Shepherding Pastor

Island Alliance Church (IAC) exists to love Jesus and love people to Jesus. We are a healthy and growing church with a vision to train the next generation of servant leaders to reproduce disciples and churches. IAC is also part of the Christian & Missionary Alliance with a heart to be a light in our local community and globally to the nations. 

We are located in a charming waterfront community on Kent Island in Queen Anne's County, situated right across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge from Annapolis. People move to the Eastern Shore of Maryland to find a more peaceful, tight-knit community, with an engaging mix of long-time locals and newcomers.

The journey for IAC began in a living room in 1987. The church has enjoyed a tremendous amount of God’s blessings over the years including many changed lives, a fully paid for facility, a robust pipeline of lay servant leaders and ministry residents, and our first church plant: Harvest Alliance Church successfully launched two years ago in a nearby community. We believe God has positioned the church to enter its most fruitful years.

Job Description

In all aspects of church structure and various ministries, the Shepherding Pastor’s first responsibility is to lead the congregation’s pursuit of accomplishing the Mission and Vision statements of Island Alliance Church (IAC).

Mission: Love Jesus and love people to Jesus

Vision: Train the next generation of servant leaders

to reproduce disciples and churches

         To lead successfully, it is understood that the Shepherding Pastor must be a biblically qualified man who authentically embodies the drive, enthusiasm, and excellence in his personal love for the Savior, his love for the members and attenders of the church, and a commitment to reach people in our community. This pastor will report to the Lead Pastor while walking alongside him as a ministry partner.

The following responsibilities are areas of oversight. The Shepherding Pastor will need to be an equipper and supporter of leaders and teams in order to accomplish these things.

1. Responsibilities in Loving and Equipping the Church 

a. Visitor Connection. Creatively design how visitors will be connected – from their first visit and throughout their exploration journey – by greeters, by the congregation, and by church leaders. Design connection points where guests can ask questions of church leaders and discuss CMA doctrine.

b. Path to Membership. Manage the membership standards and the process for becoming an IAC member.

c. Discipleship. Be a strong advocate for small group bible studies (for all ages), assuring that small group leaders are equipped and integrating IAC’s mission statement throughout discussions.

d. Shepherding & Care Teams. Oversee the shepherding efforts within the church - demonstrating how to provide pastoral love and care to others within the church. Organize appropriate help for shut-ins, those hospitalized, and those requiring intervention. Assure visitation and follow-up for those who are incapacitated. Encourage people and be cognizant of those who are absent.

e. Sermons. Regularly preach the word of God with a fresh perspective and a desire to bring IAC’s mission into a relevant light to both unbelievers and seasoned disciples.

f.  Baptism/Communion.  Administer the church’s doctrine of baptism and assure that all who are baptized understand the purpose and commitment of the event. Protect the rules of engagement in participation in Communion.

g. Counseling. Provide occasional counsel and guidance to individuals, couples, and families seeking clarity, healing, and direction. It is understood that not all situations can be managed by the Shepherding Pastor -- some situations require specialists, some require gender appropriate consultation, etc.

2. Responsibilities in Next Generation Ministries

a. Children’s Ministries. Assure that leaders and volunteers are sufficient in numbers, vetted for security, and equipped with materials that enhance bible-centric classes and spirit-filled worship.

b. Youth (Middle and High School) and Young Adult Ministries. This group remains a high-priority age group for discipleship within IAC. With the help of committed leadership teams, ensure that young people are engaged in bible studies, fellowship events, retreats, and finally encouraged to participate in outreach activities within the community.

3. Responsibilities in Evangelism and Community Outreach

a. Inspire Activity. Consistently inspire individuals in the congregation to become workers in the local and global “fields ready for harvest”.

b. Prepare. Equip ministry leaders and ministry participants with knowledge and skills in effective evangelistic outreach via sermons, small group bible studies, Servant Leadership program, and partnerships with outside resources.

c. Strategic Plans. Continually evaluate our communities and develop strategic plans and ministry teams to bring the gospel in a variety of ways to the unchurched. Integrate these plans as the outlet for where new servant leaders can put their skills and faith into practice.

d. Mission Awareness & Promotion. Be instrumental in organizing the activities surrounding mission week or any impromptu missionary visit. Keep the congregation informed of mission activity in the country and around the world. Promote short-term and long-term mission activity for church members.

4. Responsibilities in Church Leadership

a. Elder Board. Be a participating member of the elder board. Protect the spirit and substance of elder meetings by keeping the mission and vision statements ever before the group as the foundation for making plans and decisions. Strive for unity, seeking a consensus on every decision. Help manage strategic areas of ministry and its leaders.

b. Governing Board. Participate in the Governing Board as a pastor and elder.

c. Staff and Ministry Residents. Help lead the continual spiritual development of all staff and ministry leaders.

d. CMA Liaison. Help the Lead Pastor perform the role of IAC Liaison with the CMA district and national. Maintain healthy relationships with the district office and churches.

Requirements

We are looking for a pastoral candidate who has 5+ years of high-level ministry experience, a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the field, and a heart for people. As part of the elder team, we require a man who meets the elder qualifications laid out in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1.

Salary & Benefits

The full salary is $86,000 (includes housing and salary)

The church covers the full premiums of the pastor’s individual and family health insurance plus an additional $150 per month to an HSA to help cover copays and deductibles.

Retirement benefits with 3% matching are optional after the pastor becomes accredited through the Alliance. 

Response

If you believe God might be calling you to this position, please reach out to us via the link below!

https://islandalliancechurch.com/apply/