Associate Pastor

Somis Church is seeking a full/part time Associate Pastor who loves Jesus and is committed to the work and ministry of the gospel. We are a church of 150+ regularly attending on Sunday mornings with another 75+ viewing our online services. Our church family embraces the vision to be with Jesus, become like Him, and do as He did. All our ministries are Bible-based, gospel-centered, and relationally driven, and our mission focus is to empower the next generation for Christ. In addition, we have 9 global mission partners, and we are also the home to a growing Spanish church that shares our campus.

Position Summary

The Associate Pastor is a key leader who assists the Lead Pastor in guiding the spiritual health and growth of the Somis Church congregation. This role focuses on delivering high-quality biblical teaching, ensuring every congregant is cared for during life's joys and trials, and providing strategic oversight to diverse ministry areas. 

Primary Responsibilities

1. Teaching and Preaching

• Pulpit Ministry: Share teaching responsibilities with the Lead Pastor, delivering biblically sound and life-applicable messages regularly in Sunday services.
• Curriculum Development: Oversee the selection and quality of teaching materials for adult discipleship, Bible studies, and small groups.
• Disciple Making: Lead mid-week Bible studies, classes or seminars designed to deepen the congregation’s theological understanding and spiritual maturity.

2. Congregant Care

• Direct Support: Provide biblical counseling, prayer, and support for individuals and families during crises, illnesses, or major life transitions.
• Visitation: Conduct hospital, home, and care facility visits to ensure vulnerable members feel connected to the church body.
• Ceremonial Duties: Officiate weddings, funerals, and baptisms, providing pastoral guidance throughout the planning processes.

3. Ministry Oversight

• Leadership Development: Recruit, train, and mentor volunteer leaders for various established ministry areas within the church.
• Strategic Alignment: Ensure all ministry activities remain aligned with the church’s broader mission and vision as set by the Lead Pastor and leadership team.
• Administrative Management: Oversee ministry budgets, schedules, and communication for assigned areas of responsibility.

Qualifications

• Spiritual Maturity: A deep and growing walk with Jesus Christ, meeting the biblical qualifications for leadership.
• Education: A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from an accredited seminary or Bible college preferred. 
• Substitution of Experience for Education: A combination of 3-5 years of qualifying experience that includes writing and teaching sermons to a church congregation AND 1-3 years of experience in biblical counseling to church attendees seeking guidance during periods of adverse circumstances.
• Skills: Exceptional communication, interpersonal skills and attention to detail; high emotional intelligence; and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality. Must be able to work within a team leadership structure, communicate in a timely and professional manner and adhere to set deadlines and other guidance as assigned within the team.

Accountability

This position reports directly to the Lead Pastor and works in close collaboration with the church's staff and leadership team.

Position is subject to a full background check and completion of a one-year probationary period