Lead Pastor

Campus: Friends Church/Inland Campus
Church Size: 400+
Compensation: $90-100k annually
Ministry Scope: Full time, Exempt
Reports to: Executive Pastor

About Friends Church
Friends Church is a growing, multigenerational community located in the Inland Empire. Our church building is located in Norco, Ca, however many of our church families are from the surrounding areas of Chino Hills, Corona, Eastvale, Norco, Ontario Ranch and Jurupa Valley. We are committed to becoming a community of authentic Christ-followers, compelled to change our world. We believe the next generation matters-and we are passionate about helping kids and families know and follow Jesus.

Position Summary
To serve the church by developing, teaching, and discipling the Inland Congregation to become Authentic Christ-Followers.
What You'll Do
Pastoral Leadership & Discipleship

• Establish and carry out ministry goals and objectives through Bible studies, programs, and other discipleship opportunities.
• Develop, oversee, and participate in evangelism initiatives, including Alpha.
• Equip followers of Jesus through evangelistic, missional, and discipleship training so they are prepared to make disciples.
• Provide pastoral leadership and shepherding to the Inland congregation.
• Conduct pastoral and sacerdotal functions, including baptisms, weddings, communion, and funerals.
• Partner with appropriate committees and ministry leaders to further the work of the church, denomination, and surrounding community.

Preaching & Teaching

• Preach and teach regularly, ensuring biblical teaching at the Inland Campus is effective, transformational, and compelling.
• Prepare for and lead the weekly Teaching Team meeting.
• Maintain and coordinate the Teaching Team calendar, including upcoming teaching series and assignments.
• Participate in the development and planning of teaching series alongside the Global Teaching Team.
• Meet with Docent, our outside research partner, to review weekly Scripture passages and help guide the research process.

Staff Leadership & Development

• Provide day-to-day leadership, direction, and supervision to campus staff.
• Set agendas for and lead staff meetings, ministry gatherings, and other leadership meetings as needed.
• Establish clear direction so ministries remain aligned with the mission, values, vision, and strategies of Friends Church.
• Meet regularly with ministry leaders to support, encourage, coach, and develop them.
• Guide ministry leaders in implementing ministry plans, developing volunteers, and navigating challenges that arise within their areas of responsibility.
• Foster a healthy, collaborative, and mission-focused staff culture.

Strategy & Campus Alignment

• Develop and implement strategies that advance the mission of the church, including establishing goals, milestones, and key measures of progress.
• Clearly communicate the mission, values, vision, and ministry strategies to staff, leaders, volunteers, and the congregation.
• Partner with other Campus Pastors and the church Leadership Team to maintain alignment with the overall vision and direction of Friends Church.
• Evaluate ministry effectiveness and help identify opportunities for continued growth, development, and improvement.

What We're Looking For Spiritual Life & Church Engagement

• A strong commitment to the mission, values, and beliefs of Friends Church.
• A personal and growing relationship with Jesus Christ, demonstrated through a Christ-centered lifestyle.
• A strong understanding of Biblical truth and the ability to teach and communicate it clearly.
• A commitment to actively participate in the life of Friends Church through regular weekend attendance, involvement in a Life Group, and giving.
• A heart for discipling, shepherding, and helping others grow in their relationship with Christ.
• A passion for discipleship, community-building, evangelism, and the ministry of the local church.
• A commitment to personally exemplifying the values of Friends Church.

Leadership & Relationships

• A catalytic leader who can inspire and mobilize people to take meaningful next steps in their faith and involvement in the local church.
• A proven ability to lead, develop, encourage, and empower staff and volunteer leaders.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build healthy relationships with church members, volunteers, staff, and leadership.
• A clear and effective communicator, both verbally and in writing.
• A collaborative team member who works well across ministries, campuses, and leadership teams.
• A self-starter who demonstrates initiative, sound judgment, problem-solving skills, and consistent follow-through.
• The ability to provide clear direction while creating a supportive and encouraging team environment.

Organizational & Administrative Skills

• Strong administrative and organizational skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, and ministry responsibilities effectively.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
• Comfortable working with databases, spreadsheets, calendars, and detailed information.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products.
• Experience with Rock Church Management System is preferred.
• Ability to identify challenges, evaluate information, and use sound reasoning to develop practical solutions.
• Flexible, dependable, accurate, and able to adapt as ministry needs change.
• A commitment to staying current with ministry trends, leadership practices, and other developments related to the position.

Staff & Ministry Expectations

• Participate fully in Friends Church staff gatherings, including Staff Prayer, meetings, programs, training, and other church-wide events.
• Work collaboratively with church leadership and assist with additional ministry-related responsibilities as needed.
• Maintain flexibility in schedule and responsibilities based on the needs of the church and congregation.
• Ability and willingness to travel and work nights, weekends, holidays, and other non-traditional hours as ministry needs require.

Education & Experience

• Master's degree in ministry, theology, Biblical studies, leadership, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of five years of ministry experience, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant ministry experience.
• Demonstrated experience in pastoral leadership, preaching and teaching, staff development, and ministry strategy preferred.
• Must be commissioned through the Friends Southwest denomination.

Join Our Team
If you feel called to shepherd people, develop leaders, teach God's Word, and help a growing church community take meaningful next steps in following Jesus, we'd love to meet you. At Friends Church Inland, you'll have the opportunity to lead alongside a collaborative team, invest deeply in the life of the congregation, and help shape a healthy, disciple-making community committed to becoming authentic Christ-followers, compelled to change our world.

• Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement plan with employer match, parental leave, professional development allowance, and generous paid time off.
• Collaborative Team & Culture: A team-oriented environment where your leadership is supported, your contribution matters, and collaboration across campuses and ministries is valued.
• Professional Development: Opportunities to continue growing as a pastor and leader within a multi-campus church environment.

Ready to Shape the Future?
If you're ready to shepherd a growing congregation, develop leaders, teach Scripture, and help people become authentic Christ-followers, we invite you to apply and explore what God may be calling you to at Friends Church Inland.

Apply today and help lead the Inland congregation into its next season of ministry.

Friends Church is committed to building diverse communities that reflect the kingdom of God. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds who share our mission and values.