Job Overview

Westlake Church Lausanne is seeking an experienced pastor/teacher who has a warm demeanor and excellent teaching abilities, is a servant-leader, a team player who will work alongside fellow elders, is communicative, a self-starter, and has a diligent character.

The primary mission of this new role is to support the senior pastor and congregation of Westlake Lausanne in the pursuit of becoming a church that nurtures disciples while equipping and training our community in gospel-centered ministry.

Job Description

Job Description for Associate Pastor of Westlake Lausanne

The position will entail:

Training, Teaching, and Mentoring

• Discipling the congregation in growing in Christ-like character.
• Equipping the congregation to lead current ministries, Bible studies, and, where appropriate, up-front teaching.
• Overseeing the content and quality of teaching/training in our adult Sunday school ministry as well as taking an active part in leading class.
• Preaching occasionally on Sunday mornings with a demonstrably high level of Biblical knowledge and a willingness to engage the difficult issues of Christian life with truthful courage.

Developing New Ministries

• Creating and overseeing a training program in church-based, Gospel-centered ministry (including interns).
• Facilitating the development of pastoral care and biblical counselling within the church.

We do not expect the successful candidate to be an expert, or even to have extensive experience in this field, but to put in place training – by others if necessary – to grow our skills in caring for one another.

• Developing a program of events with the senior pastor that applies the gospel to pressing contemporary issues.

The successful candidate will:

• Be able to wholeheartedly affirm our Statement of Faith and be aligned doctrinally with the elders.

• Fulfill the biblical requirements listed in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-11.
• Have at least 5 years of experience in pastoral or theological teaching ministry. Preferably including ministry experience to university students.
• Hold a theological degree or its equivalent. Preferably a Master's degree or higher.
• Have a humble, prudent, and energetic character:

Be encouraging and supportive with a willingness to delegate appropriately.

Possess a passion for discipling, mentoring, and equipping the Body of Christ to share the Gospel and transform lives.

• Have a clear understanding of and vision for:

How the gospel of Christ is to be applied to every facet of life.

The opportunities and challenges that an international community like Lausanne provides for the spread of the Gospel.

• Demonstrate a track record of discipling relationships in individual and/or group settings.

• Have excellent oral and written proficiency in English.

Will have a minimum B1 level in French, if not already a French speaker.

• Possess Swiss or EU citizenship or be eligible and capable of obtaining a Swiss work permit.

Typical workload:

While it is difficult to predict pastoral workload, we expect the associate pastor to work 40 hours per week, with the Sunday morning class and service, attendance at home group/prayer meetings and social contact in addition to this.

Mentoring relationships:

The associate pastor will be mentored by the senior pastor and/or other members of the elder team.

Reporting relationships:

The associate pastor will report directly to the senior pastor with additional oversight by fellow elders.

Duration and renewal:

As with all pastoral positions, this position will be subject to renewal by congregational vote every 4 years.

Essential and Desirable Criteria for the Associate Pastor

Essential Criteria

The successful candidate will:

• Be a committed, evangelical Christian
• Agree with the Statement of Faith of Westlake without hesitation on any point
• Understand and be willing to own the vision, nature and direction of Westlake Lausanne
• Have a B1 (minimum) in French. (Certificate required if applicant is not Swiss and does not hold an EU passport)
• Have excellent English language skills
• Hold to the inerrancy and infallibility of Scripture
• Possess the ability and desire to disciple, and train others in discipleship
• Possess the ability and desire to preach and teach God's word expositionally
• Be a good communicator with excellent interpersonal skills
• Live or be willing to live in the greater Lausanne area

Desirable Criteria

The successful candidate will preferably have one or all of the following:

• Be fluent in French
• Hold a theological degree or its equivalent, preferably a Master's degree or higher
• An EU or Swiss passport. Because of Swiss employment law, priority will be given to candidates holding an EU or Swiss passport

Remuneration and Holidays

This is a full-time post. The starting salary will depend on the successful candidate's

experience and marital/family situation.

He will be entitled to 20 days annual leave per year, in addition to national holidays.

Pension included.