Position Description

Biblical Guidelines

Acts 6:1-4; 1 Tim 3:1-7; Tit 1:6-9; 1 Pet 5:2-5

Conference Guidelines for Lead Pastor

EMC Statement of Faith

The lead pastor is encouraged to attend:

• The annual EMC Convention
• Two conference council meetings annually
• Two ministerial meetings annually
• The lead pastor will interview with the EMC Conference pastor in preparation for ordination with the conference

Evaluation and Accountability:

• The term of employment for the lead pastor position is open-ended
• Must accept and support the EMC Statement of Faith and affirm this in writing
• Is ultimately accountable to members of the church and to the Church Ministries Leadership Team (CMLT)
• Will regularly be evaluated by the church and results reviewed with them

Desirable Characteristics of a Lead Pastor:

• Loves God and has a close relationship with him
• Loves people and is eager to serve and invest in them
• Finds inspiration in God’s Word and is able to teach sound biblical doctrine to others
• Is able to work in a team with church staff and church leadership
• Is able to mentor and be mentored by others
• Is aware of personal weaknesses and is willing to address them with intentional accountability
• Is willing to shepherd and lead the congregation
• Cares for their family, and is faithful to their spouse (if applicable)

St Vital EMC Responsibilities and Tasks

St Vital EMC is a congregation-lead church with a constitution describing our vision, beliefs and organization of roles within the church body

Preaching/Teaching

• Preach on Sunday mornings (2 - 3 times per month)
• Lead sermon discussion group on Sunday mornings (2 - 3 times per month)
• Find replacement speakers for Sunday mornings when not preaching

Planning of Worship

• Select themes of preaching with associate pastor and CMLT
• Plan Sunday morning services, special features and themes with the Sunday Morning Team
• Develop a preaching schedule with the associate pastor and Sunday Morning Team

Team Building

• Be intentional about team building with the CMLT and other church staff
• Discern church vision with the CMLT
• Actively encourage input and direction from all members of the CMLT and team leaders
• Encourage congregational growth and fellowship through serving with an open-door policy
• Encourage congregants to discover their spiritual gifts and provide opportunities to develop them
• Provide mentorship to congregants seeking direction
• Encourage small group ministry and meet with leaders
• Pastoral Care/Visitation/Hospitality/Counselling
• Connect intentionally with congregants regularly to develop relationships
• Identify special needs of congregants and respond accordingly
• Conduct personal member care outside of the church building (in homes, at the hospital, etc.)
• Meet regularly with the church deacons to identify needs of the congregation and how to address those needs
• Organize or conduct counselling for congregants (personal, marriage, family, grieving, etc.) as needed

Outreach/Evangelism in the Community

• Build relationships with others in the community not connected to the church
• Look for opportunities to meet the needs of those in the community through church outreach events and service opportunities
• Work with church leadership teams to plan outreach events and service opportunities
• Encourage and train congregants to share their faith

Administration

• Attend monthly CMLT meetings
• Attend monthly Sunday Morning Team meetings
• Attend and report at quarterly congregational meetings
• Attend gifts discernment committee meetings
• Report hours, weekly accomplishments and holiday time to personnel team
• Plan for and keep weekly office hours at the church building
• Communicate regularly with church staff regarding schedule, holidays and availability
• Work an average of 40 hours per week
• Discuss church volunteer involvement outside of regular work hours with CMLT and personnel team
• Delegate suitable church responsibilities as needed

Personal Growth and Professional Development

• Maintain personal devotion time
• Strive for further academic, professional and spiritual development through seminars, bible school courses, personal reading and study
• Discuss the requirement for time off or sabbaticals with the leadership team and personnel team

Special Events

• Pre-marriage counselling for couples in the congregation
• Weddings – officiate wedding ceremonies for couples in the congregation
• Funerals – meet with the bereaved family to plan for the funeral service and officiate at the funeral service for congregants
• Communion services – plan for regular communion services with the CMLT
• Baptism and membership transfer – develop discipleship classes for congregants preparing for baptism and those transferring membership from outside of SVEMC, and conduct baptisms for congregants
• Parent-child dedications – conduct child dedications with parents for the raising of their children in the church

Participation in Larger Church Community

• Develop relationships with ministers in other local churches
• Connect with other EMC pastors in Region 7
• Attend EMC ministerial meetings and conference council with delegates