Position Overview

Driven to empower the Church, nurture authentic community, and bring healing through the love and power of Jesus Christ? Grace Bible Church in Palmer, Alaska is seeking a passionate and dedicated Christ-centered Pastor to lead our congregation in spiritual growth, biblical teaching, and community outreach. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to the authority of Scripture, the power of prayer, and the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ.

The Pastor is responsible for preaching the Sunday morning message to the church 48 weeks out of the year and leading up to three weekly small groups. The pastor coordinates visitation to church member's homes and hospital settings as needed to maintain the day-to-day health of the local body of believers. The Pastor serves as an elder at Grace Bible Church and participates in monthly staff/volunteer meetings with the elders and deacons to maintain operations of the church.

Key Responsibilities

• Preach and teach the Word of God during weekly worship services and special events.
• Provide pastoral care, biblical counseling, and spiritual guidance to church members.
• Cultivate vibrant, worship and community life.
• Lead and collaborate with church staff, elders, ministry leaders, and volunteers.
• Facilitate church outreach, evangelism, and community involvement in Wasilla and surrounding areas.
• Shepherding and equipping the church body for spiritual growth and service.
• Overseeing the development and implementation of discipleship programs, Bible studies, and small groups.
• Communicate effectively and regularly pray with the church elders and deacons to maintain church health.
• Connect to the local community and represent Grace Bible Church.
• Uphold and communicate the church's vision, values, and doctrinal statement.
• Officiate weddings, funerals, baptisms, and other church ceremonies as needed.

Qualifications

One will Be On The Right Track If One:

• Loves God and has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Is committed to biblical authority.
• Has a heart to see people come to know Christ.
• Has a love for people and a servant's heart.
• Has previous ministry experience.
• Is an outgoing gatherer.
• Values authenticity and deep connection.
• Has strong communication, organizational, leadership, and relational skills.
• Has the ability to preach, teach, and provide pastoral care.
• Has the ability and motivation to plan and lead initiatives.
• Has a grace-filled approach to ministry, empowered by the Holy Spirit, grounded with prayer, guided by Scripture, reflecting the character of Christ for the glory of God.
• Agrees with Grace Bible Church's statement of faith and doctrinal positions.
• Can work effectively with diverse groups and all generations within the church.
• Bible College graduate with advanced theological degree preferred.

It Would Be Amazing If One:

• Has a sense of humor and doesn't take oneself too seriously.
• Loves to reach families with little to no church background.
• Is tech-savvy and has experience managing social media and websites.
• Has a Bible or Ministry School certificate or degree.
• Has a Bachelor's degree in theology, ministry, or a related field (Master's preferred).
• Has previous pastoral experience (minimum 3 years preferred).

About Grace Bible Church

Grace Bible Church is a twenty-year old non-denominational church formerly known as Cross Country Church. We are a Christ-centered, Bible-believing, Prayer-practicing community of believers located in the beautiful Matanuska-Susitna Valley in Alaska. We are deeply committed to authenticity, meaningful connection, and relational health. We believe that every believer is called to be a minister of the Gospel within their unique sphere of influence. We are also passionate about encouraging both personal and spiritual development through discipleship, teaching, and real-life application. Our desire is for each person to thrive in the identity and purpose God designed for them.

We are currently a congregation of approximately 80-100 people in hopeful preparation to proceed with construction of a church building on Grace Bible Church's seven-acre property.

Our mission is to glorify God as a family of believers committed to making disciples, growing in truth, abounding in love, and gathering in community. We strive to put God's love on display and to be a people living life together in community as God intended.

Our vision is to be an intergenerational church that is Biblically sound, vibrant in community, loving God and our neighbors through faithful service.

We invite candidates who share our vision to apply and join us in advancing the gospel in our region.

About The Palmer/Wasilla Community

Approximately one hour north of Anchorage, the largest and most populated city in Alaska, it sits within the Matanuska-Susitna Borough in Southcentral Alaska, which is roughly the size of West Virginia and is home to roughly 115,000 people. 90% of these people live in the areas surrounding Wasilla and Palmer, which are roughly 10 miles apart.

A progressive community in a spectacular natural setting, Wasilla and Palmer offer the best of Alaska. A thriving crossroads with a booming economy, these rapidly growing cities are the heart of a diverse and dynamic region. The area is considered Alaska's breadbasket because it is the state's major agricultural region. The area is nicknamed the Mat-Su Valley, and Alaskans affectionately refer to it as the Mat-Su or the Valley.

In Alaska terms, the size of the Mat-Su Valley is just right – large enough for having metropolitan amenities and a blossoming growth center for business, yet small enough for preserving the charm, security, and familiarity of small-town living. The active population enjoys affordable land and housing, unparalleled recreation, and a thriving economy.

If God is calling one to serve alongside us in this season, we'd love to hear from the applicant. One can join for Sunday service at 10:00am at our Sunday morning (AND/OR – attend a Sunday evening gathering on our church property.)

How to Apply

1. Submit the following to Grace Bible Church Pastor Search Committee
   • Resume,
   • In your Cover letter include:
   • Sample of a recent sermon one has delivered, and
   • One's statement of faith
2. Include three references from previous ministry positions.
3. If able, please Join us for Sunday service at 10:00am at our Sunday morning (rental) meeting space of 6901 E. Blue lupine Drive – AND/OR – attend a Sunday evening gathering on our church property.