Senior Pastor

Pastor Job Description and Key Qualifications

Wakeshma Community Church

Fulton, Michigan

Church Affiliation: Evangelical, Christian Interdenominational Church

Position Title: Pastor

Position Commitment: Passionately engaged full-time

Church Size: 59 members

Applications: Our Mission Statement, Statement of Faith, and Constitution available on website. Email your resume and cover letter to [email protected]

Church Website: www.wakeshmacommunitychurch.org

JOB DESCRIPTION

Purpose of this Pastor Search

To find, by the Holy Spirit’s leading, one who is dependent on the Holy Spirit and has a deep spiritual relationship with Christ. A gifted and Spirit led, engaging teacher of biblical truth. Courageous leader to our congregation, that exemplifies, communicates, and motivates others so we will live out our mission to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ.  A loving shepherd that will use his skills in leadership and engage in pastoral care ministries to meet the spiritual needs of our congregation and community.

Overview

As spiritual leader of Wakeshma Community Church, our pastor’s primary responsibility is to preach and teach the Word of God and “...to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.” - Ephesians 4:12-13 NLT

Responsibilities

Sunday Services

• Preach the Word of God regularly. Skillful, Spirit led, relatable, applicable, and delivered with humility, love, and joy. Uses scripture-based sermons with compelling illustrations that are culturally relevant. Capable of reaching the seasoned Christian, the person that is new to Christ, and those that are curious. And all in between. 
• Provide general leadership and oversight of the Sunday mornings, including communication with those leading worship, media, bulletin creation, adult education, etc.
• Administer ceremonies of the church, e.g. baptisms, communion, welcoming new members, prayer/praise moments.

Spiritual Growth and Leadership

• Model a life dependent upon the presence of God. Has integrity, and consistently delivers on promises and commitments. Senses a call to unity with our Church Family.
• Join with the Elders in exercising spiritual oversight and nourishment of the church. Participates regularly in church ministry departments that oversee aspects of church life. Work with leaders and congregants to organize and develop service and growth opportunities.
• Mentor men within the congregation to cultivate their spiritual life and leadership abilities.
• Utilizes resources to stay current, eager to learn, and eager to move the church forward.
• Coordinate with the office administrative assistant. Values and builds up ministry partners, both staff and volunteers.
• Builds relationships with other churches, ministries, and non-church organizations.

Pastoral Care

• Pastoral care includes short-term counseling, prayer, hospital visitation, weddings, funerals, baby dedications, and other opportunities to care for the needs of the congregation. Visit members and prospects and lead the membership in a visitation program.

Local Outreach

• Enthusiastically embraces outreach ministries to those in need- physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
• Lead the congregation in new methods of evangelism and outreach opportunities.

Missions Emphasis:

• Wakeshma Community Church has always focused on supporting missionaries and ministries both close to home and worldwide. Working through and with the Missions Ministry Department, the Pastor should encourage our congregation to continue reaching the world for Jesus Christ, both within and beyond our community.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

Strong and steadfast belief in God and Jesus Christ

• Possess a clear testimony of Spirit-led personal relationship with God
• Verifiable history of biblical integrity and conviction to the gospel

Strong evidence of personal character and ethics consistent with biblical leadership qualifications outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9, including:

• Have a good reputation
• Be above reproach
• Display maturity and self-control
• Live wisely and make good choices
• Strong family orientation
• Desire for long-term pastoral role

Agree with and embrace a worldview consistent with our Mission Statement, Statement of Faith and Constitution

• Evangelical doctrine
• Support our church’s world missions focus
• Equip our congregation to reach our community for Jesus Christ

Superior abilities necessary to communicate the word of God accurately, inspirationally and with conviction while joining our Board of Elders in effectively leading the oversight and administration of our church:

• Outstanding communication skills: Able to communicate and connect with those inside and outside the church. Flexible and creative preaching styles
• Competency to counsel others from a biblical worldview
• Positive attitude. Expresses a healthy sense of humor and radiates God’s joy, despite circumstances, to those around him
• Highly self-motivated and energetic
• Strong organizational and administrative skills

Education

• Seminary or Master’s degree preferred, or equivalent pastoral training and experience
• Solid analytical and theological ability exemplified by candidate’s words and life

Preferred Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of ministry experience in the lead pastor role
• Strong evidence in building church membership and ministries

A plus: Experience in building youth ministries and involvement with mission groups

• History of faithful ministry-- Stable work history

Additional Preferred Personal Characteristics

• Is above reproach in financial matters
• Exhibits personal moderation and initiative-taking in managing health, both physical and mental
• Recognizes the need for work-life balance and regularly practices a personal sabbath