Associate Pastor

Overview of Position

Maranatha Bible Church is prayerfully searching for an Associate Pastor who will work specifically under the direction of the Lead Pastor to join the Elders in shepherding the congregation for the glory of God. The ideal candidate will be one who agrees with and supports the vision of MBC as charted by the Lead Pastor. He will work collaboratively with the staff and Elders to execute that vision through pastoral labors and administrative support in the church. The qualifications for the position, as listed below, comprise what the Elders believe to best depict the type of man whom God is calling to serve the people of MBC as Associate Pastor.

Qualifications

Education

• Minimum: Formal theological training from a sound biblical training center
• Preferred: M.Div or equivalent from an evangelical seminary with a rigorous academic program that holds to the inerrancy of Scripture

Experience

• Minimum: If no prior pastoral experience, must have extensive ministry experience in leading the church, counseling, discipleship, and teaching. Applicant should have some experience in preaching to a congregation.
• Preferred: At least 1–2 years of full-time pastoral ministry at a faithful, gospel-centered church. Have preached at least 15–20 sermons before a gathered church. Ordained to the ministry by a local church or denomination. If not ordained, may be hired under an “Assistant Pastor” staff position (non-elder) or similar.

Abilities/Giftedness

Minimum:

• Able to preach expository sermons that are anchored in the gospel and draw out relevant implications that serve to encourage and strengthen the faith of believers, rather than dishearten them with one-dimensional rebukes
• Demonstrates doctrinal depth and clarity, but also able to teach complex theological truths in simple and understandable ways that kindle worship and thankfulness to God in the listener’s heart
• Excellent people skills with an ability to befriend all kinds of people in the world (not only those in the church)
• Has both an ability and desire to counsel believers in a way that points them to Christ, not to themselves, especially for those who are struggling and discouraged in faith
• Has a passion and track record for discipling others in the church, especially developing and raising up other leaders
• Takes initiative in new environments even if uncomfortable
• Able to articulate the gospel clearly and lovingly to unbelievers without the use of any theological jargon
• Is good at playing the supportive role and being a team player. Carefully follows through on assigned tasks and is detail-oriented
• Highly organized and responsible, does not miss deadlines and is able to keep track of numerous projects with many moving parts
• Adept at organizing and managing large groups of people and various ministries including their leaders. Able to motivate others and communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing

Preferred:

• Exceptionally gifted in preaching Christ-centered sermons no matter the text or topic
• Is particularly gifted administratively and technologically. Very resourceful and creative at coming up with solutions to difficult problems
• Highly gifted with a “sixth sense” toward people. Able to keenly read the room and sense what others are thinking and feeling, while at the same time not being controlled by a fear of man
• Is financially savvy and experienced, particularly in the context of church finance

Doctrine

Minimum:

• Has carefully read and is in full agreement with MBC’s Constitution & Bylaws
• Has carefully read and is in full agreement with MBC’s unabridged Doctrinal Statement (“What We Teach”)
• Committed to creedal orthodoxy (Nicene, Chalcedonian)
• Committed to Reformed soteriology (Five Solas, Doctrines of Grace)

Preferred:

• Holds to a covenantal (non-dispensational) framework of Scripture that centers on the Person and Work of Christ as revealed by the Spirit
• Understands the validity and necessity of drawing out biblical typology to see the continuity of the gospel throughout the OT and NT
• Demonstrates an awareness and conviction of how Reformed theology specifically applies to the doctrine and practice of a believer’s sanctification, thereby governing how he approaches preaching and counseling
• Views the two ordinances sacramentally and understands its importance in forming a gospel-shaped worship service
• Familiar with various Reformed confessions/catechisms and understands their significance even if not in full agreement with every stipulation (i.e. Belgic, Heidelberg, Westminster, London 1689)
• Exhibits acute biblical discernment regarding contemporary cultural issues and is able to uncover and articulate their underlying presuppositional worldviews
• Willing to learn and grow theologically under MBC’s doctrinal direction, especially if unsure of the preferred items above

Character

All characteristics from 1 Tim. 3:1–7, Titus 1:5–9, and 1 Peter 5:1–4, with notable emphasis on:

• A genuine personal devotion to the Lord, apart from any ministry calling, which seeks to grow first and foremost as a Christian in knowing Christ more deeply and growing in His likeness (2 Peter 3:16; John 17:3; Jer. 9:23–24)
• If married, enjoys a faithful and joyful marriage with an enthusiastically supportive wife (Prov. 31:11–12; 1 Peter 3:7)
• Humble and teachable (Col. 3:12; Prov. 1:5)
• Not self-important nor takes himself seriously (Rom. 12:3; 2 Cor. 2:16)
• Known by others around him primarily as a deep lover of people (1 Cor. 13:1–3; Rom. 15:7), warm and hospitable both in deed and demeanor (Heb. 13:2; Matt. 11:29)
• Gentle, patient, and tenderhearted toward others, out of a grateful awareness of what love and patience God has and continues to pour upon him (James 3:17; 1 Tim. 2:24–25; Eph. 4:32)
• Willing to believe the best in others before jumping to conclusions (Prov. 18:13, 17; 1 Cor. 13:7)
• Has a shepherd-like heart that carries the weight of responsibility for the spiritual welfare of others (Phil. 2:20; Rom. 15:1)
• Sincerely and practically believes the Holy Spirit to be our true Counselor and Minister and so approaches ministry in a manner that entrusts souls to His care instead of trying to take over His work (Rom. 8:15–17, 26–27; Gal. 4:6; John 16:14)
• Very hard-working with a high standard of excellence (Col. 3:23; Prov. 22:29)
• Evangelistic heart with both winsomeness and unashamed clarity (1 Cor. 9:20–22; Rom. 1:16)
• Able to think for himself regardless of what others think and say; willing to be the odd man out and not follow other men, especially other ministers (1 Thess. 5:21; Gal. 1:10; 1 Cor. 3:4)
• Allergic to celebrity culture in Christendom and fearful of becoming idolized and so distract people from the glory of Christ (Matt. 6:1–6; 1 Cor. 1:13; 3:21–23; John 3:30)
• Loyal solely to God and His Word (Josh. 24:15; Isa. 66:2)

Responsibilities

• Be an active and joyful member of the church along with wife and children (if applicable)
• Work with and under the direction of the Lead Pastor to carry out his vision for the church
• Shepherd the congregation alongside the Elders in providing general pastoral care, discipleship, counseling, welcoming newcomers, building relationships, visiting the sick, raising up leaders, and regularly praying for and with church members
• Preach approximately 8–12 times a year on Sunday Services (may be more depending on the church’s season)
• Help conduct Sunday Worship services and other special worship services as needed (e.g. Baptisms, weddings, funerals)
• Regularly attend meetings (Elders, pastoral staff, Members, various ministries) to provide support and/or direction to carry out the church’s vision
• Assist the Lead Pastor in pastoral administrative tasks, such as preparation for and documentation of Elders’ Meetings and Members’ Meetings, reviewing and assessing ministries, facilitating communication with ministry leaders, planning ministry calendars, financial review and preparation, and various other items as needs arise
• Oversee ministries in the church such as community groups, youth ministry, ushers, welcoming, etc.
• Help oversee the membership process, including managing applicants, teaching classes, and conducting interviews
• Support the Lead Pastor in building up new ministries, such as discipleship, men’s ministry, outreach, or other new teaching ministries as fitting
• Assist the Lead Pastor in identifying and developing potential spiritual leaders
• Assumes all other responsibilities assigned by the Lead Pastor and/or the rest of the Elders. Responsibilities subject to change and/or expand depending on the church’s season. Reports to the Elders.