Associate Pastor

Associate Pastor. 

Definition: The Associate Pastor position for Mt Gilead Church will be a strategic leader responsible for assisting the Pastor in multiple ministry responsibilities but with an emphasis on moving people from being first-time guests to fully engaged, serving members of the church community. 

Core Responsibilities:

• Assimilation & Guest Experience: Develop and manage a clear pathway for newcomers, and oversee the First Impressions Team ( greeters, ushers, and welcome center and potentially parking ministries) to ensure a welcoming environment.
• Small Groups Oversight: Work with the Pastor to provide vision and leadership for the church’s small group ministry, which includes recruiting, training, and coaching group leaders.
• Volunteer Development: Create and implement a "volunteer pipeline" to identify, recruit, and place congregants into serving roles that match their spiritual gifts.
• Data Management: Utilize church management systems, such as the Planning Center Online, to track attendance, manage follow-up workflows, and measure engagement metrics.
• Pastoral Care & Rites: As an ordained or licensed minister, they may preach periodically, perform baptisms, weddings, and funerals, and provide short-term counseling. 

Typical Qualifications

• Spiritual: Must have a vibrant relationship with Jesus and have a regular discipline of Bible Study and prayer. 
• Experience:  Preference of ministry experience, specifically in leadership development or guest services. But we will prayerfully consider someone who feels a calling to this kind of ministry. 
• Education: Prefer a Bachelor's degree in ministry or a related field, but we are willing to consider someone who feels God is calling them to connect others to Jesus and has the necessary skills we are looking for.
• Skills: High social intelligence, strong administrative organizational skills, and an authentic, energetic personality. 

Summary of the Role's "Three-Fold" Goal

• Connect people to God: Guiding people through spiritual growth pathways like baptism and membership classes.
• Connect people to Others: Placing individuals into community through small groups.
• Connect people to their Mission: Equipping people to use their gifts in service and local outreach.