Associate Pastor

Olympic Evangelical Free Church (OEFC) is prayerfully seeking a full-time Associate Pastor to partner with our lead pastor, elders and staff in shepherding our church and reaching the greater Poulsbo-Silverdale area with the gospel. We are a gospel-centered congregation with a strong emphasis on expository preaching, intentional discipleship, biblical-community and gospel-mission. We are seeking a pastor who will cultivate a vibrant environment of spiritual formation among our children and teens, guide our ministry of small groups, serve the congregation on a monthly basis through the faithful, gospel-centered exposition of God’s Word, and if necessary, assume some of the lead pastor’s duties for a season. This role is ideal for a man who is deeply rooted in the gospel, senses a clear call to pastoral ministry and wants to continue growing in his pastoral abilities. The candidate should be highly relational, clear in communication, collaborative and motivated to engage both the church body and the surrounding community. The ideal candidate will have completed a season of formal theological education (MDiv preferred), demonstrated proficiency in pastoral ministry and be willing to pursue ordination within the EFCA if not already ordained through a compatible denomination. PRIMARY DUTIES: Supervise the training, staffing and implementation of our child and youth discipleship ministries Partner with parents in developing a scope and sequence for our child and youth discipleship ministries and planning activities for our students Direct teen discipleship class on Wednesday nights, ensuring they are instructed in sound doctrine, equipped to serve in the church and share the gospel in everyday life Manage the organization, implementation and expansion of the small group ministry Preach 12–16 times a year as necessary Identify, equip and encourage ministry leaders to serve If the need arises, assume lead pastor duties for an extended period of time Fulfill other duties as assigned SHARED PASTORAL DUTIES: Assist lead pastor in day-to-day pastoral duties Assist in the planning, staffing and execution of Sunday services, funerals and special events Share in preaching, teaching and shepherding responsibilities with the lead pastor Collaborate with the elder team in spiritual oversight and vision implementation Collaborate with the senior pastor when training teachers and key leaders Provide pastoral care, counsel and encouragement to individuals and families Coordinate with staff members and ministry leaders in ministry and operational matters ACCOUNTABILITY AND LEADERSHIP: Ministers under the direction of and is accountable to the lead pastor Regularly reports ministry progress and challenges to the lead pastor and collaborates with him on long-term strategies for ministry growth An annual evaluation based on this job description will be provided by the lead pastor and elders to provide support and feedback This position description will be reviewed annually by the lead pastor in consultation with the elders The associate pastor will be a vocational elder, serving according to his spiritual gifts while helping the elders shepherd, visit the sick and care for the needs of the congregation PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS A clear testimony of faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ A deep love for and calling towards pastoral ministry Exemplifies godly character, spiritual discipline and leadership abilities in alignment with the biblical elder qualifications given in 1 Timothy 3:1‑7; Titus 1:5‑9; Ephesians 4:11‑16; and 1 Peter 5:1‑4 Able to whole-heartedly affirm the EFCA Statement of Faith and clarifications laid out in the EFCA’s document "Where We Stand" Theological, philosophical and relational compatibility with the lead pastor Willing to submit preaching and teaching content to oversight of elders, being careful not to bind the consciences of church members to his personal theological convictions that lay outside the EFCA Statement of Faith Currently credentialed with the EFCA or a like-minded denomination. If not, the associate pastor will agree to complete EFCA licensing within his first two years and complete EFCA ordination by the end of his fifth year Organized, self‑motivated, detail oriented, strong written and verbal communication skills Proficient with tools such as Planning Center, Google Applications and Microsoft Office Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to navigate and effectively mediate conflict in a manner consistent with biblical principles Has clearly demonstrated his ability to preach and teach God’s Word If married, the candidate’s wife should support his calling and seek to actively engage with the church body and the larger community. The candidate must be able to maintain a healthy balance between ministry and family responsibilities Able to pass a full background criminal check This position is subject to an 18‑month probationary period BENEFITS: Competitive Salary (based on local economy) Health reimbursement account (HRA) Retirement contributions Life Insurance (50K) Four weeks of vacation per year Resource reimbursement account Training (classes/seminars/conferences) #J-18808-Ljbffr