Associate/Senior Successor Pastor

https://fcctd.org/position-description/

Also see Pastoral Opportunity Profile:
https://fcctd.org/pastor-opportunity-profile/

Associate/Successor Pastor Position Description

Overview:
The Associate/Successor Pastor is called by God, the elders and congregation to team with the Lead Pastor in providing general oversight for the ministry of First Christian Church, The Dalles, Oregon. He will, under the direction of the Lead Pastor, share all aspects of the ministry including preaching, teaching, training, discipleship, pastoral care and ministry management. Together, they will promote the health and growth of First Christian as described in the mission, vision and values statements. The intent is that when the Lead Pastor retires, this man will assume the position as Lead Pastor, upon recommendation of the elders and affirmation from the congregation.

Major Responsibilities
* Preaching & Service Planning
His highest calling is that of being a faithful communicator of God’s Word. He and the Lead Pastor will team up to prepare, schedule and deliver sermons and series. In their absence or at their discretion they will ensure that the pulpit is filled with other qualified preachers.
Together with the Lead Pastor, he will work closely with the worship leaders and Service Planning Team to develop inspirational and creative worship experiences.

* Elder Coaching & Training
He will work with the Lead Pastor and the chairman of the elders to develop regular meeting agendas, primarily focused on FCC’s Mission, Vision & Values statements.
He will suggest training resources and facilitate development sessions to enhance the effectiveness of their spiritual leadership.

* Developing & Overseeing a Discipleship Pathway
In cooperation with the Lead Pastor, the elders and other leaders he will design and initiate an intentional process of spiritual growth. This pathway will include steps, resources and mentors to encourage seekers as they grow into believers, followers as they grow into worshipers and ministers as they grow into mentors.
This intentional pathway may well include specially designed sermons, series, seminars, classes, small group studies, events, and one-on-one meetings. It will encompass the entire ministry of First Christian for every age and stage of attenders.

* Equipping & Leading a Ministry Staff
He and the Lead Pastor will work directly with the Major Ministry Directors, providing guidance, encouragement, training, resources and support for their individual ministries. They will work to provide greater communication, cooperation and collaboration by assisting the Ministry Action Team meetings.

* Congregational Direction & Care
The Associate Pastor will conduct weddings, funerals and baptisms as requested or needed. He will give counsel, including marital and pre-marital counseling, and encouragement to church attenders and community residents who seek his spiritual guidance.
He will do visitations to homes, workplaces and hospitals as needed. He will encourage other pastors, leaders and congregational members to be active in pastoral care.

* Miscellaneous Responsibilities
The Associate will assist the Lead Pastor in communicating regularly with the church family through church publications, email and social media.
He will generally put in a 5-day workweek including Sundays. His office hours and work locations may vary but he will be accessible by phone and internet connections.
He may take on other responsibilities as directed by the Lead Pastor or requested by the elders.

* Accountability
He will be directly accountable to and communicate regularly with the Lead Pastor and the elders for his pastoral ministry, personal integrity, and spiritual maturity.