Senior Pastor

THE GROVE CHURCH Senior Pastor

Job Description: An invitation to prayerfully consider shepherding our church family.

Before the details

The Grove Church is seeking the next Senior Pastor God has been preparing for us. We’re not in a hurry, and we’re not merely filling a role — we’re asking the Lord for a shepherd to teach us the Word, love this church, and lead us for the long haul. This is written honestly: who we are, who we’re looking for, what the work is, and how to take the next step. We’d rather be clear now than have anyone discover later that we weren’t the right fit for each other.

About The Grove Church: The Grove is an elder-led church family in Acworth, Georgia. We are passionate about helping people flourish — and because we believe true flourishing is found only in Jesus, everything we do is meant to point people to Him. We are a church founded on the Scriptures, led by a plurality of elders under the Lordship of Christ, and committed to sound doctrine, genuine care, and faithful witness in our community.

The role: At The Grove, “Senior Pastor” describes the man our elders entrust to serve as the shepherding leader of our church’s ministry — the one who carries the primary preaching and teaching, leads our ministry staff, and helps set and steward our vision. Just as importantly, he serves as one of a plurality of elders — leading alongside, and accountable to, a team of brothers, not over or around them. We’re looking for a shepherd, a preacher, and a fellow laborer who wants to give himself to this congregation for years, not seasons.

Who we’re looking for

Before the job itself: we are not first looking for a skill set or a résumé, but a man whose ministry flows out of a living walk with Christ rather than running ahead of it. We’re praying for a man who is: Alive to Christ — whose public ministry visibly springs from a real, humble, prayerful walk with Jesus, not the other way around. Free of the need to be great — who finds his identity in Christ rather than in the platform, the numbers, or the applause, and is guarded against the quiet idols of ministry. Sure of his call — able to say, and to have others confirm, that God has called him to shepherd and lead the local church. Tender with people — patient, forgiving, hospitable, and gentle with strugglers, because he knows his own need of grace. Teachable and self-aware — open to correction and encouragement, quick to own his sin, and the same man in private that he is in the pulpit. Steady under pressure — whose faith holds when ministry is hard, slow, or costly.

What you’ll do: As our shepherding leader and one of our elders, you would: Preach and teach the Word — carry the primary preaching, feeding the church through faithful, Christ-centered exposition. Shepherd the flock — care, pray, and walk with people, and (with the elders) tend the church’s health and, when needed, its discipline. Lead and develop our staff — direct and grow our ministry team under the elders’ oversight. Guard our doctrine — protect the church’s teaching and keep it well represented across our ministries. Set and steward vision — cast direction and lead the day-to-day ministry of the church. Labor in plural leadership — share the load with a team of accountable elders, cultivating mutual encouragement and honesty.

What we’re asking for:

Character (essential). You meet the biblical qualifications for an elder in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:5–9 — above reproach, faithful in marriage and home, self-controlled, hospitable, not a lover of money, well-regarded by those outside the church, and able to teach.
Doctrine (essential). You wholeheartedly affirm and can teach our Statement of Faith — including the inspiration and inerrancy of Scripture, the gospel of grace, believer’s baptism by immersion, and God’s design for marriage and sexuality — and welcome leading as one of a plurality of accountable elders. Experience & practical. 8+ years in vocational pastoral or teaching ministry, with a real preaching track record and experience leading a team. Ordination (required).
Theological education — seminary training (M.Div. or equivalent) preferred, or demonstrable theological depth and a plan for ongoing study. Willing to relocate to live within a 20-minute drive of The Grove, in Acworth, Georgia. Close enough to be a genuine part of this community. Able to provide references — and, for finalists, to consent to standard background, reference, and stewardship checks.

What The Grove offers: We know a call runs both ways. Here’s what we commit to the man God sends us: A true team; A real, praying, accountable body of elders who share the load and guard the man — so you’re neither isolated nor unchecked. Honor and provision; Best-practice, generous care for you and your family, as the Lord enables us. A culture that values who you are over what you produce; including Sabbath and an annual pull-away for rest and renewal. An honest, warm church family; one that will tell you the truth in love, welcome your correction of us, and pursue unity the way the body of Christ does. Our prayers; before, during, and long after the call.

Compensation.
The salary range for this role is $105,000–$135,000, depending on experience and qualifications, plus benefits. A portion of compensation can be designated as a minister’s housing allowance, and the benefits package includes health coverage, retirement matching, life insurance, and reimbursement of ministry expenses. Compensation and benefits are set by the elders; the specifics will be worked out directly with the elders as a candidate moves toward a call.

How to apply: If, after prayer, you’d like to be considered — or if you’d like to recommend someone — here’s the next step: Send an email to [email protected] with: Your résumé or ministry CV, Links to two or three recent sermons, A brief note about your walk with Christ and sense of call, and References we may contact. We’re moving with purpose and on God’s timing. We will acknowledge having received your submission, and every one is read and prayed over.

A closing word: We believe God already knows the man He’s preparing for The Grove. If that might be you, we’d count it a joy to begin the conversation. “Shepherd the flock of God that is among you… and when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory” (1 Peter 5:2–4). In Christ, The Pastoral Search Advisory Team

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