Position Description

Ministry Description:

The full-time Lead Pastor will serve and lead church members, staff and Boards in fulfilling EEMC’s mission of “Love God, Love each other, Bless the world”, based on the five pillars of:  WORD, BIBLICAL COMMUNITY, WORSHIP, PRAYER, and OUTREACH.  They will work in partnership with other staff, Elders, and Deacons in establishing and implementing the vision and direction for EEMC of “Making Faith in Jesus Live!”

Responsibilities:

• Ensure and implement strategic planning and leadership for the church and its ministries
• Arrange a semi-annual review regarding the church’s direction and goal setting in conjunction with staff and Combined Council
• Conduct yearly ministry reviews with staff under the direction of the Board of Deacon(s) representative
• Affirm and encourage church families
• Take responsibility, in consultation with the Elders, for content and scheduling of practical and relevant expository teaching/preaching for Sunday services and other congregational meetings
• Preach a minimum of 40 Sundays per year
• Work closely with worship leaders to coordinate corporate worship, considering all age groups to achieve an appropriate blended Sunday service 
• Equip others, provide training, empower, and delegate
• With Elders, oversee a plan for personal discipling and leadership development
• Coordinate, teach, and facilitate opportunities for adult spiritual growth through classes, conferences, retreats, devotionals, etc.
• Support, encourage, and equip ministry leaders ensuring accountability to job tasks 
• Oversee small groups, develop leaders, and suggest curriculum
• Lead with the Elders a visitation ministry arranging appropriate training as required.  Visit in homes, in hospitals, and in casual settings for the purpose of maintaining pastoral contact and praying for specific personal and spiritual issues
• Provide pastoral counsel for the individuals and families and make referrals to resources as needed
• Perform/coordinate baptisms, weddings, funerals, and baby dedications
• Continually pursue regular professional and spiritual development for self and staff
• Regularly attend denominational conferences and pastors’ retreats and maintain contact with denominational leaders reporting back to Combined Council on denominational changes
• Maintain regular office hours for phone and face-to-face contacts
• Facilitate weekly staff meetings and ongoing interaction, fostering team building and accountability of staff
• Participate in regular Elder and Deacon meetings

Ministry Qualifications:  

• Has a clear calling from God to serve with humility, passion, and skill
• Licensed or ordained with Evangelical Missionary Church of Canada (EEMC), or will work to achieve this
• The Lead Pastor will live a life that shows the fruit of the Spirit, to model and maintain spiritual and moral integrity
• Is a person of prayer
• Agrees with EMCC’s Articles of Faith and Practice, and any related position papers (http://www.emcc.ca/who-we-are/our-beliefs)     
• If married, the Lead Pastor will model and maintain a marriage based on mutual love and submission while managing a household that is God honouring
• Is cooperative and teachable with a humble non-confrontational spirit, showing a willingness and desire to grow and model grace and reconciliation
• Exemplifies leadership and faith as spiritual gifts; is self-directed and takes initiative
• Has relational focus that is caring, considerate, warm, and hospitable
• Has skills in listening, coaching, and conflict resolution
• Has a strong, mature godly character
• Must be patient and willing to teach
• Is passionate for personal discipling and leadership development
• Has experience working on a team with passion and grace
• Can adapt well to all age groups
• Is willing to be involved in the Elmira community with both church and non-church goers
• At minimum a Bachelor of Theology or equivalent
• Has a proven track record with 10 years experience in pastoral ministry
• Ability to use technology (Microsoft 365) would be an asset. 

Note to interested candidates:

Elmira Evangelical Missionary Church (EEMC) is a vibrant, Christ-centered congregation nestled in a growing, beautiful community in southern Ontario. We are currently in search of a new Lead Pastor following the departure of our beloved Pastor, who served us faithfully for over seven years. We are praying for guidance as we seek a pastor chosen by God to join us in fulfilling our mission: to love God, love others, and bless the world. EEMC is affiliated with the Evangelical Missionary Church of Canada, which includes over 150 churches across the nation.

Elmira is a thriving and picturesque town that offers the perfect combination of country charm and city convenience. We are located just minutes from Waterloo and St. Jacobs, surrounded by stunning countryside, and within a reasonable drive to Toronto and three of the Great Lakes—making it an ideal place to live and thrive. Our church is situated in the heart of town on the main street, flanked by schools on either side and accompanied by a large parking lot that facilitates community connections. We have a strong commitment to outreach and community engagement, which we aim to expand. Currently, we host monthly community dinners and organize regular PD day camps. Our congregation is characterized by a healthy family spirit, a deep love for Christ and His Word, both for one another and for our neighbors. We strive for a contemporary worship style, blending traditional hymns with modern worship songs. For more details, please refer to the job description here above.  We are accepting applications at this time. If you wish to apply for the position, please send your resume and cover letter to pastoralsearchcommittee@ecelmira.com.

We kindly ask that you include a brief overview of your beliefs, calling, qualities, skills, and relevant experiences. This position will remain open until we find the right candidate.