Job Overview

The role of the Senior Pastor (Pastor) is to assist the Elders in overseeing the life and direction of the church. The Pastor will have a regular program of study to enable himself to plan and conduct meaningful worship services. He will also have a firm grasp on the purpose, values, and strategy of the church and the ability to align ordained and lay staff and key leadership teams with its mission.

The Pastor will offer pastoral leadership to the congregation alongside clergy and lay ministers. The Pastor will ensure that the systems, practices, and policies of the church responsibly and effectively support its ministry activities.

Job Description

Characteristics

• A gifted, Christ-centered preacher, able to speak to the heart with truth and grace, with a humble approach to sharing scripture and inspiring people to know Jesus.
• Highly developed relational skills, with warmth and able to mentor staff to help them to grow spiritually and professionally.
• Proven ability to lead, consistently advancing a vision. Helping Session to define the “ends” and helping staff as ministry leaders define the “means” to get there. Sets forth tangible ministry goals, measures success and modifies accordingly.
• Leads the Elders as an example worth following; treats Elders as those with a pastoral calling. Together sharing the ministry of the Word, Prayer, Shepherding as well as assisting in the administration of the sacraments.

Responsibilities / Duties

• Biblical Teaching and Worship: Leading the congregation through a focused, intentional, and applied Christ-centered study of Scripture to discover God’s will for following Christ. This will include preaching and teaching on a regular basis and overseeing a preaching team that will provide Sunday preaching and assist church leaders in creating a worship environment that is relevant, balanced, and inspiring for all who attend in accordance with the tenets of The Book of Worship. The Senior Pastor will be the primary preacher for 35-40 worship services throughout the year. The Pastor will also provide support in planning and/or executing the Adult Education programs and other programs in discipleship and ministry training, in coordination with other ordained and lay leaders.
• Body Life: Provide avenues for building authentic Christian community through large and small group activity, creating safe relational environments where people can communicate what they feel and think and ensure within reason that pastoral care and ministry to the members and attendees of WPC is taking place.
• Ministry Mobilization: Encourage the development of ministries by various members of the congregation–putting into practice the truth of Ephesians 4:11-12, “to equip the saints for works of service.” This will occur by an evaluation of the effectiveness of WPC ministries through dialogue with the staff and Session, and by measurable results as defined by ministry outcomes determined by the Session.
• Pastoral Care:  Oversee the pastoral care needs of the congregation and, as necessary, disciple and share duties with other ordained and lay ministers in hospital visitation, home visits, counseling, marriages, and funerals.
• Staff & Volunteer Development: Responsible for strategic planning and staff coordination in the execution of the church’s purpose. The Pastor will advance the strategic goals and vision as a key leader among staff and Elders and implement plans. The Pastor serves as a director to ordained and lay staff and lay volunteers, and leads, evaluates, and mentors existing staff in their respective areas of ministry. Tasks include:
  • Coordinating/leading weekly staff meetings and other activities to clarify and execute goals and objectives
  • Overseeing staff, deacons, church, officers, committees, and evangelism
  • Hiring and dismissing staff and prioritizing staff additions after consultation and guidance from the Elders
  • Providing leadership to the pastoral staff in the design and implementation of all church ministries