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Lead Pastor | Position Description

Purpose:

The Lead Pastor’s primary responsibility under the authority of Scripture and Jesus Christ, is the spiritual development of the congregation by the leading of the Holy Spirit. The Lead Pastor must have a vibrant relationship with Jesus and a passion to discover Christ and display His transforming power. Objectives:

1. To provide expositional Biblical preaching/teaching that inspires and invigorates the congregation towards spiritual growth, life transformation and maintain faithful Christian lives. 

2. To be an example to the congregation in word, thought and action.

3. Work with the Church Council and staff in setting the ministry vision and to lead the congregation in fulfilling that vision. 

4. To provide collaborative leadership with the Church Council for the church. 

5. To provide pastoral care through prayer, visitation, counseling, and spiritual oversight.

6. To equip the congregation for ministry.

7. To reach out and relate to a multi-generational, multi-cultural congregation and the surrounding community.

To learn more about Ridgewood's Will Faith and Security statement, please visit HERE.

Responsibilities:

Preaching and Teaching

The Lead Pastor is expected to exercise his gift and passion for preaching the Word in a loving, personal and forthright manner so that the Word of God has its intended impact of evangelism, exhortation, edification, and education on the congregation. Preparation and reflection based on personal prayer, Bible Study and supplemental reading is a critical component of the position profile. 

1. Through weekly preparation and delivery of sermons for worship service.

2. Through weekly preparation and delivery of teaching to individuals and in group settings.

3. Oversee the planning and leading of worship services.

4. Engage in deep study and consistent prayer.

5. To involve pastoral staff and outside speakers.

Leading and Administrating

The Lead Pastor in conjunction with the Church Council is to provide oversight to the ministries of Ridgewood and to communicate the vision to the congregation in an integrated manner so that the gifts of our congregation are maximized. To provide oversight to the overall church administration either directly or through office staff as defined by the council.

1. Through perceiving, organizing, communicating with the congregation, Council, and staff, and implementing God’s vision for Ridgewood. 

2. Through leading, guiding, mentoring, and working with the staff and Council so that the council and staff become a team that seeks to help the congregation accomplish the vision. 

3. Through discipling others (including staff, council, and congregation) to accomplish the vision in all its dimensions, both local and worldwide.

4. Through modeling and guiding the congregation into a spiritually and relationally based fellowship.

5. Through articulating and implementing church-wide direction for worship, evangelism, growth, ministry, and fellowship.

6. Assist the Church Council Chair in facilitating the church council, providing pastoral perspective and input.

7. Through the development and empowerment of the Ridgewood ministry leaders. 

8. Understanding of Church-level Finances such as offerings / income, expenses, budgeting.

9. Work directly and with staff, to administer external groups that rent Ridgewood facilities. 

Shepherding and Caring

As shepherd, the Lead Pastor builds relationships with those in the congregation and provides counsel and visitation for those hospitalized, in nursing homes or assisted living, the elderly who cannot leave home, persons with personal or family crisis, or those with special needs. Weddings, funerals, baptismal, child dedication and other church services are the responsibilities of the Lead Pastor.

1. Through ongoing intercessory prayer for the congregation. 

2. Teach baptism classes for newcomers, children and adults.

3. Provide or facilitate pastoral care, including hospital visitation, counseling and crisis intervention.

4. Shepherd those considering membership through involvement in Membership class.

5. Require pre-marital counseling for those getting married at Ridgewood. 

6. Conduct and oversee official church functions and special services, including baptisms, communion services, child dedications, weddings and funerals. 

Evangelism/Community Presence

The Lead Pastor is expected to guide Ridgewood into a significant “community presence” through influencing our community with the Gospel. 1. Through analysis of our community and its needs 2. In conjunction with the Church Council, develop a strategy for reaching out. Parameters:

1. A performance evaluation of the Lead Pastor will be considered annually according to the policy of the Church Council and Constitution. The position description will be reviewed annually by the Council and modified if necessary.

2. The Lead Pastor is required to structure and maintain a regular and consistent weekly inperson office schedule including some evenings for ministry, administration, counseling, and visitation. A work week may require over 50 hours including some evenings. The Lead Pastor will have at least one weekday off and is encouraged to take all vacation time allotted during a given year.

3. The church values the Lead Pastor’s personal spiritual, psychological, and physical wellbeing. The church will encourage and support the Lead Pastor in balancing work, family, recreation, and leisure, recognizing that such balance will positively impact the Lead Pastor’s service, shepherding, and leadership.

4. The church encourages, supports, and expects the Lead Pastor to pursue professional development activities including conferences, seminars, and continuing education. 

5. The Lead Pastor is responsible to the Church Council as elected representatives of the congregation. The Lead Pastor and spouse are expected to be participating members of the church.

Relationships:

1. Directly accountable to the Church Council. 

2. Staff level day-to-day ministry relationship work with all staff throughout the week.

3. Congregational level relationships and provide shepherding for all congregants. 

4. Active participant in the North American Baptist Conference and community.

Requirements and Criteria:

1. Has accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior.

2. Has a deep commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

3. Meets the qualities and qualifications of a Pastor as described in 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:6-9 and Peter 5:2-4

4. Possesses a personal and intimate relationship with God, characterized by a vibrant prayer life and commitment to living out Biblical teachings.

5. A deep understanding of and commitment to the Bible, Christian theology, and the North American Baptist Conference tradition.

6. Preferred having a Masters Degree in Divinity or Masters Degree in Theology from an accredited institution, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

7. Ordained (or eligible for ordination), Licensed and in good standing within a recognized Christian denomination.

8. Prefer a minimum of 5-years of pastoral experience in a similar role, with a proven track record of effective leadership, ministry development, and community outreach.

9. Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to connect with a diverse congregation and adapt to various ministry contexts.

10. Strong leadership skills, with a passion for empowering others and fostering a collaborative, team-oriented environment. 

11. Experience supervising staff, providing coaching and nurturing the staff. 

12. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, organize events, and work effectively under pressure.

13. A heart for pastoral care and the ability to provide compassionate and empathetic support to congregation members in times of need.