Job Overview

The lead pastor at Oakwood Church will work in partnership with the church board to provide leadership, direction and vision for the church and to help us to fulfill our mission – "Love God. Love others. Make Disciples." He must agree with Oakwood's constitution and statement of faith. He will demonstrate a high level of competency and excellence in the study of the Scriptures, church leadership and organization, and equipping believers to be disciples. He must display a love the Lord Jesus and His Word, meet the qualifications set forth in Scriptures for pastors, and be committed to following Christ and serving Him and His people in a local church context.

Job Description

Qualifications and Competencies

1. Biblical Requirements–The lead pastor must meet the spiritual, personal, and character qualifications of an elder found in 1 Timothy 3:1–7and Titus 1:6–9 and exhibit the fruit of the Spirit as found in Galatians 5:22-23.
2. Prayer and the Word–The lead pastor must be a man of prayer and a man of the Word, sensitive to the Holy Spirit's guidance for Oakwood. He will devote himself to daily prayer and Bible reading for the sake of guarding himself from sin and growing in his relationship with Christ.
3. Membership–The lead pastor must be a member in good standing of Oakwood Church or, if not a member when called to the church, he will become a member as soon as possible.
4. Doctrine and Covenants–In addition to embracing Oakwood's Constitution and Bylaws, he must understand, endorse, and teach, without reservation, the church's biblical and theological teaching, as well as its leaders' and members' covenants.
5. Commitment–The lead pastor must be deeply committed to the ministry of Oakwood Church and to its people.
6. Accountability–While his first loyalty is to God and His Word, the lead pastor will practice accountability to the church board. He will strive to maintain positive and fruitful relationships with other employees, members, and leaders. When concerns or differences of opinion arise, the lead pastor will communicate in a biblical manner with those involved. Whether leading the congregation or working with the church board, the lead pastor will do so in a joyful manner.
7. Vision and Organization–The lead pastor will have the vision and organizational skills necessary to work effectively, creatively, and flexibly to lead Oakwood Church
8. Gender–As outlined in our Constitution, the lead pastor must be male.
9. Confidentiality–The lead pastor will strictly maintain appropriate confidentiality according to the guidelines set forth in requirements set forth for the church board.
10. Reputation–The lead pastor must have a good reputation in the community and with his family.
11. Adaptability–The lead pastor will be able to adapt to responsibilities as required by changing needs and situations.
12. The lead pastor will be guided by the Scriptures, not cultural trends and beliefs.

Personal Skills:

1. Servant Leadership—the lead pastor should be able to lead in a variety of contexts (individual, small groups, large groups) in such a way that Jesus Christ and his gospel are central. He should be a self-starter and take the initiative. He should be wise and discerning and know when to be decisive, sensitive, tender, and firm.
2. Relational—the lead pastor should have a heart for people. That drive should manifest itself in the appropriate use of time.
3. Administrative—while seeking to shepherd people, the lead pastor should have the skill set and ability to effectively manage the administrative tasks required by the position.
4. Teaching/Preaching—the lead pastor should be a fruitful, biblical teacher and champion of Oakwood's mission and vision. His teaching should effectively equip the saints for the work of ministry.
5. Communication—the lead pastor must be a compelling public preacher with a blend of humility, zeal and commitment to biblical exposition.
6. Peacemaking—the lead pastor should be able to unite people tactfully and winsomely with varying perspectives to advance harmony and love, and to achieve common goals.
7. Dependability–the lead pastor must be able to work diligently and sacrificially without direct supervision. He must be accountable for how he spends his time.

Responsibilities and Relationships:

1. Overall direction–The lead pastor will provide general oversight of all of Oakwood Church's operations and ministries.
2. Spiritual instruction–The lead pastor will oversee the spiritual direction of Oakwood Church, including all teaching and preaching
3. Church staff –All church staff is accountable to the lead pastor.
4. Board accountability–The lead pastor is accountable to the church board.