and discipling its members. The Vocational Elder will work closely with the lay elders, deacons and other appropriate personnel of LHBC.

Characteristics of a vocational elder

An authentic relationship with Jesus and a desire to follow Him in every aspect of life

Elder Qualified (1 Tim. 3; Titus 2)

An agreement with the beliefs, purpose, vision, and core values of the church

An attitude of servant leadership and a relational aptitude that evidences a genuine love for people, flexibility, and an appreciation of differences

A shepherd's heart

A humble, transparent, and teachable spirit that is responsive, open to constructive evaluation, and eager to learn

An ability to recruit, organize, develop and communicate with leaders and teams

A self-starting attitude that identifies, strategizes, and implements what needs to be done

An aptitude for addressing and resolving conflict

Willingness to participate in elder consensus decision-making

Key Working Relationships

Lay Elders

Reports directly to the lay elders

Operates collegially with other lay elders in the day-to-day functioning of ministry.

Provides leadership to lay elders and helping align their ministry priorities with the implementation of the elders' vision for LHBC.

Staff Team (when applicable)

Functions within the broader staff team as a fellow laborer in the gospel. Supervises individual staff members as delegated by the elders.

Responsibilities for Vocational Elder: The nature of pastoral ministry makes it impossible to limit the work to regular, set hours. However, in general, pastoral staff should be in the office four days per week from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Pastoral staff may have many meetings and visitations outside of the office during those hours, but apart from such meetings, pastoral staff should work at the church facilities as much as possible during those hours.

In addition to those office hours, pastoral staff will work Sunday mornings and have regular and irregular meetings on evenings and weekends. When there is an evening meeting (i.e. board meeting, youth group, etc.), it is appropriate to leave early from the office to get time at home before the meeting. During particularly full weeks when the total workload exceeds 45-50 hours or there are many nights with ministry tasks, it is appropriate to leave early on an office day or take some additional time off during the week. In those cases, communication with the other elders is encouraged for clarity.

Lead the preaching and teaching schedule at LHBC

Preach 40-45 Sundays per year.

Set the tone for doctrinal distinctives of LHBC through preaching and teaching.

Model Christ centered, expository preaching and teaching that promotes and integrates with discipleship ministries of LHBC.

Develop preachers to share Sunday Morning responsibility.

Shepherd and counsel in such a way that also trains others to do the same

Lead the implementation of the vision of the elders for LHBC through training the church doctrinally, leading the church by example, and developing qualified leaders.

The vocational elder will use his gifts of teaching and communication to strengthen the church's biblical literacy, spiritual development, and health.

Share responsibility to facilitate membership classes to ensure that all members are aware of and committed to the doctrines and practice of Scripture.

Lead the lay elders

Mentor Elders towards growth in Christian maturity

Equip Elders for more effective shepherding ministry

Align the priorities of the Elders to cohere with the implementation of the vision of LHBC

Lead in developing Gospel-culture across the church.

Model Gospel-culture for the body

Instruct the body as to how to apply the Gospel ministerially, relationally, and spiritually to its life and relationships

Develop a welcoming environment where the lost are engaged, believers are safe to be sinners and saints, and Jesus is exalted.

Responsibilities for General Pastoral Ministry

Develop and disciple men towards growth in Christian maturity.

Participate as an Elder in the board of Elders

Assist in administering the ordinances

Lead (or facilitate the leadership of) major Church Events (baptisms, Lord's Supper services, All-Church Meeting, etc.)

Coordinate (or conduct) funerals, weddings, and general pastoral counseling as appropriate.

Assist in developing and discipling future elders, deacons, church-planters and missionaries.

Benefits

The Compensation