Lead Pastor

NOTE: This job description, as has been developed by the Pastor Search Team, is provided for potential Lead Pastor candidates with the understanding that there will be a review of this job description with the Lead Pastor after the first year of ministry at Crossroads Community Church (hereinafter referred to as “the Church”).

QUALIFICATIONS: Seminary degree or Bachelor's degree in religious studies preferred. Is or can become ordained through the Churches of God Midwest Region.

OBJECTIVE AND FOCUS

• The Lead Pastor shall provide overall leadership in order to achieve the Mission and Vision of the Church. The Lead Pastor works collaboratively with the Elders, Deacons, pastoral, and church staff.
• The Lead Pastor, in dependence on the Holy Spirit, will lead with a focus to equip the Elders, Deacons, staff, and the congregation to do the work of ministry. (Ephesians 4:11-13)

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Preaching of God’s Word and Sunday Worship
  • Acts as the major preaching/teaching voice for the Church, giving the necessary time in prayer and preparation in order to be an effective instrument of God.
    • May assign, as needed, preaching to other staff pastors, guest speakers, and international workers.
  • Pastoral Leadership with Church Staff
    • Leads the church staff (pastoral and administrative) in planning, administering, and evaluating their ministry leadership and activities in order to fulfill the specific purposes of their ministries.
    • Leads a weekly staff meeting for prayer, planning, and general discussion.
    • Ensures that the ministry focus, job description, and performance of the church staff is supported with healthy supervision and review.
    • Serves as the key representative of the church staff to the Church Leadership Team (Elders and Deacons) and vice-versa.
  • Leadership and Supervision of Ministry Programs
    • The Lead Pastor is responsible for the efficient and harmonious operation of all church ministry programs ensuring that both pastoral and lay leaders are effectively equipped for the work of ministry.
  • Pastoral and Congregational Care
    • The Lead Pastor shall, in partnership with the Leadership Team, ensure that the congregation is shepherded and cared for including visitation, counseling, hospitality, discipleship, weddings and funerals, church membership and baptism, and crisis care.
    • The Lead Pastor shall ensure that the Elders, Deacons, staff, and any gifted lay leaders are equipped to provide effective congregational care.
    • The Lead Pastor shall take adequate time each week to study scripture, books, periodicals, and other resources to stay informed on matters of ministry and spiritual leadership.
    • The Lead Pastor shall play an active and visible role in the local and county community.
  • Administration
    • The Lead Pastor, in cooperation with the Executive Pastor, manages church administrative and organizational functions in a coordinated and orderly manner, adjusting as required and advising the Leadership Team accordingly.
    • The Lead Pastor shall oversee the selection, supervision, and discipline of church staff. The Lead Pastor shall also oversee the dismissal of church staff, in cooperation with the Leadership Team if deemed necessary.
  • Example to the Congregation
    • Models the Christian life and commitment to Christ, a Christian marriage, and family life.
    • Gives strong emphasis to personal discipleship, spiritual formation, and spiritual disciplines.
    • Models a healthy balance of ministry and family life.

ACCOUNTABILITY

• The Lead Pastor is accountable to God, the Church, and the congregation as a whole.
• The Lead Pastor is accountable to the Leadership Team to fulfill the requirements of full-time leadership through the requirements of this job description.
• The Lead Pastor is accountable to the Churches of God Midwest Region. The Lead Pastor shall ensure adherence to both local church and denominational policies.
• The Lead Pastor and/or staff members shall attend the Churches of God Midwest Region annual conference.
• The Lead Pastor shall have authority to make certain financial or staffing commitments on behalf of the church, provided they are within prior established budget categories, guidelines, or specific projects as has been approved by the Leadership Team. No authority may be granted to commit to capital expenditures even though budgeted, without prior approval from the Leadership Team.
• The Lead Pastor’s job description will be reviewed annually. The Lead Pastor may suggest changes to the job description to the Leadership Team at any time.

To Apply for Lead Pastor Role

Please submit a cover letter and resume, along with the information below, to Crossroads Pastor Search Team Lead, Jordan Orwig, at joorwig@gmail.com:

• Name
• How did you come to know Jesus?
• What led you to apply to this lead pastor role?
• Briefly describe your pastoral experience.
• Briefly describe your educational background.