Lead Pastor

Lead Pastor - Bradley Epworth Church

Purpose: The Lead Pastor-Elder will be a person of established and true character, qualified to preach and teach the Word of God according to the Biblical standards. The Lead Pastor-Elder must be willing to perform their duties in accordance with the Bylaws and Statement of Faith of Bradley Epworth Church. They will be expected to join an existing group of Elders as a first among equals, to minister together as a team, and to seek God's will corporately for the direction of the church. They are to perform executive functions, oversee staff, participate in Elder responsibilities including the oversight of various ministries to accomplish the Great Commission and the Great Commandment.

Hours: This is a full-time (minimum 40 hours per week) salary position. The Pastor is expected to take at least one day off every week, and regular vacation times away. Because church work can be seasonal, the Lead Pastor-Elder should exercise initiative in quieter seasons to compensate for additional hours worked, listening continually to their body and Spirit to monitor burn-out and allow time for refreshment as needed.

Responsibilities:

The Lead Pastor-Elder shall report to the Staff/Church Relations Committee (SCRC) and will perform the following duties as shared responsibilities with the Bradley Epworth Elder team:

• Oversee the spiritual guidance and vision for the church

• Maintain Bradley Epworth church doctrine and answer any congregational questions

• Provide leadership and action for any church member discipline issues

• Oversight of the broad prayer ministry of the church

• Facilitate the contact/visitation of hospitalized, sick, home-bound or grieving members

• Provide counseling within the parameters of expertise and make referrals to competent individuals/agencies when needed

• Ensure faithful transmission of the Christian faith conducting/facilitating membership classes - subsequently oversee database of members with the administrative assistant

• Participate in evangelism efforts

• Arrange home group / small group meetings (ex. Wednesday night service)

• Provide direction and leadership for the Bradley Epworth Teaching Team (Lead Pastor-Elder will be a member of the Teaching Team)

• Officiate and administer baby dedications, baptisms, communion, weddings and funerals

• Raise up new leaders for church council, church ministries and Eldership

• Cultivate and develop spiritual gifts within the congregation

Duties unique to the Lead Pastor-Elder outside of the Bradley Epworth Church Elders:

• Serve as President and Executive Leader of the church

• Lead Eldership team as a first among equals

• Develop relationships with church staff and volunteers

• Oversee all church staff and their respective assignments

a. Lead weekly staff meetings

b. Encourage and guide their spiritual, personal, and professional growth

c. Report any performance issues or demonstrations of extraordinary work ethic to the SCRC

• Provide leadership for the Sunday worship service as a coordinator of activities such as: preaching, guest speakers, worship, announcements, baby dedications, baptisms, and communion

• Work with the Chairperson of Church Council to set the agenda for Church Council meetings (at least quarterly)

• Work with the Chairperson of the SCRC to set the meeting agenda

• Recommend and advise all church committees as an ex officio member providing administrative oversight of said committees

• Serve as the main spokesperson for the church in all external communications within the community through news media, outreach communications, and social media

• Send weekly email to congregation

Note: Lead Pastor-Elder may only be employed by Bradley Epworth Church and may not charge members for church-related services (i.e., counseling, weddings, baptisms, etc. although gratuities are acceptable)

Qualifications:

• Loves the LORD and loves people

• Meets the Biblical qualifications of Eldership as defined in 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9, and 1 Peter 5:1-4

• Exemplifies servant leadership

• Must maintain a vital personal relationship with the Lord through daily Bible study and prayer

• Oversees all church discipline matters, therefore, they should be emotionally mature in interpersonal relations with strong problem-solving, conflict resolution, and listening skills

• Exhibits strong verbal and written communication skills; able to communicate openly and with tact

• Desired education: A degree in Pastoral ministries, Divinity, or the equivalent from an accredited seminary, Bible school, or school of ministry

• Pastoral experience preferred

Compensation: Salary commensurate with experience ($51,000 - $71,000)

Benefits: To be discussed in the interview process

Please submit a resume and cover letter that includes:

• Written testimony

• Links to two sermon examples

• Two professional references