Job Overview

The Lead Pastor will provide spiritual, strategic, and pastoral leadership to Church of the Open Door, guiding the congregation in fulfilling its mission of "Leading People in the Adventure of Becoming Like Christ."

The pastor will succeed Dr. Jim Mindling, building on his legacy of biblical preaching, disciple-making, and community engagement while leading the church into its next season of growth and impact across its four Northeast Ohio and one Dominican Republic campuses.

Job Description

Preaching and Teaching:

• Prepare and preach the Scriptures (primarily in an expository style) during regularly scheduled services as well as any special services or events.
• Preach and teach in a manner deeply rooted in biblical exegesis and prayer.
• Invite and approve any speakers from within the staff/membership or outside the church to preach in a manner consistent with the Statement of Faith and Biblical Beliefs.

Vision and Leadership:

• Model and champion the Vision and Mission of Open Door.
• Have final authority in all conflicts regarding the interpretation of Scriptures along with the Church Life Board.
• Oversee the administration of the ordinances of the church at all campuses; supervise the teaching ministries of the Church and watch over the spiritual interests of its membership.
• Establish & enact an ordination track for any staff member interested in becoming a Pastor.
• Lead weekly time of prayer with Pastors.
• Be responsible for all appointments for public worship and Bible study, and the arrangements thereof.
• Have veto rights for hiring or firing of any staff member at or above the Director level.

Discipleship and Ministry Development:

• Pray for the congregation and community.
• Oversee the shepherding, care, discipleship, and spiritual growth of the flock at all campuses.
• Oversee and champion the equipping of the saints to do the work of the ministry.
• Establish and execute the churchwide evangelism and discipleship methods.

The above responsibilities are not intended to be an all-inclusive list. Expect other duties as necessary.

All staff at Open Door are committed to team ministry that pursues excellence with an attitude of "whatever it takes to get the job done." Therefore, additional time may be required outside of regular work hours and normal schedules.

Qualifications

• Spiritual Maturity: A mature, growing believer with a clear understanding of Scripture and the ability to communicate it effectively as well as a man of prayer.
• Experience: 4+ years' experience as a Lead, Executive, or Teaching Pastor, with a proven track record of recruiting and developing teams at a multi-site church or similar organization.
• Education: Minimum of a Master's degree (Master of Divinity) or a related field (e.g., Master in Theology). Advanced earned training in theology, leadership, or management (e.g., DMin, PHd. MBA, StratOp, PMP) preferred.
• Skills:
  • Exceptional preaching and teaching abilities, rooted in biblical exegesis.
  • Gift for vision-casting and the ability to delegate and empower others to carry it out.
  • Strong leadership and team building skills.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a heart for God's people and community engagement.
  • Relational, driven, and compassionate personality, and a life-long learner.
  • Proven track record of financial stewardship, personal accountability, and a healthy family life.
• Alignment: Full agreement with Open Door's Statement of Faith and Biblical Beliefs, vision, mission, and lives out the core C.H.R.I.S.T. characteristics. (opendoor.tv/about/)
• Character: A servant-hearted leader with integrity, humility, high emotional intelligence, and a passion for disciple-making, who loves God, loves people, and lives surrendered.

Work Schedule and Compensation

• Schedule: Full-time position approximately 45–50 hours per week (Tuesday-Sunday) and additional hours as needed for events or community outreach.
• Compensation: Competitive salary with benefits, commensurate with experience and qualifications. (Exempt & Ministerial)