The Aaron Hur Group has partnered with Bear Creek Community Church to find a talented leader who feels called to serve as the Executive Director/Pastor in this next season. The successful candidate will have a strong background in operations, finance and strategy, with a heart for ministry. A humble leader who will develop and equip the staff to carry out the vision.
They must be relationally minded with the skills and ability to embrace and promote innovation through collaboration. Strong interpersonal communication, ability to listen empathically, articulate clearly, and initiate communication appropriately. Must be able to communicate persuasively and compassionately both orally and in writing.
In addition, the individual will show an ability to connect across generations, possess the ability to lead positively and graciously in conflict management and proven fiscal responsibility. Must be competent in the review of budget reports and be able to spot and correct errors in reporting, with the flexibility to take on new tasks and to deal with a multiplicity of personalities.
The right candidate will have strong biblical character and theological foundation for wise management in a church setting and be able to establish and maintain appropriate standards for the accomplishment of ministry in a way that honors both God and people. Competency with computer hardware and software, including GSuite, Excel, project and church management programs (Planning Center, Asana, Monday, etc.) is a must. Experience in a medium to large church setting along with any corporate and supervisory experience in a multi-staff setting is preferred.
SKILLS
RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategy & Vision
We are looking for an Executive (Director or Pastor) who will take the vision and apply it to the boots on the ground ministry of the church. The Executive (Director or Pastor) will be responsible for: Maintaining cohesion between various ministries, so that they do not become “silos” that develop a life or culture of their own, apart from the vision of the church. Ensure that as the vision continues to develop, it is implemented well through events, programs, discipleship, and life groups.
Write out processes for new and existing initiatives that can then be assigned to others, or carried out more effectively. Creates and implements the strategy and goals of the church, strengthening culture, and improving communication.
Develop & Lead
The Executive (Director or Pastor) will work with the Senior Pastor in managing staff, specifically by translating the broad vision and strategy (developed by the Senior Pastor) into executable action plans for the staff. Work with paid and volunteer staff to formulate measurable goals for their ministry that are in line with the vision and strategy of the church. Follow-up to ensure these goals are met. Work with the Senior Pastor to write job descriptions for additional staff, perform staff reviews, etc.
Oversee Operations
The Executive (Director or Pastor) should have a working knowledge of organizational operations, including best practices for human resources and financial management. Work with the Board of Directors and Financial Committee directly to set budget priorities and ensure wise stewardship. Manage special events and projects as they come up by setting timelines and expectations and ensuring excellent and timely execution. Work with the Operations Team to manage the church’s property. Consistently evaluate systems and structures, asking questions like: “How are we raising up new leaders?” or “What are the strengths and weaknesses of our membership process?”
The Director does not need to personally lead or manage each of these processes, but should be able to identify them and assist other leaders in formulating a better plan.
This summary of duties represents the major tasks and duties. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Therefore, this pastor may perform other related tasks under the direction of the Executive Pastor.
Bear Creek Community Church is a dynamic and exciting nondenominational church that is committed to reaching people with the life-changing story of Jesus Christ. Bear Creek Community Church was founded in 1989 at Delta Sierra Middle School, by Pastor Bill and Dotti Cummins, for people who were “turned off to religion but not to God.”
In 1992, Bear Creek was in need of more room, and we expanded to Bear Creek High School. Over the next few years, God continued to bless Bear Creek and the need for more space became very apparent. Through much prayer and seeking God’s guidance for His growing church, God provided prime real estate between Lodi and Stockton. The leadership at Bear Creek feels that God has intentionally led us to make our home on this 10 acres of prime real estate between Lodi and Stockton, so we could reach people from both communities.
In 1999 our current campus on N. Lower Sacramento Road was launched in the “Tent”. Fast forward to 2019, twenty years after the launch of the campus, Pastor Bill officially “passed the baton” of Senior Pastor to Pastor Paul Earwood following a three-year intentional transition.
Over the years, the locations have changed but our mission has not. We are still as passionate as ever about reaching our community and beyond with the practical love of Jesus. Our commitment remains centered with a focus on prayer, His presence, and caring for people.
Bear Creek continues to strive to be an authentic community where people can experience God, be encouraged in their spiritual journey and empowered for service. The reach of Bear Creek is felt in the community and beyond as more people are connected to Jesus and each other.
Ultimately, Bear Creek knows that “church” isn’t really about a building, location, or leader. The story of who we are as a church is always growing, ever evolving and we’d love for you to be part of it.
THE COMMUNITY
Bear Creek Church is strategically and centrally located between the cities of Lodi and Stockton, California. There is a four mile wide agricultural buffer that separates the two communities and the church is located in that area.
Lodi is a smaller town of 68,000+ residents. Lodi is home to several large businesses including Sutter Home Winery, Constellation Wines, Blue Shield of California, Archer Daniels Midland and the birthplace of A&W Root Beer and A&W Restaurants established in 1919. In recent years, Lodi has become a world class wine center. There are 14 downtown wine tasting rooms and 85+ wineries in the community. The Mokelumne River is the northern boundary of the city and supplies the picturesque Lodi Lake. The charming downtown area is the home of numerous restaurants and shops, a 12 screen cinema and many tree lined streets.
Stockton is the 11th largest city in California (out of 482) with a population of 320,000+. A city rich in culture, creativity and diversity. Stockton is home to the oldest California University, the University of the Pacific, established in 1851, and the largest inland seaport in California. It is also the home of a minor league baseball team, the Stockton Ports and a minor league hockey team, the Stockton Heat. There are numerous marinas throughout the community that provide boating and fishing access all the way to San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean.
Both Stockton and Lodi border the eastern edge of the Delta Waterway system. The Delta is an area consisting of 57 islands and tracts surrounded by 700 miles of levee waterways. There are 7 golf courses in the immediate area. Stockton is conveniently located 100 miles from Lake Tahoe, 95 miles from Yosemite and 80 miles from San Francisco. Sacramento International airport is a 45 minute drive.