Full-Time Lead Pastor at Third CRC (Kalamazoo MI)

The Lead Pastor is responsible for leading the life and ministry of Third Church towards the fulfillment of its mission and the realization of its vision as summarized by Article 12 in the Church Order of the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA)

Desired Qualities and Abilities

1. Spiritual

a. Evidence of a meaningful personal relationship with the Lord, a commitment to

prayer and personal, spiritual accountability.

b. Responsible to achieve and experience ongoing personal, spiritual growth and

model such spirituality in his/her professional and personal conduct.

c. Committed to the centrality of communal worship in the life of the Christian

community.

d. Passionate about gathering the lost and discipling the found.

e. Committed to the vision and goals of Third Church, and in agreement with the

doctrine of the Christian Reformed Church in North America

 

2. Personal/Emotional

a. Characterized by a deep and growing love for the Lord and His church.

b. Servant character in working with others on staff and in the congregation, willing

to submit to the supervision of the council and elders.

c. Ability to relate effectively and affirmatively with the people he/she leads.

 

3. Professional

a. Ordained within the Christian Reformed Church in North America or the

Reformed Church in America, and willing to sign the Covenant for Office Bearers

as defined by Article 5 in the Church Order of the CRCNA

b. Leadership and management skills.

c. Strong skills in preaching and worship leadership.

d. Demonstrated ability and desire to work in a staff environment, and to provide

leadership and management for an effective and harmonious staff ministry.

e. Strong communication skills, being able to articulate and convey the church’s

vision.

 

Primary Responsibilities

1. Worship - The Lead Pastor will have the privilege of preparing and delivering biblically

based and relevant sermons to the gathered community, as well as planning and

leading inspiring worship services. In so doing, the Lead Pastor shall…

a. Preach at no less than 75% of the worship services and coordinate the pulpit

supply schedule when not preaching.

b. Provide leadership in the development of the preaching plan and schedule

c. Provide leadership in the process of worship planning

d. Provide direction and support to the worship staff and the Worship Ministry Team

to ensure the effective implementation of our core value of Authentic Worship

 

2. Faith Nurture - The Lead Pastor, in conjunction with the Youth Directors on staff and

volunteers, will oversee the church’s efforts to nurture the faith of its children, youth and

adults as described in Articles 63 and 64 of the CRCNA church order.

 

3. Pastoral Care - The Lead Pastor will provide the framework within which spiritual

direction and encouragement are provided for individuals as they walk through the major

transitions of life including, but not limited to, birth, baptism, profession of faith,

marriage, crises of faith, and death. In the fulfillment of this responsibility, the Lead

Pastor will…

a. The Lead Pastor with other Office Bearers shall lead and oversee Pastoral Care

with the Congregation.

c. Provide training and coordination of care for the pastoral ministry of District

Teams 

 

4. Outreach - The Lead Pastor will oversee the church’s efforts to proclaim the gospel in its

community and fulfill its unique evangelistic and diaconal calling as summarized in

Articles 73-76 of the CRCNA Church Order.

 

5. Leadership/Management - The Lead Pastor will work alongside, encourage, and

empower a core group of dedicated volunteers (Council) and professionals (staff

members) towards the realization of the vision of Third Church. In providing such

leadership, the Lead Pastor shall…

a. Provide direction and management in the area of general ministry organization

and coordination, making sure that all the ministries of the church are being

conducted in a manner consistent with the church’s mission statement, yearly

program plan, and annual budget.

b. Support and encourage other staff members in their areas of ministry leadership.

Maintain an effective and harmonious team ministry with other staff, and help

each staff member to fulfill his/her duties with a clear sense of purpose,

affirmation and accountability.

c. Together with Council, staff, and the Ministry Leadership Team, develop an

annual ministry plan, including a statement of goals and strategies for the coming

season, to be presented to council each May.

 

Expectations

1. Commit to the vision and goals of Third Church.

 

2. Affirm the creeds and confessions of the Christian Reformed Church in North America

 

3. Assist the Council to ensure that the ministry of Third Church aligns with the church

order of the CRCNA.

 

4. Share responsibility with the Elders and other staff members for the public presence of

Third Church in the community and in the denomination.

 

5. Support Christian day-school education. In accordance with Article 71 of the CRCNA

Church Order, assist the Council in diligently encouraging the members of the

congregation to establish and maintain good Christian Schools in which the Biblical

Reformed vision of Christ’s leadership over all creation is clearly taught. Assist the

Council in encouraging Parents to have their children educated in harmony with this

vision according to the demands of the covenant

 

Accountability

1. In accordance with Article 13a of the CRCNA Church Order

 the Lead Pastor is accountable to the Council and

 to Council shall report regularly to Council

 

2. The Lead Pastor shall participate in an annual performance review to be conducted by

Council.

 

3. Annually (in May) present to Council a written assessment of progress in his/her areas

of ministry, together with a statement of short-term (1 year) and long-term (5 year) goals

and objectives for continued implementation in these areas.