Lead Pastor

Position Description for Lead Pastor

Palo Alto First Christian Church has been dedicated to the Lord in Palo Alto, California, for over 127 years. Based in the same city as Stanford University and major tech companies, there are many opportunities for the Gospel to flourish. Our congregation is made up of a diverse group of people from all over the world as is reflected in our culture. You can learn more about our church at pafcc.org

We seek a passionate Lead Pastor to join our team and lead our church family into the next season the Lord is moving us into. We are not simply looking for someone who will maintain, but someone who will build and grow our church. Palo Alto and the Bay Area is a diverse and unique mission field. This region is one of the most unchurched and non-churched regions in the United States on top of being one of the most expensive places to live. In spite of this, the opportunity for God to move has never been greater. In a disconnected world, people are experiencing increased levels of loneliness and are desperate for meaning, community and a purpose that can only be found in Jesus Christ. If you have a fervent desire to see a church come alive as it lives out the mission of the Gospel, please explore this exciting opportunity!

If you are a local candidate and interested in exploring the possibility of part-time bi-vocational ministry, please apply and let us know!

Who we are:

Our Mission: To be a place where every believer is equipped to advance the Kingdom of God and inviting others to do the same.

Our Vision: Because every person matters to God, we will transform Palo Alto and beyond by the power and truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ, one person at a time.

Our Culture: We are a church highly focused on community. We are a multi-generational, multi-ethnic congregation of less than 50 people seeking to advance the Kingdom of God here in our city. In addition to our normal church activities, we are passionate about missions, both locally and globally, and collaboration with other local churches.

Leadership: We believe in collaborative leadership between our staff team and elder board. While everyone has their specific responsibilities, we believe in the power of working together with our unique giftings and abilities to further the Kingdom. (1 Cor. 12)

Our Beliefs: See Statement of Faith (on website)

What You Will Do: Essential Duties & Responsibilities

First and foremost, be the captain of the ship.  You’re responsible for everything that goes on (and isn’t going on!) in your church. Being responsible for everything doesn’t mean doing everything. It’s about steering the ship, not swabbing the deck. Those duties can include: 

• Lead the staff and others in implementing the shared vision, calendar administration, staff hiring & evaluation, and oversight of all ministries. Provide updates to elder board for their consideration.
• Lead weekly staff meetings to coordinate ministries and weekend services.
• Lead/Assist designated staff and others in financial matters including the creation and operation of the annual church budget for elder approval.
• Disciple, mentor, and coach all staff directly or indirectly in leadership, shepherding, and professional growth.
• Oversight of sermon series, schedule, and direction of PAFCC’s preaching and teaching ministry. Including preaching 75+% of weekend services (percentage based on other staff preachers, guest speakers, and special Sundays). Sermons/teaching must be rooted in Scripture and dependent on the Holy Spirit.
• In partnership with the chair of the elder board, help develop meeting agendas, retreats, and bi-annual all-church meetings.
• Oversees personnel and executes church facilities budget to ensure the property is functioning efficiently. Communicate clearly and effectively to the elder board the resources required, how those resources are effectively used, and the risks associated when not all resources are allocated.
• The Lead Pastor agrees to the Statement of Faith and standard of ethics set-forth by Palo Alto First Christian Church.

General Pastor/Elder Duties

• You serve as a member of the executive committee in the elder board and report directly to the elder board.
• As a member of the pastoral staff, you are actively involved in shepherding God’s flock at PAFCC through discipleship, lay-counseling, training, and teaching. You are available for hospital and home visitation, weddings, and funerals, as needed.

Who You Are: Qualifications & Abilities

Experience & Qualifications

• At least 7 years of pastoral experience in a multi-staff church with a minimum of two years of experience as lead/senior pastor, upper level pastoral work, or similar ministry experience.
• Have led through a property transition, building campaign, or evangelism campaign.
• Bachelor’s Degree or sufficient training acquired through personal mentorship and ministry leadership experience.
• Fulfill the qualities and requirements of 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9, & 1 Peter 5:1-4.
• Proof of successfully leading other leaders & discipled individuals.
• Proof of consistent preaching that is true to the Word of God.
• Multicultural ministry experience
• Leadership Skills & Abilities
  • You are passionate about community and actively seek out non-churched people.
  • You see the potential in others to serve Jesus and the Body of Christ.
  • You are a humble servant, while having confidence to lead well.
  • You are capable of casting vision in a way that engages and excites others.
  • You think about the present and the future, able to evaluate existing ministries and how to improve them.

Skills & Abilities

• Deeply committed follower of Jesus Christ seen in a lifestyle of proclaiming the Gospel.
• Sound Biblical knowledge and theology.
• Active prayer life, led by the Holy Spirit.
• Passionate about both local and global missions
• Ministry hours are not always a typical 9-5. Must learn to balance time effectively.

To Apply:

Submit a cover letter, your resume, and application directly to our pastoral search team through our church online form - https://www.pafcc.org/apply. DO NOT apply for this position via the churchstaffing “Post Your Resume To Apply” green button. https://www.pafcc.org/apply

Compensation:

Salary expected to be around $150,000 per year (negotiable depending on experience). Includes benefits package for full-time employees, including medical, dental, PTO, and retirement.