Associate Chaplain

 Resumes should be sent to bcacsearch@gmail.com. Applications close on June 30, 2026

Big Canoe Chapel Job Description

Job Title:                               Associate Chaplain

Accountable To:                  Senior Chaplain

Position/FLSA Status:         Full Time / Exempt

Prepared By:                        Personnel Committee

Prepared Date:                     May 31, 2026

Approved By:                       

Approved Date:                    

PRIMARY FUNCTION/PURPOSE OF JOB The Associate Chaplain supports the mission and ministry of the Chapel by leading a comprehensive ministry of care, contributing to worship leadership, overseeing educational ministries, and guiding prospective and new members toward deeper engagement. This role requires strong pastoral sensitivity, organizational leadership, and a collaborative spirit aligned with the Chapel’s values, by‑laws, and ministry goals.

Position Qualifications 

• Master of Arts or Master of Divinity degree from an accredited seminary
• Relevant congregational experience
• Clinical Pastoral Education preferred

Skills and Competencies

• Pastoral Care skills
• Strong adult teaching skills
• Administrative and organizational skills
• Communication and interpersonal strengths
• Ability to lead volunteers
• Technology proficiency with Shelby software preferred

Workload and Responsibilities

• Position is full-time
• Some night and Saturday responsibilities 
• Availability to pastoral emergencies 

Reporting Structure

• Position reports to the Senior Chaplain
• Children/Youth Director(s) report to the Associate Chaplain

Primary Responsibilities

Pastoral Care Leadership

• Lead the Chapel’s ministry of care, ensuring compassionate and timely support for congregants.
• Conduct visits and follow‑up with individuals experiencing surgery, hospitalization, or other health crises.
• Organize care for home‑bound members and those in assisted‑living facilities.
• Maintain regular communication with the Senior Chaplain and other leaders regarding pastoral needs.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive care strategy, potentially including programs such as Stephen Ministry, Grief Share, pastoral‑care lectures, or other supportive initiatives.

Worship Leadership

• Assist in weekly worship services through liturgical leadership.
• Preach occasionally as scheduled or requested.

Educational Ministry Oversight

• Supervise and support the Director(s) of Youth and Children’s Ministries.
• Lead a holistic educational strategy for all age groups, including:
• Teacher recruitment and training
• Curriculum consultation
• Planning and executing special offerings (e.g., Lunch & Learn, Bible studies, pilgrimages, retreats)
• Prepare and teach adult Bible studies and other adult‑education programs.
• Recruit and work closely with the Christian Education Committee.

Membership Engagement & Integration

• Track and report on prospective members and their movement toward membership.
• Develop and lead processes that nurture prospective members into full participation.
• Track and report on new‑member engagement, ensuring each person finds a place of belonging and service.

Committee Collaboration

• Partner with the Stewardship Committee to help populate committees with engaged members.
• Participate in Trustee meetings and other committees as assigned.
• Demonstrate effective teamwork, confidentiality, loyalty to colleagues, and adherence to Chapel by‑laws, policies, and procedures.

What is Big Canoe?

The gated community of Big Canoe is located one hour north of Atlanta, GA, in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains. Behind those gates lie 8,000 acres of natural beauty that feel like you are living in a national park. First class amenities serve approximately 2,800 homes. Big Canoe provides golf, tennis, three lakes, a rockslide, a beach club, pools, a fitness center, and a spa. More than 20 miles of hiking trails lead to beautiful waterfalls. The well-appointed Clubhouse serves lunch and dinner as you enjoy the view over Lake Sconti. While 73% of the residents are full time residents, 27% are part-time owners who come here to enjoy the natural beauty and amenities. The age range of the residents shows 28% are 59 or less, 37% in their 60's, and 35% over 70. Roughly 55% of the residents are retired, and about 45% are working with many of them working from home. This is a very active community with more than 50 clubs and organizations

What is Big Canoe Chapel?

At the heart of it all is the Big Canoe Chapel. The Chapel is a multi-denominational church with more than 600 members. Our members are highly educated and from different denominational backgrounds. We love the Lord and value making a difference in our community. We actively provide local mission and scholarship dollars to the surrounding area. We have two worship services on Sunday morning. one of which is streamed. There are three adult Sunday school classes. We have active Women’s and Men’s Fellowships.