Associate Pastor

The Associate Pastor provides leadership and oversight for Life Groups, Connections, and Campus Leadership at the Bell Shoals Apollo Beach Campus. This role partners closely with the Campus Pastor to ensure alignment with the vision, mission, and ministry strategy of Bell Shoals Church.

CORE MINISTRY EXPECTATIONS

The Associate Pastor is expected to:

• Demonstrate a consistent commitment to excellence, servant leadership, humility, initiative, teamwork, positive culture, and a genuine passion for people.
• Fulfill additional responsibilities as assigned by the Campus Pastor.

ASSOCIATE PASTOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Campus Leadership & Administration

• Support the Campus Pastor in providing spiritual and organizational leadership to the campus, aligning all ministries and initiatives with the church's overall vision and mission.
• Develop, oversee, and steward the campus budget, ensuring alignment with ministry priorities and ensuring responsible stewardship of all financial resources.
• Provide oversight of campus facilities, ensuring the building and grounds are well-maintained, safe, and welcoming.
• Work with the Campus Pastor on staff development initiatives to ensure the team is growing and spiritually healthy.

LIFE Groups

• Meet with each LIFE Group leader a minimum of two times per year.
• Identify, develop, and launch new Life Groups to support spiritual growth and community within the church.
• Ensure that all new LIFE Group leaders are trained before launching their first group, in collaboration with the Global Discipleship Pastor.
• Provide ongoing LIFE Group training and appreciation at least twice annually.
• Work with the Global Discipleship Pastor on developing curriculum for LIFE Groups.

Connections

• Develop and implement strategies to strengthen First Impressions ministries, including parking, lobby, and worship center experiences, in collaboration with volunteer teams.
• Serve as the primary operational leader on Sunday mornings, ensuring all ministries are appropriately staffed, resourced, and prepared.
• Collaborate with Connection Team Coordinator and the Connections team to ensure effective guest engagement and follow-up.

Preaching & Pastoral Care

• Preach as directed by the Campus Pastor.
• Provide pastoral ministry support, including weddings, funerals, hospital visits, and related care, as needed.

Community Engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with local organizations, schools, nonprofits, and community leaders to foster partnerships and outreach opportunities that align with Bell Shoals vision and values.
• Develop and lead outreach programs that meet tangible needs in the surrounding community.
• Equip and mobilize church members to actively serve and engage in the local community.

PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS

The Associate Pastor is expected to:

• Maintain biblically grounded life priorities: Jesus Christ first; spouse second; children third; grandchildren fourth; ministry fifth.
• Demonstrate loyalty to the vision, leadership, and staff of Bell Shoals Church, actively protecting and promoting unity.
• Consistently pursue personal evangelism and invite others to engage with Bell Shoals Church.
• Give faithfully and sacrificially to the ministry of Bell Shoals Church.
• Continually develop communication skills and message preparation.
• Grow in confidence and effectiveness in leading and developing adult volunteers.
• Remain informed on current cultural, social, and spiritual trends impacting the church today.
• Master of Divinity or equivalent is required.

Bell Shoals Church is a multi-campus church serving the Tampa Bay area, focused on helping people find purpose, healing, and a deeper relationship with God. The church exists as a movement centered on worship, biblical teaching, and discipleship, offering ministries for all ages, from children and students to adults, to foster connection and spiritual growth. Through small groups, weekly gatherings, and community involvement, Bell Shoals creates opportunities for individuals and families to engage meaningfully in their faith.