Executive Pastor

NLV Executive Pastor Job Description

Church Size: Approximately 150 Active Members

Reports To: Lead Pastor

Employment Status: Flexible Full-Time 

Position Summary

The Executive Pastor serves as the chief administrative and operational leader of the church, partnering closely with the Lead Pastor to fulfill the church's mission and vision. This role provides leadership in organizational strategy, staff management, ministry systems, financial oversight, and day-to-day operations, allowing the Lead Pastor to focus on preaching, teaching, vision, and shepherding.

The Executive Pastor combines strong leadership, administrative excellence, and spiritual maturity to ensure ministries operate effectively and align with the church's mission.

Primary Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategic Planning

• Partner with the Lead Pastor to implement the church's vision and strategic goals.
• Lead ministry planning and organizational development.
• Coordinate annual ministry goals and evaluate progress.
• Foster unity and collaboration among staff, elders, trustees, and ministry leaders.

Staff Leadership

• Supervise church staff and ministry leaders.
• Participate in regular staff meetings and performance evaluations.
• Partner with Lead Pastor to recruit, train, and develop ministry leaders and volunteers.
• Promote healthy communication and accountability across ministries.

Operations & Administration

• Oversee daily church operations.
• Develop and maintain policies, procedures, and organizational systems.
• Ensure legal compliance, insurance coverage, and risk management.

Financial Oversight

• Work with the Lead Pastor and trustees to prepare the annual budget.
• Monitor ministry spending and financial accountability.
• Review financial reports with church leadership.
• Encourage wise stewardship of church resources.

Ministry Support

• Ensure ministries have the resources necessary to accomplish their objectives.
• Coordinate ministry calendars and church-wide events.
• Resolve operational challenges between ministries.
• Support volunteer recruitment and leadership development.
• Participate in worship services and church life.

Elder/Trustee Relations

• Prepare reports and recommendations for elders and trustees.
• Implement board-approved policies and initiatives.
• Assist with long-range planning and church health assessments.

Qualifications

Spiritual Qualifications

• A growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Agrees with and supports the church's statement of faith.
• Demonstrates general integrity, wisdom, humility, and emotional maturity.

Education & Experience

Preferred, but not required:

• 5+ years of ministry leadership or executive leadership experience.
• Bachelor's degree in church/organizational leadership, business administration, or related field.

Skills

• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Financial management and budgeting experience.
• Team leadership and conflict resolution skills.
• Strategic planning and decision-making abilities.
• Proficiency with church management software and Microsoft Office or Google Workspace.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Thinking
• Administrative Excellence
• Team Building
• Financial Stewardship
• Problem Solving
• Change Management
• Volunteer Development
• Clear Communication
• Spiritual Discernment

Performance Expectations

The Executive Pastor will be evaluated based on:

• Effective execution of church vision.
• Healthy staff/leader culture.
• Financial stewardship and budget management.
• Organizational effectiveness.
• Volunteer engagement and retention.
• Alignment of ministries with the church's mission.

Work Schedule

• Typical workweek of 32–35 hours.
• Availability for Sunday services, staff meetings, leadership meetings, and major church events.
• Some evening and weekend responsibilities are expected.

Compensation

Starting salary around $37,000/year

403b matching up to 5%

For a 150-member church

In a church of this size, the Executive Pastor is often a working executive, meaning they not only oversee ministry leaders but also personally manage various operational responsibilities. The role typically includes:

• Office administration
• Budget management
• Volunteer coordination
• Human resources
• Facility oversight
• Event logistics
• Technology oversight
• Strategic planning with the Lead Pastor

This job description is designed to be broad enough to cover those types of responsibilities that can revolve through seasons of specific focus while remaining appropriate for a mid-sized congregation.