Associate Pastor/Senior Pastor First Christian Church The Dalles, OR, United States of America [...]

First Christian Church was established 132 years ago. Our current building was constructed in 1955 and has functioned as home base for serving our community for the last 69 years. Our historical roots are in the Christian Churches/Churches of Christ (Restoration movement), but we function as a totally independent church. We are overseen by the Lead Pastor and a team of lay elders. Throughout our history we have sought Biblical guidance through every season. Over the past 70 years we have been shepherded by seven lead pastors. Our most recent pastor has served for 40 years, the past four years as senior pastor. Our fellowship offers many ministry opportunities. Sunday mornings include both in person and a live stream worship service as well as adult and children’s teaching offerings. We have music opportunities on praise teams and a community Christmas worship choir. Other ministries include a Friday night service and supper, led by two elders, focused on the recovery community. We also have small groups, monthly men’s breakfast, and an active Women’s ministry team. Our church created The Last Days of Jesus Pageant 42 years ago, which is still active today. Other programs which we are involved include Vacation Bible school, neighborhood Bible clubs, after school Good News Clubs and Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Shoe Box collection. Our most recent undertaking has been the establishment of Columbia Gorge Christian Academy Preschool, currently serving ten preschoolers with three staff members. Organization Name: First Christian Church Organization Location: The Dalles, OR, United States of America Number of Employees: 3 Average Weekly Church Attendance: 180 About the Position Position Description 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, in 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. Position Name Associate Pastor/Senior Pastor Position Location The Dalles, OR, United States of America Position Start Date 2025-01-23 Position Ministry Type Associate Ministry Position Employment Type Full-time Please go to our website ( and check out the Pastor Opportunity Profile. We would love to review your application. Go to this link to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr Ozark Christian College