The following Executive Pastor job descriptions have been collected by XPastor over the years. Learn from these examples and incorporate elements as they fit your church style and polity. All have been used by permission.

Fletch’s Thoughts on Job Descriptions

I like to see job descriptions that are one-page in length. The job description serves as the basis for a review so you can know if the job has been done.

Qualifications for the role belong in the hiring profile, not the annually reviewed job description. If a church wants to add qualifications and HR/legal issues, then put this on page two and following.

Add percentages of time for the 3 to 5 main areas of the role. Percentages of time forces everyone to evaluate and prioritize the work to be done.

Template for a Larger Church XP Job Description

Executive Pastor

Reports to: Senior Pastor (sometimes reports to the governing board)

Direct Reports: Strategy Team, Operations Team, HR, Assistant Executive Pastors, Executive Assistant

Scope

The Senior Pastor is the preaching and directional leader of the church and the Executive Pastor is the organizational leader. The XP implements the strategic direction of the church, optimizing the church’s financial and human resources. The XP manages day‑to‑day ministry according to the high standards of the gospel and established plans, policies and legal requirements. The XP is often a full member of the Governing Board.

Church Leadership and Governance—40%

  • Oversee the staff, leading both pastorally and managerially with the five functions of Administrator, Catalyst, Mentor, Minister and Overseer (based on XPastor.org). Ensure the achievement of goals by continuously monitoring performance. Help recruit and retain highly qualified staff.
  • Lead the processes of hiring or terminating, goal & objective setting, budgets and annual reviews. Monitor quality assurance. Maintain effective working relationships with the staff.
  • Ensure a high level of esprit de corps between pastors, staff, governing board members, church leaders and church members.

Initiatives—50%

  • Lead or assist the governing board, Senior Pastor and ministry teams in special projects—scheduling, developing and implementing plans, goals, and vision.
  • Implement the directional leadership of the Senior Pastor.

Ministerial Issues—10%

With the Senior Pastor, shepherd the congregation and community. Successfully manage relationships (identify, contact, inform, negotiate) with regular and problem areas within and outside the church. Participate in the worship services as needed. Perform weddings, funerals, baptisms, communion, etc. Disciple and teach locally, nationally and internationally.

Executive Pastor of Bethany Baptist Church in Lindenwold, New Jersey

8,000 in worship

General Summary

To assist the Senior Pastor in the operations, managing and teaching of the church. Reports to Senior Pastor.

Primary Function #1—Ministry Management

Supporting Goals

Oversee and manage the ministry branch of the church. Departments include Youth, Volunteer, Family, Outreach, Evangelism, Education, Hope and Entrepreneurial Business. Administer the work of the department by encouraging teamwork, mutual support while providing leadership when necessary and nurturing staff members who work in the branch.

Results Standards

The function of Ministry Management will have been satisfactorily achieved when the following conditions exist: Departments and ministries are thriving and fulfilling the mission of the church. Enhanced harmony and unity amongst managers to fulfill one common goal. Departments and ministries are all self-sufficient and those who can be a profit center become one. An outreach component is implemented in each department to impact the community.

Primary Function #2—Leadership Development

Supporting goals

Develop an effective development strategy which includes both salaried and volunteer leaders. Research conferences and educational programs for leaders. Interact with conference coordinator for external and internal retreats. Direct oversight over deacons, deaconess, missionaries and ministry heads. XP will reside on the elders board or assist the elders board in leading the preachers.

Results Standards

The function of Ministry Management will have been satisfactorily achieved when the following conditions exist: Yearly leadership seminars, mentoring and retreats. A leadership based curriculum that will enhance and build the leaders of Bethany. Updated leadership handbooks and maintain that leaders are abiding by policies of Bethany. Work with HR manager to help staff achieve goals and objectives for there department.

Primary Function #3—Evangelism Department

Supporting goals

Develop and implement a comprehensive Christ-centered evangelism program for the church.

Results Standards

The function of Ministry Management will have been satisfactorily achieved when the following conditions exist: Successful sharing your faith initiative. Recruit, train, and motivate members to get involved. Support existing evangelism ministries and their leaders. Create outdoor crusade, tent crusades in the community. Administer the work of the department of evangelism by encouraging teamwork and mutual support and providing leadership. Establish departmental goals, budgets and objectives for evangelism. Other duties as assigned.

Primary Function #4—Spiritual Development

Supporting Goal

Create a program to deepen the spiritual maturity of the congregation enabling the building of the Christian community.

Results Standards

The function of Ministry Management will have been satisfactorily achieved when the following conditions exist: Encourage and nurture the individual and corporate prayer life of the congregation. Establish departmental goals and objectives by prioritizing related programs. In conjunction with existing leadership help develop, expand and coordinate the existing prayer ministries of the church.

Primary Function #5—Assist Senior Pastor

Supporting Goal

Assist Senior Pastor in teaching and administering of church where assigned.

Results Standards

The function of Ministry Management will have been satisfactorily achieved when the following conditions exist: Conduct weddings, funerals and the sacraments. Assist as teacher when appropriate in new members classes, singles classes and Bible study. Represent church by serving on appropriate committees of the Harvest Fellowship of churches and community organizations. Plan and attend staff meetings and create agenda for the meeting. Oversee Risk Management Team. Preach when assigned and other duties as assigned.

Permission by Nicholas Smith.

Executive Pastor, Anonymous Church

3,500 in worship

Reports to: Senior Pastor (sometimes reports to the governing board)

Direct Reports: Strategy Team, Operations Team, HR, Assistant Executive Pastors, Executive Assistant

Scope

The Senior Pastor is the preaching and directional leader of the church and the Executive Pastor is the organizational leader. The XP implements the strategic direction of the church, optimizing the church’s financial and human resources. The XP manages day‑to‑day ministry according to the high standards of the gospel and established plans, policies and legal requirements. The XP is a full member of the Governing Board.

Church Leadership and Governance—40%

  • Oversee the staff, leading both pastorally and managerially with the five functions of Administrator, Catalyst, Mentor, Minister and Overseer (based on XPastor.org). Ensure the achievement of goals by continuously monitoring performance. Help recruit and retain highly qualified staff.
  • Lead the processes of hiring or terminating, goal & objective setting, budgets and annual reviews. Monitor quality assurance. Maintain effective working relationships with the staff.
  • Ensure a high level of esprit de corps between pastors, staff, governing board members, church leaders and church members.

Initiatives—50%

  • Lead or assist the governing board, Senior Pastor and ministry teams in special projects—scheduling, developing and implementing plans, goals, and vision.
  • Implement the directional leadership of the Senior Pastor.

Ministerial Issues—10%

With the Senior Pastor, shepherd the congregation and community. Successfully manage relationships (identify, contact, inform, negotiate) with regular and problem areas within and outside the church. Participate in the worship services as needed. Perform weddings, funerals, baptisms, communion, etc. Disciple and teach locally, nationally and internationally.

Executive Pastor of Irving Bible Church in Irving, Texas

3,000 in worship

Execute the Vision of the Senior Pastor with the Staff

  • Commit to the vision and become creatively involved in its development.
  • Oversee and support staff in understanding and fulfilling vision in their area of ministry.
  • Set specific, measurable goals with the staff and manage the feedback loop to insure that goals are being achieved.
  • Handle personnel conflicts and troubleshoot programming problems.
  • Supervise the adult ministry administrator who is responsible for implementing the ongoing programs in adult ministry.
  • Lead management team meetings by creating agendas and facilitating their completion.
  • Streamline and define communication and authority paths on the IBC staff that maximize personal creativity while minimizing bureaucracy.

Coordinate IBC Ministries for Maximum Efficiency

  • Review goals, resources (facilities) and budgets, communicate details and coordinate events and facilities’ scheduling.
  • Conduct formal search process in hiring staff and also the formal procedure in dismissing or repositioning of staff.
  • Oversee budget development, budget adherence and cash flow with financial administrator.
  • Coordinate with the staff new ministry initiatives from the congregation or church leadership.
  • Give vital feedback to the senior pastor on rate and speed of implementation of the vision, required resources, etc.
  • Institutionalize policies and procedures.

Cast Vision for Adult Ministries and Initiate New Ministries as God Leads

  • Develop a streamlined, biblical purpose statement and philosophy of ministry for adult discipleship.
  • Cast vision for how this might look at IBC in the next five years.
  • Repurpose adult classes and seminars so that they are purposeful and progressive in meeting the stated goals of adult discipleship at IBC.
  • Launch new adult ministries consistent with the IBC adult ministry vision.
  • Spearhead the development of small group ministry at IBC. Work with Rick Knight and/or other volunteer small group personnel to keep the ministry publicized, operating effectively and growing.

Permission by Steve Roese.

Executive Pastor of Richland Bible Church in Richland, Michigan

2,400 in worship

Job Summary

This pastor is working under the sole direction of the Senior Pastor and in close cooperation with the elder team to assure the implementation of the vision, mission, purposes and values of RBC, as established by the Elder Team. He will develop and implement a strategic plan from the Senior Pastor’s vision that involves all ministries of Richland Bible Church, and provide administrative oversight and leadership of all church personnel, systems and operations to facilitate that vision. This is a full time, salaried position.

Job Responsibilities and Duties

  • Manage and oversee weekly pastoral staff meetings
  • Meet regularly with the Elder team
  • Meet individually with pastoral staff on a regular basis for personal and program development
  • Oversee staff development and evaluations
  • Monitor all church programs for effectiveness and consistency with the vision
  • Manage and oversee budgetary preparation and compliance reports
  • Manage and oversee all legal, insurance, corporation business and plant and facility operations

Job Qualifications

  • Leadership skills: Coaching of staff, with ability to hold them accountable; systems thinker; decision maker; big picture perspective but with an eye to detail implementation.
  • Pastoral skills and gifts: Must be willing to stand on Biblical principles; have a healthy balance between personal life and ministry; spiritual gift of administration and leadership; must be elder qualified; ministry heart for staff and members of the congregation; close kinship in philosophy with RBC and, specifically, with the Senior Pastor.

Permission by Bob Feitl.

Executive Pastor of Northwest Bible Church in Dallas, Texas

2,400 in worship

Reports to: Senior Pastor

Works with: Elder Board

Supervises: Core Vision and Spiritual Resources. Until a minister is found, supervise the area of Outreach.

Scope

The Executive Pastor shall optimize the church’s financial and human resources by managing the day‑to‑day ministry according to the high standards of the gospel and established plans, standard operating procedures, and legal requirements.

With the Senior Pastor: ensure the achievement of goals by continuously monitoring performance; help recruit and retain highly qualified individuals; monitor quality assurance; maintain effective working relationships with the staff; ensure a high level of esprit de corps between ministers, support staff, elders and church members; assist the Elder Board in developing and implementing plans, goals, and vision.

Church Governance and Leadership (80%)

  • Oversee the Core Vision Team and Spiritual Resources. Assist in effectively running ministries. Fill in when they are unavailable to lead. Mentor and counsel staff. Lead the hiring and annual review process.
    • Equipping—Men, Women, Singles and Equipping Classes
    • Community—Small groups and Community groups, Community Care and Mercies.
    • Executive—Lead Spiritual Resources: Administration, Facilities, Communications, Worship
    • Family—Children’s and Youth
    • Outreach—Lead until a Core Vision member is found.
    • Visionary Leader—Leadership, Vision Casting, Preaching and Prayer
  • Assist the Senior Pastor in special projects, bi-monthly ministerial Staff Meetings, scheduling and vision. Serve the Senior Pastor by monitoring the worship services, ensuring the proper delegation of responsibilities and compliance. Participate in the worship services as needed.
  • Assist the Board: With the Senior Pastor, represent and be accountable for church ministry. Assist or lead Board projects, directives and appointed committees. Serve the Board Secretary with the compilation, distribution and permanent storage of Board minutes.

Ministerial Issues (20%)

  • With the Senior Pastor, shepherd the congregation and missionaries. Minister by phone, email, letters, articles and in person to the body and community. Successfully manage relationships (identify, contact, inform, negotiate) with problem areas within and outside the church
  • Perform weddings, funerals, baptisms, communion, etc.
  • Teach locally, nationally and internationally.

Permission by David Fletcher.

Executive Pastor of Walnut Ridge Baptist Church in Mansfield, Texas

2,400 in worship

Function: Walk close with the Lord, allowing Him to lead you as you lead others.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  1. Be responsible for the financial concerns of the Church
    • Manage the day-to-day financial affairs of the Church.
    • Financial concerns of the Church employees such as taxes, insurances and retirement benefits.
    • Work closely with ministerial staff and Finance Committee in developing, implementing, distributing, and managing the budget of the Church.
  2. Be responsible for managing the Ministerial staff.
    • Implement and enforce the Employee Handbook.
    • Work with ministerial staff in managing, developing, and evaluating their respective ministries and job performance.
    • Work closely with the Pastor and Personnel Committee in managing, budgeting, and meeting the needs of the Church through personnel.
  3. Be responsible for supervising the support staff.
    • Work closely with the Office Manager in supervising secretarial staff.
    • Work closely with the Facilities Manager in supervising custodial staff.
    • Implement and enforce the Employee Handbook.
  4. Be responsible for day-to-day operations of the Church.
  5. Be responsible for the maintenance of all Church facilities.
  6. Be responsible for developing and implementing all mission endeavors.
    • Work closely with the Pastor in developing mission starts.
    • Work closely with the Missions Committee in origination, implementation, and evaluation of all mission activities of the church.
    • Work closely with Mission Pastors in their respective mission projects.
  7. Be responsible for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of all ministries and projects of the Church.
  8. To aid and assist the Pastor whenever duty calls.
  9. To not let my personal conduct put the Church and church leadership in any risk to loss of effectiveness.

Permission by Joe Ward.

Executive Pastor of Valley Community Baptist Church in Avon, Connecticut

1,400 in worship

Executive Summary

In January 1976, a small group of dedicated Christians began to meet for prayer and discussion about starting an evangelical church in the Farmington Valley, a suburb of Hartford, Connecticut. After five weeks of prayer, it was clear the Lord was leading them in this new venture, and they decided to start Valley Community Baptist Church (VCBC). Currently four weekend services are held with an average total attendance of 1,700 people.

VCBC is a congregationally governed church with the Senior Pastor and Elder Board leading the process. The Senior Pastor is the primary visionary or vision caster, preacher, and spiritual leader of the congregation and the ministry staff.

The Executive Pastor,  a new position at VCBC, reports to the Senior Pastor. The role of the XP is to lead in the implementation of the vision and mission of the church under the direction of the Senior Pastor. The XP must be a “servant leader” who focuses on implementation, management, and the details of being an effective and efficient church.

The Executive Pastor will provide oversight for all ministries of the church, thereby freeing up the Senior Pastor to pursue his calling and passion of preaching, teaching and providing shepherding leadership to the congregation and ministry leaders. The XP will have demanding responsibilities in the areas of Management/Leadership, Administrative and Human Resource Development, including significant involvement with the Elders and Elder Committees (Finance, Personnel, Audit). Positions reporting to the Executive Pastor will be the Ministry Division Leaders that currently include Church Administration, Adult Ministries, Student Ministries, Children & Families, Care & Counseling, World Outreach, and Worship.

The XP is called to a different role than the Senior Pastor and should not aspire to be a Senior Pastor. At VCBC, the Executive Pastor should be completely satisfied in being the “right hand person” to the Senior Pastor. The XP must be completely loyal to and serve as a trusted confidant of the Senior Pastor, and also should have a high degree of dedication to minister in the church through this position. The XP will have to understand and embrace the gifts and vision of the Senior Pastor. He will seek to complement the Senior Pastor, assisting him where there are needs and weaknesses. Partnership must be at the center of this relationship.

To succeed in the position, the XP will be organized, assertive, have excellent strategic and management leadership, and have excellent interpersonal relationship skills.

A Bachelor’s degree is required, but a graduate degree in management and/or ministry is preferred. Other qualifications for the successful candidate include at least ten years of successful leadership and progressive management experience and responsibilities; an understanding of budget, financial, and fiscal management as well as human resource management; extensive pastoral or life experience, with particular experience in leadership development, team building, delegation and organization/administration; a high level of motivation and personal accountability; a team player; and a high energy level and a readiness to take on this significant challenge. The candidate should be open to the prospect of at least five years or more of service in this position.

Posted by Valley Community Baptist Church.

Executive Pastor of Fellowship Bible Church in Winchester, Virginia

1,400 in worship

Position Description

The role of the FBC Executive Pastor is to assist the Elders and Senior Pastor in ensuring that the strategic ministry objectives of the church are effectively and efficiently attained. As Chief of Staff, the FBC Executive Pastor supports and supervises the full time pastoral staff and ministry directors, assisting them and being a resource to them in order that the ministry objectives informed upon them by the Holy Spirit may be accomplished in the most God-honoring way for the betterment of the local church body. The Executive Pastor reports to the Senior Pastor, working closely with him and with the Elder Board. The Executive Pastor will lead in aligning staff and leadership teams with the FBC mission objectives established by the Elder Board. The Executive Pastor will ensure that the systems, practices, activities and policies of the church responsibly and effectively carry out those objectives and other principles established by the Elder Board. This requires a firm understanding of, and agreement with, the FBC mission statement, core values and strategic objectives.

The Executive Pastor will operate in five key areas:

1. Strategic Planning and Leadership (25%)

In conjunction with the Senior Pastor and Elder Board, support FBC strategic planning and staff coordination in execution of that plan. Help define strategic goals and vision as a key leader among staff and elders. Assist the staff in developing new ministry programs, as directed by the Holy Spirit, so that we are appropriately responsive to identified needs and church growth.

  • Provide significant input in vision casting and goal setting.
  • Monitor the pulse of the congregation through research and evaluation.
  • Ensure staffing, facilities and programs are appropriately and effectively aligned to best meet our strategic goals.
  • Oversee and cross level the preparation of annual ministry plans by the functional pastors and ministry heads. Avoid duplicated efforts. Champion appropriate resourcing of initiatives.

2. Chief of Staff (50%)

  • Oversee training and development for the pastoral staff.
  • Coordinate and lead weekly staff meetings and other activities designed to clarify, execute and cross level FBC goals, objectives, and programs.
  • Oversee the hiring and evaluation of senior staff.
  • Provide leadership to the pastoral staff in the design and implementation of their annual ministry plans.
  • Conduct direct face-to-face status updates with each senior staff member bi-weekly.
  • Serve as FBC’s intentional agent of unity across all staff, ministries, and functions to best complete FBC’s mission statement.

3. Elder Board Liaison (15%)

  • Serve as primary liaison/conduit between staff and various ministries to FBC Elders.
  • Attend weekly Elder Board meetings to maintain contact with them and communicate the Elders’ vision to the staff.
  • Key leader in organizing, facilitating and follow up to the annual Elder/Staff retreat.
  • Maintains confidential record of Elder decisions and proceedings (i.e. minutes). Assists in the preparation of a draft agenda for all Elder Meetings, to be approved prior to meetings by Elder Chairman.

4. Administration Oversight (10%)

Supervise the Director of Administration in the following:

  • Administration of the financial functions of the church, including: cash flow, annual budget preparation, contributions, insurance, banking and financing, payroll, leases, budget planning and oversight.
  • Human Resource Management issues—conduct and document performance evaluations, and on-going informal performance feedback. Oversee the negotiation of insurance and other benefits, etc.
  • Maintenance and operation of computer, information and communication systems.
  • The effective staffing and functioning of all other administrative and building support functions.
  • Development of, documentation of, and adherence to church policies and procedures.

5. Miscellaneous (Neg.)

Other pastoral or administrative duties as assigned by the Senior Pastor or Elder Board.

Qualifications Required

  • A heart for God that is evidenced by proven character and a spiritual-mindedness that understands that “apart from Christ we can do nothing.”
  • A strong marriage and family life visible to others.
  • A shepherd’s temperament; servant-leader/mentor attitude and inclination.
  • Strong interpersonal skills—ability to communicate persuasively and compassionately, both orally and in writing.
  • Strong biblical foundation for wise management in a church setting.
  • Able to establish and maintain appropriate standards for the accomplishment of ministry in a way that honors both God and people.
  • Since we work primarily in teams at FBC, the XP must understand group dynamics and ensure effective consensus building and decision-making.
  • Personal initiative and diligence which produces follow-through in tasks.
  • Solid biblical/theological convictions which are aligned with the FBC leadership.
  • A willingness to grow and adapt to the inevitable changes found in a growing local church.

Experience Needed

  • Sufficient experience on a senior leadership team within a medium to large church context that reveals skills necessary for this role.
  • An appropriate educational background (MBA degree or above is preferred).
  • Ability to supervise pastoral staff and understand, motivate, and support ministry leaders.

Permission by Andrew Behm

Executive Pastor of Grace Covenant Church of Austin, Texas

1,400 in worship

General Information

  1. Position Title: Executive Pastor
  2. Reports to: Senior Pastor
  3. Relates closely to: The members of the Elder Board
  4. Positions reporting to the Executive Pastor: Pastors and Ministry Directors, as defined by the organizational chart.
  5. Purpose of this position: To assist the Senior Pastor and Elders in providing leadership for the development of the ministries of Grace Covenant Church, so that it fulfills a defined mission and reflects core values. Providing leadership would include the five key functions of Administrator, Overseer, Mentor, Catalyst and Minister.

Ongoing Responsibilities

Mentor/Developer Responsibilities—35%

This is the role of supporting and enabling people to meaningfully engage in the work of the church. This includes supervision of Pastoral and Directorial Staff, volunteers and (non-pastoral) paid staff.

  1. To develop the pastoral team to provide leadership for the ministries of Grace that are fulfilling their defined mission and reflects our core values.
  2. To lead staff meetings and planning retreats.
  3. Be available to the pastors and directors to assist in making on-going decisions that are needed to keep the ministries moving forward.
  4. To assist the Ministry Teams in fulfilling their assigned mission and tasks by helping with their planning and budgeting processes, identifying laymen and providing resources, and helping resolve any interpersonal conflicts.
  5. To oversee the recruiting, selection, training, development, evaluation, and termination of present and future directorial, office, and pastoral staff, except the Senior Pastor. Church policy gives these responsibilities to the Executive Pastor; however, when hiring pastoral positions, the Executive Pastor also seeks concurrence from the Elders.
  6. To recommend human resource policy and compensation guidelines to the Servant Team.
  7. To motivate and mobilize staff and other members of the congregation through recognizing individual strengths, delegating responsibility and maintaining reasonable oversight.

Overseer/Leader Responsibilities—25%

Analogous to a strategic planner. Differentiating this from the Administrator role, the Administrator role says the church is firing on all cylinders, the overseer role ensures that we’re going in the right direction.

  1. To oversee the development and implementation of an annual strategic plan and ministry plans.
  2. To monitor and communicate the state of the ministry areas and staff responsibilities so that things are headed in the same direction and Pastors, Elders, and other leaders know how their part fits into the whole development of the church.
  3. To assist the Senior Pastor in giving direction through establishing and clearly communicating vision, goals and plans to pastoral and office staff.
  4. To oversee that Board decisions or actions are followed in the operational services of the church.
  5. To assist the Moderator of the Elder Board in defining agenda, follow up on past agenda items, and provide administrative support for the effective functioning of the Elder Board.
  6. To facilitate the flow of information to and from the Elder Board and provide current information to the Board to aid in their decision making.
  7. To serve as Secretary to the Board and as a designated corporate officer.
  8. To avoid taking sides in conflicts between pastors and elders, he should listen to each individual, make sure he understands, and seek to build united and passionate submission to God in each ministry and in each relationship, and for each individual.

Catalyst Responsibilities—20%

The Catalyst is the person who is looking ahead, envisioning what is on the horizon and begins the process of orienting others toward the horizon goals.

  1. To look for new ways of organizing, operating or ministering that will increase the church’s impact and influence for the kingdom of God.
  2. To look for best practices of other churches or organizations.
  3. To make recommendations to the pastoral team or Elder Board of things that need to be addressed for the future development of the church ministries.
  4. To monitor the development and implementation of Grace’s maturity model within all ministry areas.
  5. To work with the Elder Servant Team to develop a long term plan to ensure strong goal-oriented ministries.

Administrator/Manager Responsibilities—10%

Ensures the church ministries and operations are running smoothly.

  1. To manage the on-going operations of church support services, such as, financial functions, facilities management, communications, and personnel.
  2. To identify and implement means to increase efficiency of church support services.
  3. To coordinate the annual budget process.

Minister Responsibilities—10%

The Minister engages with people on staff, in the church or community on a personal and spiritual level to encourage them to develop their relationship with the Lord.

  1. To walk consistently with the Lord and demonstrate faith and obedience in personal life and ministry.
  2. To demonstrate a consistency of character between his walk with God, how he deals with people and how he fulfills his responsibilities.
  3. To actively engage in an effective personal ministry to the congregation through teaching groups or classes and having individual appointments.
  4. To conduct congregational care visits, be available for counseling weddings, funerals, etc. as needed.
  5. To look for opportunities to share Christ and encourage believers to mature in Christ.

Permission by David Fletcher.

Executive Pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church in Houston, Texas

1,400 in worship

Purpose

The Executive Pastor will serve as the Chief Operating Officer, implementing and coordinating ministry and mission of the church. The Executive Pastor will serve to coordinate the ministries of ordained, program and support staff.

This person is to function in relationship to the Pastor in such a way as to relieve the Pastor of as much of the administrative detail as possible, freeing the Pastor for the tasks of study, teaching, preaching and denominational and ecumenical service to which the Pastor feels called. The Pastor will provide the overall vision and direction for the church, but the Executive Pastor will be the operational executive on the day-to-day detail work of the congregation.

Accountability

The Executive Pastor reports to the Pastor.

Responsibilities

Program/Ministry Administration

  1. With the Pastor and the Planning and Research Committee, the Executive Pastor will clarify goals, objectives, strategies and implementation procedures for all ministries.
  2. Serve as staff resource to pastoral and other search committees, Planning and Research Committee, Church Officer Nominating Committee, Property Committee, and with the Pastor, the Professional Staff Committee.
  3. Provide organizational leadership for Full Staff Meetings: set schedules, develop agenda and moderate meetings.
  4. Provide leadership in the scheduling, planning and ensuring leadership for staff and church officer retreats.
  5. Develop curriculum and provide leadership for the annual Church Office Training program.
  6. Initiate and supervise the effective development of new ministries, providing resources to the leadership involved.
  7. Accept additional responsibilities as needs indicate, with primary response to direction from the Pastor.

Human Resource Administration

  1. The Executive Pastor will assist ordained and program staff in developing both individual and corporate goals and objectives for their ministries, creating processes for evaluation and procedures for accountability.
  2. Serve as designated Privacy Officer responsible for ensuring the benefit programs are in compliance with The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) by ensuring that Private Healthcare Information (PHI) is safeguarded and that HIPAA-created rights are provided.
  3. Assist support staff in developing individual and corporate objectives for their work, creating processes for evaluation and procedures for accountability.
  4. With the Pastor and Professional Staff Committee, update and keep current all staff position descriptions for all professional positions and propose new professional staff as needs demand.
  5. With the Professional Staff Committee, develop, administer and monitor the Performance Management Program for all employees and monitor appropriate follow-up.
  6. In consultation with the Pastor, Church Business Administrator and Stewardship Committee, make recommendations for annual compensation, employee benefits package, and for pastors, terms of call.
  7. Resolve staff conflicts as a listener, negotiator, and arbitrator for conflict management.
  8. With the Professional Staff Committee establish and keep current an Employee Manual that clearly rehearses policies and procedures for all employees.
  9. Approve and maintain records of vacation, continuing education and approved leave time for ordained and professional staff.
  10. Coordinate and ensure administration of pre-employment background checks for all employees.

Liturgical

  1. Have primary pastoral oversight over the traditional Sunday worship service held in the Chapel.
  2. Assist in worship leadership.
  3. Lead and plan special worship experiences such as weddings, funerals and memorial services, as invited and need necessitates.
  4. Preach at the invitation of the Pastor.

Pastoral

  1. Provide personal counseling as needed.
  2. Provide general pastoral care for exceptional circumstances.

Education

  1. Teach as opportunities are available and time permits.
  2. Represent the Pastor at leadership training events.

Permission by Bob Poteet.

Executive Pastor of the First Evangelical Free Church in Memphis, Tennessee

1,400 in worship

Areas of Responsibility

Pastoral Ministry

  1. Maintain a constant pastoral presence within the body of First Evan.
  2. Maintain a limited personal counseling load.
  3. Perform weddings, funerals and baptisms, as needed.
  4. Represent the Senior Pastor in his absence.
  5. Shepherd young marrieds.
  6. Catalyze the design and development of new ministries.

Administration

Business Office

  1. Oversee Business Administrator.
  2. Assist in budget and expenditure planning and oversight.
  3. Assist in resolution of personnel issues of support staff.

Oversee Pastoral Staff

  1. Assist in strategic development and design of their ministry areas.
  2. Assist in professional development of ministry staff: Evaluations and oversee use of education/seminar lines.
  3. Oversee resolution of personnel issues with pastoral staff.

All-Staff Management

  1. Work toward cohesion between support and ministry staff.
  2. Assist the Senior Pastor to oversee fellowship and team development of church staff.
  3. Maintain pastoral care to staff members.

Ministry Management

  1. Execute and facilitate the directives of the Senior Pastor.
  2. Ensure equity and cohesion between various ministries.
  3. Assist various ministries in maintaining visibility within the church.
  4. Monitor and maintain ministry focus toward church purpose statement and general goals and values of First Evan.

Serve on

  • Kitchen Cabinet
  • Personnel Committee
  • Budget Committee
  • Nominating Committee
  • Session (non-voting)

Permission by Taylor Park.

Executive Pastor of Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Springfield, Missouri

1,400 in worship

Responsible for:

Personnel areas

  • Oversees the hiring of all full-time employees* (except senior pastor) (*in conjunction with senior pastor, elders, and appropriate leader-level supervisor).
  • Develops and administers year-round program of evaluation, growth, and personal enrichment for all full-time employees.
  • Develops and leads regular leadership staff meetings.
  • Recommends salary adjustments, terminations, and the creation of new positions (in counsel with the senior pastor and elders).
  • Serves as coach and encourager to the paid staff.

Financial areas

  • Produces the annual ministry budget (in concert with all appropriate leadership and laity).
  • Oversees the approved annual spending plan.

Facilities

  • Oversee the maintenance, upkeep, and efficient operations of all buildings and grounds for the main campus and auxiliary campus.

Daily Operations

  • Seeks to create a positive, productive work environment.
  • Responsible for the efficient operation and presentation of Ridgecrest Baptist Church to the membership and to the community.

Spiritual

  • Professes Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
  • Passion and joy in serving Jesus.
  • Commitment to personal spiritual growth and a healthy lifestyle.
  • A strong, growing relationship with spouse and children (if married).
  • A sense of call to this position.
  • An example to believers in faith and conduct.
  • A person under authority.

Skills

  • Team-based leadership abilities.
  • Relational strengths/abilities.
  • Communication skills.
  • Multi-task oriented/organizational skills.

Education

  • College and/or seminary degree in area of interest.
  • Minimum five years experience in local church, multi-staff Adult Education Ministry.
  • Commitment to life-long learning.

Permission by Nat Burns.

Executive Pastor of Trinity Baptist Church of Fairfield, Connecticut

500 in worship

Purpose

The purpose of the Executive Pastor is to lead, manage, and care for Trinity’s staff, oversee the development and strategies of all Trinity’s ministries, and oversee and manage all the business, human resources, and day-to-day operations of Trinity Church.

Hours: 45 to 48 per week

Staff Responsibilities

  1. Individual Meetings. The Executive Pastor is responsible to meet individually on a regular basis with each one of the full time staff that report directly to the Executive Pastor. These meetings can be bi-weekly or monthly.
  2. Staff Meetings. The Executive Pastor is responsible to plan, lead, and conduct all staff meetings with the staff team who report directly to the Executive Pastor. This meeting can be either weekly or bi-monthly.
  3. Leadership and Coaching. The Executive Pastor is responsible to schedule individual time, when needed, to help develop and coach each staff member for leadership development and ministry development. It is important to visit each staff’s ministry periodically and provide them the necessary support they need to do their job. The Executive Pastor is responsible for the staff’s conduct and what they share or teach to others.
  4. Staff Care. The Executive Pastor is responsible to shepherd each staff and their family by creating an environment of care. The Executive Pastor is to seek to care for any staff needs that they may have by ministering to them through pastoral care, counseling, or other avenues or needs that may arise. It is important to shepherd those you lead.
  5. Staff Communication. The Executive Pastor is responsible to facilitate communication and conflict management for the individual staff member and the overall staff team. It is up to the Executive Pastor to communicate to the staff and let them know what is expected of them and how they are to communicate to the Executive Pastor and each other.
  6. Staff Accountability. The Executive Pastor is responsible to hold the staff accountable in their budget spending, time usage, personal purity (if it is a cross gender manage situation it is necessary to make sure they have someone they are accountable to regarding the intimate issues of their life), personal devotions, personal and professional relationships.
  7. Job Descriptions. The Executive Pastor is responsible to provide an overarching job description consistent to each staff’s administrative or pastoral position. It is important for the Executive Pastor to know how each staff’s job or ministry is going at any given time.
  8. Personnel. The Executive Pastor is responsible for recommending staff to be hired or fired. The Executive Pastor is responsible for making a recommendation for positions available if Trinity is looking to hire for that position. This is accomplished by having the candidate fill out a job application, acquire a resume, interview candidate, call references, and then make a recommendation to the Senior Pastor and elders.
  9. Personnel File. The Executive Pastor is responsible to keep up with each staff’s individual personnel file and their job contract and be a part of reconstructing it for the following year.
  10. Reports to: Elders

Ministry Development and Strategy Responsibilities

  1. Volunteer Leadership. The Executive Pastor is responsible to hold each staff member accountable to living out and implementing a prioritized emphasis on developing healthy volunteer leaders and measuring the efficiency and effectiveness of all ministries.
  2. Oversee an Annual Church Review Process. The Executive Pastor is responsible to perform a yearly review of every ministry in the church and overall church strategy and direction and present this report annually to the Pastoral Team and Elders.
  3. New Ministry Developments. The Executive Pastor is responsible to direct and oversee all new ministries birthed in Trinity. This includes identifying a volunteer leader and establishing a leadership team to lead the new ministry.
  4. Reviews. The Executive Pastor is responsible to perform the reviews and evaluation of all staff members who report directly to the Executive Pastor on an annual basis and present annual goals for the following year.
  5. Ministry Budgets. The Executive Pastor is responsible to oversee the development and implementation of each ministry’s budget. The Executive Pastor is to hold the staff accountable in their budget spending.
  6. Reports to: Elders

Purpose Teams

Eventually, the Executive Pastor will oversee all ministries of the church. Until this transition is complete, the Executive Pastor will provide direct oversight to the Maturity, Community, and Ministry Teams. The Senior Pastor will maintain his oversight of Evangelism/Missions and the Support Teams (presently Finance and Operations). Decisions that impact the day-to-day running of the church or the other ministries of the church will be discussed with the Executive Pastor in advance. This process will be evaluated by the Elders and Executive Pastor every six months.

  1. Leadership. The overseeing pastor of a purpose team is responsible to regularly attend team meetings, meet at least monthly with the chairperson of that team, be available as a resource to keep the team focused, encouraged and accountable. The overseeing pastor is also intently focused on shepherding his team toward the successful implementation of their stated goals and vision.
  2. Oversight. The Executive Pastor is responsible for ministry oversight and considering if proposed plans are consistent with the direction of the church. The Executive Pastor may delegate and assign projects as needed.
  3. Reports to: Elders

Expectations

  1. The Executive Pastor is to have a real relationship with Jesus Christ and is actively seeking a deeper relationship with Him. This belief should be lived out in such a way that it is obvious and real to those in the leadership of Trinity and the church family.
  2. The Executive Pastor is to be a team player of Trinity Church.
  3. The Executive Pastor will recognize that working with a team is essential to successful ministry. It is expected that he work closely with other staff members and develop a support team of volunteers made up of Team Players.
  4. The Executive Pastor will be disciplined and diligent with his time, keeping a balance between home and work. Obviously there are exceptions in a work week. However, one’s family should not be sacrificed for the sake of the ministry.
  5. The Executive Pastor is to spend time throughout the year developing his skills in ministry, developing his character, and sharpening his knowledge and understanding in ministering to people while fulfilling his role as Executive Pastor.
  6. The Elders, in conjunction with the Senior Teaching Pastor, will evaluate the Executive Pastor semi-annually. The ministry staff will participate in annual evaluations of the Executive Pastor according to the stated goals.

Permission by Don Hay.

Executive Minister at Central Church of Christ in Amarillo, Texas

500 in worship

Position Summary

The Executive Minister will work closely with the Senior Minister in strategic development (implementation of the vision) and overseeing staff. He will take primary responsibility for the day-to-day management of the church office. He will also be responsible for certain adult ministries.

Primary Responsibilities

Executive Ministry (reports to the Senior Minister and Management Cluster)

Daily/Weekly Supervision of Staff

  • Plan and conduct weekly staff meetings.
  • Supervise support personnel.
  • Seek to resolve personnel disputes.
  • Perform necessary corrective actions with regard to staff.
  • Keep track of all ministerial and secretarial staff sick days, vacations, etc.

Goal Setting and Review

  • Ensure ministers have annual reviews and set goals (in conjunction with the Senior Minister.
  • Conduct reviews for support staff.
  • Supervise reviews for custodians and maintenance personnel.

Management Cluster System

  • Manage the cluster system (organizational chart, changes, updates).
  • Manage scheduling and agenda of Management cluster meetings.

Congregational Activities

  • Coordinate and oversee implementation of budgeting process. This must be done in conjunction with or after goal setting. Coordinate with finance ministry who are responsible for presenting the core budget.
  • Supervise member tracking and retention data.
  • Help the Senior Minister in following up with “congregational goals” determined by elders and ministers each year.
  • Supervise church communications, including publications (e.g. bulletin) and other communication sources (e.g. website, bulletin boards, signage).

Other

  • Sign letters, checks and other documents and correspondence as needed.
  • Maintain and enforce the policy manual.
  • Plan or assign planning for annual leadership retreats and other special meetings.
  • Provide support to the elder chairman for elder meetings and take minutes of the meetings.

Adult Ministries (reports to the Senior Minister)

Small Groups

  • Prepare or provide the weekly lessons.
  • Manage the small group program, groups, and leaders.
  • Promote the evangelistic purpose of small groups.
  • Develop leadership and set vision to enhance ministry.
  • Recruit, motivate, and train group leaders (one-on-one meetings, newsletters…)
  • Provide help and support to Family Life Group leaders.
  • Lead a small group.

Adult Education

  • Develop and maintain the overall education ministry, including the shepherding Bible class structure.
  • Recruit or help other ministers recruit Bible class leaders for each adult class.
  • Recruit teachers, provide resources and support, and connect them with Bible class leaders for teaching opportunities.
  • When needed, develop or provide curriculum for all classes to work through at the same time.
  • Teach Bible classes from time to time.

Permission by David Kasselman

Executive Pastor of Liberty Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma

500 in worship

Leadership Position Agreement

Your Position Title: Executive Pastor

Your Team: Strategic Leadership Team

Your Team Leader: Senior Pastor

Your Team that You Will Lead: Strategic Leadership Team

Purpose of Your Position

As the Executive Pastor, you will provide the vision and leadership necessary for the development of the strategic ministry that accomplishes the vision of Liberty Church. This is to be accomplished primarily by seeking God’s vision for the team, casting this vision to them, and leading them to accomplish this vision.

Purpose of the Strategic Leadership Team

To provide the day-to-day leadership needed to accomplish the vision and mission of Liberty Church.

Team Purpose of Each of Your Team Members

Outreach: To create many opportunities for people to hear and respond daily to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Worship Arts: To build a community of artists who unleash the arts to create transformational moments.

Spiritual Formation: To provide ministries that help all people become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ and train them to be like Him.

Operations: To provide infrastructure and administration of resources that enables and facilitates the ministries of our church.

Your Core Responsibilities

  • Lead the Strategic Leadership Team to accomplish vision and to “do life together”
  • Lead by demonstrating Servant Leader Values
  • Lead in the development of the church’s Core Values
  • Lead in alignment of all ministries with the church’s vision
  • Lead by building the Strategic Leadership Team and its members

Your Position Specific Responsibilities

To Execute Tactical Responsibilities

  1. As a Strategic Leadership Team Leader
    • Provide for the ministry needs of each member of the Strategic Leadership Team.
    • Develop and support the vision of each team member.
    • Lead the team to work together to accomplish the ministry of Liberty Church.
    • Provide regular team meetings that practice the presence of God, practice the presence of each other, and do the work of the ministry.
  2. Leadership
    • Provide leadership to the organization for the fulfillment of its mission.
    • Provide training and development for all leaders of the church.
    • Provide personal mentoring when needed to leaders.
    • Make all ministry and operational decisions as needed.
    • Foster an environment that consistently produces ministry teams that accomplish the mission of the church.
    • Consistently provide vision for the development of the organization.
  3. Finances
    • Develop a spending budget that is directly tied to the vision of the church and your area of ministry.
    • Be accountable for all spending for the Strategic Leadership Team and their teams.
  4. Success
    • Develop a working definition/criterion of success for the Strategic Leadership Team and its members.
    • Regularly lead teams to measure and evaluate all activities of the ministry.
  5. Leadership of Team Members
    • Consistently develop each team member.
    • Provide regular team opportunities to “do life together.”
    • Provide resources for the success of each team member.
    • Oversee consistent research needed to develop the ministry of strategic leadership.
  6. Miscellaneous
    • Attend all Elders meetings providing communication between Elders and leaders.
    • Meet weekly with the Senior Pastor for direction and prayer.
    • Be available to minister to others as needed throughout the congregation.
    • Preach and teach regularly.

Servant-Leader Values

Core Values that should be a part of a Servant-Leader’s life:

Value 1: Lead a spiritually surrendered life. Bring the gift of a self that is fully yielded to the Holy Spirit. Approach your work and your life with Spirit-controlled hearts. (1 Tim. 4:7b; Rom. 12:1-2)

Value 2: Model a whole life commitment to the church’s values and strategy. Live the life you’re inviting others to live. Pursue full devotion to Christ and do the work of an evangelist. (1 Cor. 11:2; 2 Tim. 4:5)

Value 3: Maintain an infectious, optimistic, and enthusiastic attitude. Ask people with whom you work, “What can I do to help you?” Be a team player who has the best interest of the team at heart. (1 Thes. 5:11; Eph. 4:29)

Value 4: Engage co-workers in honest communication. Do not allow things to go underground. Conflict resolution and meaningful communication must take place in an environment of openness, truth telling in love and sensitivity. (Eph. 4:25)

Value 5: Approach your work with intensity. Maintain a fervent and dedicated spirit that perseveres in difficulty. Put your hand to the plow and don’t look back! Do all you can do heartily and serve the Lord with determination. (Col. 3:23-24)

Value 6: Honor and value volunteers. Motivate and encourage volunteers around you by giving them words of encouragement and appreciation. Write the note, make the call, give the gift that says “You and your ministry matter to God.” (1 Pet. 2:17)

Value 7: Keep an eternal perspective. Don’t lose the big picture and God’s ultimate desire and plan for your life and ministry. Remember why you are in this. (1 Cor. 15:58)

Value 8: Pray! Pray! Pray! Pray for God’s supernatural intervention in the life of this church, your family, your ministry and your personal walk with Jesus. Humble yourself before God and expect Him to do great things as you seek to serve Him with all your might. (1 Thes. 5:17; 1 Pet. 5:6-7)

Common Church-Wide Core Value Responsibilities

To Preserve the Church’s Core Values

Church-Wide Core Values that should be a part of a Servant-Leader’s role:

Value 1: We believe that the anointed teaching of God’s Word is the primary catalyst for transformation in each person’s life and in the church.

Value 2: We believe that loving relationships should permeate every aspect of church life.

Value 3: We believe that lost people matter to God and, therefore, must matter to the church.

Value 4: We believe that the best environment for making fully devoted followers of Christ is the small group.

Value 5: We believe that participation in anointed worship is a necessary response to a loving God.

Value 6: We believe that the church should remain doctrinally pure while being culturally relevant.

Common Church-Wide Alignment Responsibilities

To achieve the church’s goals to help everyone to become aligned.

  • Develop and pursue semi-annual ministry plan meeting goals.
  • Develop or modify Position Agreements each year and review the self evaluations of each team member once each quarter.
  • Develop processes, skills, and disciplines through all layers of quadrants, starting at your team and going out, ensuring that ministry procedures are tied to the vision of the church and that the efforts of volunteers are focused, effective, and consistent.
  • Reinforce church core values by ensuring that all meetings are transformed into vision-casting events that encourage alignment behind the mission, vision, values, and strategic objectives of the church.
  • Fully utilize Ministry Facilitators to help you in every way possible to do the work of alignment.

Common Church-Wide Team-Building Responsibilities

To Create a Sense of Direction and Community

  1. Team Leadership
    • Help instill the Programming/Ministry Arts vision
    • Developing Special Project Action Plans
    • Develop annual Ministry Specific Objectives
    • One-on-one meetings and huddles with the team
    • Complete other duties as assigned by the Strategic Leadership Team Leader
  2. Team Management Processes
    • Manage and report information
    • Manage finances and expenses
  3. Facilities
    • Care for your workspace
    • Care for shared workspace
    • Care for buildings and campus
    • Utilize the Campus Administration Team for building and grounds improvements
  4. Team Building
    • Support your team in developing ministry specific goals and objectives.
    • Schedule, plan, and hold regular team meetings to evaluate your team’s ministry needs and facilitate solutions.
    • Hold regular team fellowships for community and encouragement which can be concurrent with regular team meetings.
    • Provide leadership and methods to evaluate all ministry efforts of your team.
    • Disseminate information and direction obtained from the team you are on as a member to the team that you are the leader. Communication helps build excitement and enthusiasm for what God is doing in the church.
    • Regularly and passionately communicate the vision and values of Liberty Church.
    • Regularly and passionately communicate the purpose of your team.
    • Recruit team members to complete your team and train them to be leaders.
    • Conduct regular one-on-one encouragement and community sessions with team members.
    • Encourage the development of leadership skills in your team members if they are also leaders of other teams.
    • Determine and recommend training for overall skills, starting with self and throughout all layers.
    • Provide direction in developing critical success factors.
    • Help your team to understand the different roles and functions of servant-leaders church-wide (e.g. Campus Administrator is the point person for dealing with any physical aspect of Liberty Church—grounds, campus, buildings, etc.).
    • Revisit the purpose statement of your team from time to time to see if it needs to be revised.

Signing on behalf of this position and agreeing to accept all its accountabilities is:

____________________________________ Date: ____/____/____

Signing on behalf of this position’s team leader and agreeing to accept all its accountabilities and committing to provide support and prayer:

____________________________________ Date: ____/____/____

Permission by Nathan Baxter.

Executive Pastor of New Life Evangelical Free Church of Watertown, South Dakota

500 in worship

Purpose

To assist the Senior Pastor with the implementation of his vision and spiritual direction, so that the Senior Pastor can continue his main responsibility of “teaching and preaching of God’s Word.” The desired end would be to increase the Senior Pastor’s time with the staff for the purpose of relationships, vision and ministry, yet decrease his actual time and involvement in the implementation of the vision. Reports to the Senior Pastor.

Execute the vision of the Senior Pastor throughout the church leadership structure.

  • Meet regularly with the Senior Pastor for discipleship, prayer and planning.
  • Attend the Elder Meetings to bring updates and input for the church’s progress.
  • Commit to the vision and become creatively involved in its development.
  • Set goals and evaluate our effectiveness in the five purposes of the church.
  • Develop the leadership structure of the church and oversee its efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Commit to excellence in all aspects of the ministry.
  • Commit to mobilizing and coaching, so that the ministry remains in the hands of the people (Eph. 4:12).
  • Lead the Equipping Staff and Support Staff
    • Set and track specific, measurable goals to insure that the vision is being achieved.
    • Equip them for leading their Ministry Team meetings.
    • While the Senior Pastor builds relationship, mentors and presents vision in the Equipping Staff meetings, the Executive Pastor creates the agenda and leads the remainder of the meeting to implement the vision.
    • Oversee the budget development, budget adherence and cash flow with the Treasurer.
  • Streamline job descriptions, communication and authority paths that maximize personal creativity, strengths, efficiency and effectiveness, while minimizing bureaucracy.
  • Oversee the launching of new ministries that the Lord raises up, that they are consistent with the church’s vision, values and purposes.
  • Direct the hiring of staff and also the formal procedure in dismissing or repositioning of staff.
  • Handle personnel conflicts and troubleshoot program and ministry challenges.
  • Establish church policies and procedures that effectively facilitate the vision.

Lead the Adult Ministries Team

  • Schedule and lead the Adult Ministries Team meetings, to equip, guide and encourage the leaders.
  • Develop a streamlined, coordinated strategy for ministry for the Adult Ministries—based on the church’s vision, values and purposes.
  • Guide the Adult Ministry Team in setting and tracking specific, measurable goals to insure that the vision and purposes are being achieved.

Permission by Dominick Verdell.

Executive Pastor of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod

Purpose

To serve the church by coordinating and implementing the program of the church. Working under the direction of the senior pastor to facilitate the vision, develop new programs in keeping with established goals, maximize the effectiveness of present programs, give leadership to program staff members and supervise staff members and volunteers involved in this ministry.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Meet regularly with the senior pastor to clarify vision, goals and strategy.
  2. Evaluate the evolving needs of the congregation and work to strengthen the present program in keeping with those needs.
  3. Supervise the work of program staff members, meeting regularly with and providing leadership to them in areas of individual goal-setting and accountability. Receive quarterly goal statements and evaluations from staff members for the purpose of review and discussion.
  4. Facilitate the development of programs through staff members, committees and boards of the church.
  5. Build solid staff relations by:
    • Developing written personnel policies and procedures
    • Developing job descriptions
    • Participating in hiring of departmental or program staff members
    • Evaluating staffing structure and proposing adjustments as the need arises
    • Conducting annual performance evaluations, and reviewing the calls and compensation of professional staff members
    • Working to resolve conflict
  6. Work under the direction of the senior pastor, taking primary responsibility for the preparation and policy management of the church budget, in consultation with appropriate staff members and/or committees.
  7. Supervise development and maintenance of the master program/facilities calendar of the church.
  8. Supervise the communication of the program of the church to the congregation by:
    • Overseeing preparation of weekly bulletins
    • Overseeing production of newsletters
    • Writing press releases
  9. Administer the work of program staff members by encouraging teamwork and mutual support and providing leadership and nurture to all staff members.
  10. Establish departmental goals and objectives by prioritizing related programs, managing the use of facilities, planning an appropriate budget, delegating tasks and evaluating progress regularly.
  11. Work closely with the senior pastor in leading staff meetings and retreats.
  12. Work with appropriate committees, officers and leaders to carry out the mission and ministry of the church.
  13. Participate in the selection of church officers and provide officer training.
  14. Attend board meetings as a resource and for informational purposes and moderating in the absence of the senior pastor.
  15. Assist in worship and preach at the request of the senior pastor. Teach in the education program of the church, as requested.
  16. Conduct weddings and funerals, providing appropriate preparation and support.
  17. Represent the church to the press and media.
  18. Represent the church by serving at denominational levels, and in community and civic organizations, and coordinate staff involvement in the same.
  19. Cooperate with the __________ by performing any other duties when asked to do so.

Permission by David Fiedler.