Job Description
Job Description
The Lead Pastor serves as the primary spiritual leader of the church, carrying the responsibility of preaching, casting vision, and guiding the overall direction of its ministries. This role requires a thoughtful balance of consistent, high quality biblical teaching, clear and compelling vision alignment, genuine pastoral care, and strong administrative leadership that develops and empowers teams. At its core, the position calls for a leader who can hold both people and strategy with equal care, ensuring the church remains unified, healthy, and mission focused. In addition, the Lead Pastor will play a vital role in fostering alignment between the church and its Christian school, strengthening a shared vision so that both ministries move forward together in advancing the broader mission.
A great match for this position would be:
- A deeply rooted, biblical foundation and theological clarity
- A relational and approachable leadership style
- A heart for people as a “people’s pastor”
- Strong communication that is engaging, clear, and joyful
- Proven ability to lead teams and develop leaders
- A collaborative approach to ministry alongside staff and congregation
- A family dynamic where spouse is supportive and engaged in ministry life
Key Qualifications
- Master of Divinity, or the equivalent, will be given strong preference.
- Significant experience in senior leadership within a church or ministry context
- Demonstrated excellence in preaching and teaching
- Experience in organizational leadership and team management
- Ability to navigate both pastoral and administrative responsibilities
- Alignment with Southern Baptist theology and practice
- Preferred experience includes roles such as Senior Pastor, Executive Pastor, or similar leadership positions
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver consistent, high quality biblical preaching and teaching: The Lead Pastor will faithfully proclaim the Word of God with clarity, conviction, and relevance each week. Preaching should be rooted in Scripture while connecting to the everyday lives of the congregation. Excellence in preparation and delivery is essential, as the pulpit is central to the church’s ministry.
- Provide clear and compelling vision for the future of the church: The pastor will discern and articulate a Spirit led vision that builds on the church’s strong foundation while guiding it into the future. This vision should unify the congregation, inspire engagement, and provide direction for ministry priorities. The ability to communicate vision in a way that invites participation and ownership is critical.
- Lead, develop, and empower staff and ministry leaders: The Lead Pastor will cultivate a healthy, team-oriented staff culture marked by trust, collaboration, and accountability. This includes investing in leadership development, clarifying roles, and ensuring alignment across ministries. The pastor should lead with both confidence and humility, empowering others to thrive in their calling.
- Engage relationally with the congregation as a visible and approachable shepherd: The pastor is expected to be present and engaged in the life of the church, building meaningful relationships with members and attendees. This includes providing pastoral care, offering encouragement, and being accessible in both formal and informal settings. A genuine love for people and a “people first” posture is essential.
- Oversee strategic alignment between church and school ministries: The pastor will help ensure unity between the church and its Christian school, recognizing the school as one of the key extensions of the church’s mission. This requires collaboration with school leadership and clear communication of shared values and goals. The goal is a seamless partnership that strengthens both ministries.
- Champion evangelism and outreach initiatives: The Lead Pastor will lead the church in maintaining a strong outward focus, prioritizing evangelism and engagement with the surrounding community. This includes equipping members to share their faith and supporting initiatives that reach new people. A heart for the lost and a commitment to Missions and mission driven ministries is essential.
- Maintain doctrinal integrity and spiritual leadership: The pastor will guard the theological convictions of the church and ensure alignment with its doctrinal standards. This includes teaching sound doctrine, addressing challenges with wisdom, and leading with spiritual authority and humility. The pastor’s personal walk with Christ should model integrity, consistency, and dependence on God