The Small Group Pastor serves as a compassionate, relational, and spiritually mature leader, focusing on nurturing individuals through small group ministry to foster spiritual growth and deeper faith maturity. Rooted in the biblical qualifications for elders (1 Timothy 3:1–7, Titus 1:5–9, 1 Peter 5:1–4), the ideal candidate will embody Christlike character, humility, and a servant-hearted approach, offering wisdom, encouragement, and practical support to help others live out their calling as disciples of Christ.
This relational role involves regular interaction with church members in small group settings, homes, or casual and scheduled meetups. The Small Group Pastor will work closely with other ministry staff to complement the church’s teaching ministry with personalized care and discipleship, modeling Christ’s servant leadership (1 Pet. 5:3).
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Small Group Leadership:
- Facilitate the formation and growth of small groups, equipping members to grow in faith and become disciple makers, holding firm to sound doctrine (Titus 1:9; Eph. 4:11– 12).
- Develop and implement strategies for spiritual formation through small group Bible studies, prayer, and community-building activities, equipping saints for service (Eph. 4:12).
Spiritual Mentorship:
- Provide one-on-one guidance, acting as a spiritual mentor by offering godly counsel, prayer, and emotional support, reflecting virtues such as being above reproach, temperate, and gentle (1 Tim. 3:2–3; Titus 1:7–8).
- Build authentic, trust-based relationships to help individuals navigate life’s challenges with faith and resilience, demonstrating hospitality (1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:8).
- Model a life of integrity, humility, and devotion, serving as an example to the flock (1 Pet. 5:2–3).
Pastoral Care:
- Offer compassionate care to small group members, including visiting the sick, supporting the grieving, and celebrating life milestones, with a gentle and hospitable heart (1 Tim. 3:2–3; Titus 1:8).
- Listen attentively and provide biblical encouragement to those facing personal or spiritual struggles, shepherding with care (1 Pet. 5:2).
- Collaborate with other ministry leaders to ensure holistic care for the church body, serving willingly (1 Pet. 5:2).
Community Building:
- Foster a sense of belonging by connecting people within small groups, reflecting the call to hospitality (Titus 1:8).
- Identify and nurture emerging leaders within small groups, equipping them for ministry through personal investment and servant leadership (1 Pet. 5:3).
- Support the church’s mission by maintaining a blameless reputation that strengthens its witness (1 Tim. 3:7; Titus 1:6–7).
Prayer and Intercession:
- Commit to a life of prayer, interceding for the needs of small group members and the church, demonstrating spiritual maturity (1 Tim. 3:6; Titus 1:6–9).
- Facilitate opportunities for corporate prayer and spiritual renewal within small groups, shepherding with eagerness (1 Pet. 5:2).
Teaching:
- Focus teaching on discipleship, enabling small group members to study Scripture and make disciples who make disciples (Eph. 4:11–12).
- Engage in limited teaching opportunities, such as small group discussions, devotionals, or workshops, ensuring sound doctrine (Titus 1:9).
- Use informal teaching or storytelling to convey spiritual truths, applying Scripture practically (1 Tim. 3:2).
EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED
- Master’s degree in divinity or 5 years’ experience in related field preferred.
- A deep commitment to Christ and a lifestyle reflecting spiritual maturity, being above reproach, self-controlled, and not a recent convert (1 Tim. 3:2, 6; Titus 1:6–8).
- Proven experience in mobilizing volunteers, mentoring, or discipling in a faith-based setting, with the ability to teach and hold to sound doctrine (1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:9). Strong relational skills to connect with diverse ages, backgrounds, and spiritual stages, demonstrating hospitality and gentleness (1 Tim. 3:2–3; Titus 1:8).
- Husband of one wife, able to manage one’s household well, with faithful children, as a reflection of church oversight (1 Tim. 3:4–5; Titus 1:6).
- A heart for equipping others, with patience, empathy, and a desire to see others grow, serving willingly (1 Pet. 5:2).
- A good reputation with outsiders to protect the church’s witness (1 Tim. 3:7; Titus 1:6–7).
- Sober-minded, free from substance addiction for at least five years (1 Tim. 3:3; Titus 1:7).
- Ability to work collaboratively with church leadership, supporting the broader vision of the ministry with humility (1 Pet. 5:3).
- Experience leading volunteer teams or facilitating ministry programs.
- Comfort with informal teaching or storytelling to convey spiritual truths.
- Discernment in identifying spiritual and ministry needs, offering tailored guidance with doctrinal fidelity (Titus 1:9).
- Proficiency in computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite.
- Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, written and organizational skills.
- Projects a professional image, able to handle a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to handle confidential information.
- Proven leadership skills.
- Full-time with flexibility required for evenings and weekends to accommodate serving team activities and pastoral care.
- Strong work ethic, commitment to excellence.