Senior/Solo Pastor Job Description

Here is a job description we wrote to call a pastor to our ministry setting of two rural churches, working together. Hope this may be helpful to you! 

Leighton Christian Reformed Church, Leighton, Iowa and Tracy Christian Reformed Church, Tracy, Iowa

Pastor Job Description - Spring 2018 

“(The ascended Jesus) gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.  15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.  16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” Ephesians 4:11–16

In the spirit of Ephesians 4:11-16, we are seeking a Spirit-equipped servant-leader, ordained in the CRC, committed to the Reformed faith, who will:

❏    nurture our congregations towards maturity in faith, love, unity, Bible knowledge and hope,
❏    equip, inspire, model and lead us in ministry  and outreach,
❏    be committed to continual personal development in skills, knowledge, discipleship,
❏    model a personally healthy, balanced, relational and spiritual life, (“mature”)
❏    help us become a healthy congregation in every way,
❏    live among as our partner and friend

Regular responsibilities include:
❏    preaching and leading worship, bringing biblical, practical messages to all ages that teach and convict those who are searching and challenge the spiritually mature (presently three times a Sunday in two locations, plus special services),
❏    partnering with council and members to ensure pastoral care for all members and others who may join our fellowship, officially or not (including visits to shut-ins and hospitalized)
❏    working alongside the clerks of councils to ensure organized and efficient administration and communication,
❏    providing direction, support and assistance to ministry groups and leaders (Bible studies, College & Careers, VBS, ...)
❏    leading pre-marriage counseling, officiating weddings and funerals
❏    providing pastoral counseling, conflict resolution and referrals as needed,

❏    fulfilling community, ministerial, classis and denominational responsibilities, and be a positive liaison with our broader mission efforts,
❏    modeling a life of discipleship and outreach.
❏    in general to carry out all the directives of Councils

In sync with the regular duties and expectations of being a pastor in the CRC, accountable to the Councils in doctrine, life, and duties, our pastor will:
❏    articulate and promote the vision and mission of our church to the congregation and community,
❏    inspire, train, support and guide members to use their spiritual gifts in ministries to the church and community
❏    challenge and encourage members to tend to the needs of the sick and needy in the church and community,
❏    encourage, support and mentor members in their relationships with unbelievers, and in the ability to lead a person to saving faith in Jesus,
❏    insure that all ministries of the church are being implemented consistent with our goals and objectives,
❏    research and introduce ideas, resources and programs to further the ministries and effectiveness of our church (worship/music, pastoral care, membership, outreach, children’s, youth, young adult, adult ministries, small groups, Bible studies, ...),
❏    train elders, deacons and other leaders in providing pastoral care, leading in prayer or worship, teaching, outreach, etc.,
❏    promote an inclusive and participatory model of ministry, with a goal of developing lay leadership.

Special Emphases
❏    Our overarching desire and emphasis at this time is to draw the unchurched in our lives and community into a saving relationship with Jesus and into our church family.
❏    Lead us in congregational self-study and goal-setting by reviewing the past and planning for the future in such a way as to strengthen and enhance the mission and unity of the Leighton and Tracy Christian Reformed Churches.