Associate Pastor

Job Description: Associate Pastor

Reports to: Senior Pastor

Classification: Full-Time

Overview:

The Associate Pastor is a key leadership role responsible for the effective day-to-day operations of the church and the oversight of internal ministries. Serving under the direction of the Senior Pastor, the Associate Pastor will ensure the church’s mission is carried out with biblical fidelity, love, clarity, and order. While the Senior Pastor focuses primarily on preaching, teaching, and personal discipleship (Acts 6:4; 2 Tim. 4:2), the Associate Pastor leads the implementation of vision, staff development, ministry coordination, and organizational health (1 Cor. 14:40; Ex. 18:21).

In the big picture, we want Grace & Truth Community to be described by Colossians 1:9-12. While the Senior Pastor will focus mostly on equipping the church in the “knowledge” aspects of this passage, the Associate Pastor will focus mostly on equipping the church in the “bearing fruit” aspects of it.

Primary Responsibilities:

1. Pastoral Responsibilities

• Evangelize, disciple, counsel, and otherwise minister to members of the church and community.
• Preach and teach as necessary.
• Possible mission work, evangelistic outreach, etc.

2. Operational Oversight & Administration

• Provide leadership and supervision of internal ministries including Children’s Ministry, Small Groups, Outreach, Hospitality, and other volunteer teams (1 Cor. 12:4-7).
• Lead and facilitate staff and administrative meetings, ensuring alignment with the church’s mission and vision.
• Oversee budgeting processes and other operational systems to support ministry effectiveness.

3. Leadership Development & Team Building

• Recruit, equip, and develop ministry leaders and volunteers (Eph. 4:11-13; 2 Tim. 2:2).
• Foster a culture of servant leadership and spiritual maturity across the staff and volunteer teams.
• Create and maintain feedback, data collection, and communication systems.

4. Ministry Alignment & Execution

• Ensure each ministry aligns with the church’s overall vision and values as set by the Senior Pastor and elder team.
• Coordinate communication and collaboration across departments to prevent silos and promote unity (Phil. 2:2).
• Implement systems and processes that improve ministry execution and congregational engagement.

5. Strategic Planning & Vision Implementation

• Translate the church’s vision into actionable ministry plans, timelines, and where possible, measurable goals.
• Work alongside the Senior Pastor and elders to evaluate ministry health and adapt strategies as needed (Prov. 15:22).
• Identify and address gaps or inefficiencies that may hinder growth or spiritual effectiveness.

Relationships & Accountability:

The Associate Pastor reports directly to the Senior Pastor and collaborates closely with staff, other leaders, and ministry teams. This role requires humility, spiritual maturity, organizational wisdom, and a commitment to sacrificial leadership (Mark 10:45; 1 Pet. 5:2-3).

Qualifications:

• A clear calling to church leadership and shepherding God’s people (1 Tim. 3:1-7).
• Strong interpersonal skills, a collaborative spirit, and a high capacity for leadership and execution.
• Strong gifting in organization and systems.
• Agreement with the church’s statement of faith.