Job Description

The Lead Pastor will provide visionary leadership and spiritual direction for our church body. This role requires a dynamic leader capable of managing growth, developing church staff, expanding community outreach, and fostering a vibrant, inclusive congregation.

  • Lead, oversee, develop, empower, and equip the Mercy Road Church NW staff and volunteer teams, in partnership with the Executive Pastor.
  • Oversee the worship services and the implementation of the engagement pathway for disciple-making. 
  • Embody and diffuse the DNA of Mercy Road Church through the staff, volunteer teams, and congregation.
  • Work across the Mercy Road Family of Churches in partnership with the other Lead Pastors, staff and Board of Directors.
  • Work across ministry partners and outside organizations to reach new people for Christ.
  • Collaborate and facilitate multiple 3rd party relationships


The Lead Pastor reports directly to the Board of Directors of Mercy Road Church Northwest.


Strategic Leadership:

  • Articulate and implement a clear, compelling vision for the church’s future, aligning with the Mercy Road Family of Churches mission, vision, and values.
  • Embody and diffuse the DNA of Mercy Road Church through the staff, volunteer teams, and congregation.
  • Lead the strategic planning process, setting short-term and long-term goals for growth and development in partnership with the Executive Pastor and the Board of Directors.
  • Encourage and implement innovative approaches to worship, ministry, and outreach in partnership with the staff team.
  • Communicate and participate in fundraising and generosity campaigns in partnership with the Board of Directors


Spiritual Leadership:

  • Preaching and Teaching: 
  • Prepare and deliver biblically sound, engaging sermons and teachings that inspire and equip the congregation and aligns with the Mercy Road Family of Churches values and beliefs. 
  • Preach ~40% of the calendar year.
  • Lead and develop the teaching team, along with guest communicators, for the other ~60% of the calendar year.
  • Participate in the creative process as it relates to Sunday morning
  • Participate in the creation of an annual teaching calendar in conjunction with the teaching team.
  • Pastoral Care: 
  • Provide pastoral care and counseling, supporting the spiritual well-being of the church community.
  • Discipleship: 
  • Develop and oversee discipleship programs that foster spiritual growth and maturity.
  • Actively participate in the discipleship programs the church offers.


 Personal Responsibilities:

  • Maintain God-ordained priorities in your life by putting Jesus Christ first, (if married) your spouse second, (if you have children) your children third, and the ministry fourth.
  • Support and champion the overall mission and vision of Mercy Road Church amongst the congregation and in the community at large.
  • Be loyal to the vision and staff of Mercy Road Family of Churches and always protect the unity of the Church.
  • Invest and invite the lost to know Jesus and join God’s movement through Mercy Road Church.
  • Tithe at least 10%


Qualifications:

  • Education: Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or equivalent theological education from an accredited seminary.
  • Experience: Minimum of 5-7 years of pastoral experience, including experience in a growing church setting.
  • Skills: Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. Proven ability to manage change and growth effectively.
  • Personal Qualities: Deep faith, integrity, humility, and a heart for service.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of connecting with diverse audiences.
  • Compassionate and approachable, able to provide support and guidance to individuals and families. 
  • Proven leadership skills with the ability to inspire and mobilize staff, volunteers, and congregation members. 


Expectations:

  • Fully committed to the Mercy Road Family of Church’s mission, values, and doctrinal beliefs.
  • Willing to adapt to changing circumstances and needs within the family of churches and community. Availability for evening and weekend events as needed.
  • Engage in ongoing professional and spiritual development.
  • The qualifications for LP shall include those listed in Chapter 3 of the first book of Timothy and Chapter 1 of the book of Titus.
  • The LP shall affirm his/her agreement with the Statement of Faith of the Church and shall conduct himself/herself in a manner that is consistent therewith. The Lead Pastor must be willing to sign the Leadership Covenant.
  • To be present for all Christmas and Holy Week/Easter gatherings, and necessary preparation time prior. 


Benefits for this Full Time, Salaried Role:

  • 15 days of Paid Time Off (starting rate, changes based on employee handbook)
  • Reimbursement for up to $80/month for gym/well-being expenses.
  • Reimbursement for up to $400/month for health insurance 
  • 3% retirement match through MMBB
  • General sabbatical support (based on the employee handbook)


About Mercy Road Church Northwest

About the Mercy Road Family of Churches: 

Mercy Road Church first started in 2010 in Carmel, Indiana. The mission of Mercy Road Church is to reach people far from God and disciple them into a passionate relationship with Jesus who would live out their faith and demonstrate His love to others. Hence the motto: Live BOLDLY, Love DEEPLY. 


The vision of Mercy Road Church is to plant churches that plant churches in order to create a disciple-making culture that impacts the world outside the walls of the church. As part of this vision, Mercy Road Family of Churches helped start and currently sustain a church planting network called Multiply Indiana aimed at reaching the entire state of Indiana for Jesus & His Kingdom, specifically planting 100 new churches and making 1 million disciples over the next generation. 


About Mercy Road Church Northwest:

The Compassion Campaign launched in 2018 by the Mercy Road Family of Churches was all about launching more Mercy Road churches. Mercy Road Church Northwest is one of those churches.  Each Mercy Road Church looks different, according to its context. However, all Mercy Road Churches have live teaching, worship, and gatherings. They share vision and values. They intentionally focus on discipling others into deeper relationships with Jesus. They operate independently from one another in regards to staffing, finances, operations, etc, yet belong together within the Family of Churches.

Experience Required
5-10 years

Type
Full-time

Education Required
Bachelor's Degree

Date Posted
1 month ago
Location
Indianapolis, Indiana

Denomination
Non-Denominational

Church Size
100-200 people