Grace Community Church (Battle Creek, MI) Pastor
THE BIG PICTURE
Grace Community Church (https://www.bcgrace.net) is seeking a full time Pastor.
The Church
Grace Community Church was planted as Pennfield Baptist church in the early 1960’s as a GARB church plant. In the late 80’s, the church left GARB and became a non-denominational, elder led body named Grace Community Church, Battle Creek. The previous three vocational pastors served for 3 / 11 and 28 years respectively. The current facility was built in 2000, with a couple of additions / remodels, and was paid off years early. By God’s grace and the faithfulness of His people in our assembly, we are debt free and financially stable. Our church family is trusting in God’s sovereignty to bring us our next vocational elder to continue into the next chapter for His glory.
We are an elder led congregation. The only standing committee is the Leadership Team, comprised of our active elders and deacons. This puts the impetus on the Leadership Team to operate with transparency, continually seek congregational input, and intentionally communicate direction, policy, and biblical vision. We have a part time church administrator, as well as youth group leader, children’s leader, worship leader, and small group / social media leader, along with several volunteer coordinators. Average weekly attendance 160.
Sunday morning worship, Wednesday night Bible study, and small groups that meet throughout the week, both at the church and in homes. Our music is contemporary and God focused (no Hillsong, Bethel, or Elevation). The vast majority of sermon series are expositional through books of the Bible. Occasionally, topical series are given, and these are also thoroughly expository. We also encourage family worship and discipleship.
The Qualifications
- Must meet the qualifications of an elder found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9.
- Is in complete agreement with the Practice, Mission, and Doctrinal Statement of Grace Community Church, as articulated on our website: www.bcgrace.net
- Devoted to continuing to grow in sanctification, doctrinal depth, and prayer.
- Has an authentic, transparent Christian life and testimony that serves as a good role model.
- Is self-motivated / high work ethic.
- Has a proven track record of working well with others and is committed to an elder led church governance.
- Has a passion for discipleship and evangelism.
- Has a heart for empowering the ministry potential of staff and lay workers.
- Exemplifies humility and the servant attitude of Christ.
Desired Education and Experience
- Previous full-time pastoral ministry experience, including regular preaching experience (at least 5+ years).
- Duly ordained to pastoral ministry.
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited Bible college required or a combination of education, training and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to meet the general job requirements and qualifications listed.
- MDiv preferred. (Master’s degree strongly preferred with coursework in original biblical languages and church administration.)
- Strong apologetics background.
Responsibilities:
- The primary responsibility of the Pastor is to glorify God by providing Biblical leadership through focusing on God’s Word and prayer, shepherding the body of Christ, and equipping believers to do the work of ministry (Acts 6, 1 Peter 5, Eph. 4). To borrow from Alexander Strauch, elders must lead, feed, and protect the flock.
- Preaching, Teaching, and Refuting – the primary preaching / teaching pastor for Sunday morning services. Sermons are to be researched, prepared, and delivered uniquely tailored to our congregation with sources cited. Actively involved with leading and coordinating small groups with small group leader. Must be able to lovingly confront doctrinal error within the church.
- Leadership – Plan overall direction of the church with staff and church leadership team. Focusing on spiritual and ministerial objectives (short and long term).
- Visitation / Prayer – This will include, but is not limited to, hospitals, nursing homes, shut-ins, new attendees, etc.
- Counseling – To include crisis, marriage, pre-marital, general, with referrals given as is appropriate.
- Officiate – Weddings, funerals, etc.
- General Church Office Manager – in charge of church staff during normal hours of operation. Must maintain a schedule of office hours that is synchronized with staff and is confirmed by the elder and deacon board of GCC (min. of 16 scheduled regular office hours / week and available evenings and weekends as needed).
- Miscellaneous – Misc. duties as appropriate to fulfill the mission of the church and guard it’s health.
The Process
Please look over this job description and the church website. Along with your resume please answer these questions:
Why do you believe that you might be a good fit as the Pastor at GCC?
Describe your experiences in ministry and how you may be qualified to serve as the Pastor of GCC?
In just a few sentences please give a summary of your theology and how that is in line with the doctrine of GCC?
Please send your resume, the answers to these questions and a link to at least one online sermon to Jason@No-FeePastorSearch.com
