Job Overview
Lead Pastor – Job Info
Delaware Bible Church is seeking a Christ-centered shepherd whose primary calling is faithful, engaging biblical preaching that fosters spiritual growth and discipleship. Responsibilities for this position include teaching/preaching, vision setting, pastoring a multigenerational congregation, team building a staff that includes multiple pastors, practicing nouthetic (biblical) counseling, and providing spiritual and strategic oversight to a mid-sized Christian school ministry.
Delaware Bible Church is a multi-generational, non-denominational Bible church located in Delaware, OH (30 minutes north of downtown Columbus). This is a church of approximately 350-400 (180-200 members) with a Christian school of approximately 400 students with a two-story 13 classroom and multipurpose gym building project beginning. Additional information regarding the job description, church doctrine, and church distinctives are included.
Salary $95,000 – $110,000 inclusive of healthcare stipend
Benefits
• Traditional Health Insurance or a Healthcare reimbursement through Christian Healthcare Ministries, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, and a small life insurance policy that would cover funeral costs. • Delaware Christian School Tuition benefits for students Pre-K-Grade 12
• 403b matching retirement program for up to 3% of salary • Paid vacation leave, sick leave, and holidays • Mileage reimbursement for official church business while on duty • Moving expenses
Education and Experience
• A masters degree in pastoral ministry, theology, or a related field from an accredited institution is preferred. • Preferably experience as a Senior or Lead Pastor with a proven track record of effective preaching, leadership and shepherding. • 11-15 years of pastoral experience (preferred)
Theological Alignment Commitment to the truth and authority of Scripture with full doctrinal alignment to DBC's doctrinal statement that includes a dispensational, pre-tribulational, premillennial return of Christ and a cessasionist view on the spiritual gifts of tongues/sign miracles.
Job Description
Job Title Lead Pastor Standards JOB DESCRIPTION
Of highest importance shall be maintaining personal standards of godliness, based upon biblical principles, resulting in an uncompromised testimony within the church and community from which a credible ministry originates. Adherence to biblical, ethical, and fiscal stewardship shall be deemed critical. Work shall be conducted in a manner pleasing to God, dictated by ministry needs, and carried out with a team concept alongside the DBC staff and as directed by the Elder Council leadership.
Definition of Employment Status This shall be deemed a salaried executive management staff position. Per the Employee Handbook, this position shall be considered Full-Time 1 status. Salaried executive management staff employees who work 40 or more hours per week. These employees are eligible for all benefit programs offered at DBC.
Duties and Responsibilities 1. Teaching/Preaching
2. Vision Setting Priority shall be given to the personal study of Scripture for the purposes of accurate exposition and application of biblical truth. The Lead Pastor shall be responsible for preaching in the corporate gathering of the church. This responsibility shall be discharged either by his preaching or by his direct delegation of that responsibility to a qualified individual.
3. Pastoring 4. Team Building Staying informed of the circumstances and needs of the church family shall be accomplished through regular interaction with the congregation. Interaction shall be maintained through visitation, correspondence, telephone, and other appropriate means. Priority shall be given during times of illness, death, crisis, or celebration. The items listed below cannot be accomplished effectively by one person. Therefore, the Lead Pastor should be a man who understands his own strengths and limitations—excelling personally in some areas while intentionally building and equipping teams of church members to carry out responsibilities in areas where he is weaker. The ultimate goal is to leave Christ's church stronger than it was at the time he was called to DBC. (Exodus 13:18–22) 5. Admin Direct supervision of church staff is ultimately the responsibility of the Lead Pastor. Many day-to-day ministry needs will be overseen by the Executive Pastor and certain supervisory responsibilities may be delegated to other appropriate staff members. The Lead Pastor and those delegated shall provide encouragement, direction, and accountability through regular meetings with staff. Clear communication and mutual understanding shall be maintained regarding which administrative responsibilities are retained by the Lead Pastor and which are delegated to other staff members. 6. Counseling Training in the Nouthetic approach to counseling shall be required. Counseling (discipleship) shall be offered, with priority given to those of the church, and as a means of witness and help to the community. ACBC Certification is required within 5 years of hiring. 7. Christian School The Lead Pastor provides spiritual oversight and leadership to the Christian school as an integral ministry of the church. He works collaboratively with the Head of School and school leadership, the School Board, and the Elder Board to ensure alignment with the church's mission, doctrinal convictions, and vision, while fostering unity and shared purpose between the congregation and the school community.
Job Description – Lead Pastor Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 1. Seminary trained at an approved seminary or with related experience. 2. Trained in the Nouthetic approach to biblical counseling. 3. Work experience in a church with a Christian school (preferred). Accountability The Lead Pastor shall be directly accountable to the Elder Board and, ultimately, accountable to God. He will receive an annual evaluation by the Elder Board. He shall be a member of the Elder Council and, by nature of his position, a de facto member of all other committees. The Lead Pastor shall abide by the guidelines established by the Employee Handbook.
DBC Membership Requirements Membership in full doctrinal agreement is required.
Time Requirements This is a full-time position requiring a minimum of 40 hours per week. Additional time will be necessary due to various events and meetings. Such additional time shall be understood to be an essential part of the position and, therefore, a normal part of the job without additional compensation of time or money.
Summary All work shall meet or exceed the requirements set forth in the Constitution of Delaware Bible Church, the Employee Handbook, the Financial Policies and Procedures, and all other policies and procedures enacted.
Statement of Understanding I certify that I have received, read, and understand this job description, a copy of which has been provided to me. I also understand that this job description may be unilaterally modified by the Elder Board at any time. Any updated job descriptions will supersede any and all prior job descriptions for this position. __________________________________ ______________ Lead Pastor's Signature Date of Signature __________________________________ ______________ Elder Board Chair's Signature Date of Signature