Associate Pastor

PRINCIPAL FUNCTION: Oversees congregational/pastoral care, engagement initiatives such as first impressions team and small groups, and discipleship-building.

POSITION SUMMARY: This full-time position assists the Senior Pastor in oversight of the growth and development of our community in a Christ-centered, Bible-based, nondenominational church, in line with the Purpose Driven Church principles. This position reports directly to the Senior Pastor. The Associate Pastor works closely with the Board of Directors and Pastor’s Cabinet in the promotion of unity within the church body.

QUALIFICATIONS - Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree from a four-year College or university with Biblical background preferred, or five years’ experience in the field.

Ordination (licensed to preach and teach the Gospel of Jesus, and authorized to perform marriages in Michigan), preferred, or completed within the first year.

Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

Specific Requirements:

• To have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

• Spiritually and relationally mature.

• A Godly character that no reproach may come through him/her upon the Body of Christ.

• Demonstrates the ability to preach, teach biblical truths in a manner relevant to today’s culture - seekers will be drawn to accept Christ and believers will be encouraged to deepen their faith.

• Demonstrate the ability to encourage, motivate and support the congregation towards a deeper relationship with Christ.

• Demonstrate effective level of oral and written communication skills.

• Demonstrate the ability to think analytically, with strong attention to details and accuracy.

• Has ability to follow-through and complete projects/initiatives assigned with minimal supervision.

• An understanding and appreciation for the total Church ministry, leadership development, team building, shepherding, organizational management, discipleship and interpersonal relationships as defined by the Purpose Driven philosophy.

• Must be able to maintain confidentiality.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Full-time flexible hours reflecting the needs of the congregation served. This position has an office on site. Evening and weekend events are usual. Days off are posted on the staff calendar. Onsite weekly worship and staff meetings are an expectation.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Oversees and serves in the congregational care/pastoral care ministry, such as but not limited to:

• Oversight of the prayer ministry, including the prayer team, individual prayer requests and follow-up.

• Oversight of the care ministry: Visitations – hospital, care facilities, and home, performs marriages, celebration of life (funerals), communion and baptism, provides one-on-one coaching or group coaching with church members/attenders, makes referrals to appropriate community resources (including professional counseling, as needed), ensures members are assigned to a care leader, utilizes the Sr. Pastor and Pastor’s Cabinet for advice as needed in this area.

• Maintains an efficient reporting process so the pastoral team is well informed.

2. Oversees engagement initiatives for individuals attending New Hope (Seekers to Believers):

• Develops and maintains First Impressions Ministry team for Sunday Services and Special Events.

• Encourages, motivates, supports congregation towards a deeper relationship with Christ: Develop and teach “New Believers” class strategically coordinated with the Church Calendar, oversee growth and development of small groups, promotes participation/engagement in fellowship events, and co-lead/teach discipleship classes (101, 201, 301, 401, etc.).

• Invites, trains and supports lay volunteers in ministry as leaders and team members: Co-leads ministry leadership development and celebrations, works closely with ministry leaders to ensure they understand how the vision of the church impacts their ministry, and supports ministry leaders in organization of Church-wide Events.

3. Provides administrative assistance to the Senior Pastor for daily operations of the Church:

• Assists the Senior Pastor in daily administrative tasks, working closely with the Office Manager.

• Participates in staff development, team building, and oversight with the Senior Pastor.

• Occasional message delivery.

• Has a “report to” responsibility at the Board of Directors monthly meeting.

• Other duties as assigned by the Senior Pastor and Board.

Screening Requirements:

US Work Authorization is required and current.

Must be able to speak English fluently.

Please provide a cover letter with resume.

New Hope is an evangelical, nondenominational church in northeastern Michigan, focused on loving God and others. We hold two Sunday services, averaging 200 attendees, led by a staff that includes pastors and ministry leaders, with music from our contemporary Praise Team. Governance is managed by a Board of Directors, and a Pastor’s Cabinet for spiritual guidance.

We prioritize young families by offering nursery care at both services and interactive children’s programs during the second service. Our youth and adults participate in a variety of groups and fellowships throughout the year. Life Groups, Women’s and Men’s Discipleship Groups, and outreach efforts are integral to our community. We seek to deepen our family focused ministry with intentional discipling and pastoral support.

We carry out our Ministry year-round with efforts like food distribution, working alongside organizations such as the Salvation Army, Samaritan’s Purse, Compassion International, and Engage Africa. Seasonal activities include Vacation Bible School, Fall Festival, Bountiful Harvest, and global missions support.

Located amid Lake Huron’s beaches and vast forests, New Hope serves its congregation and community with compassion and purpose.