Ministry Description - Senior Pastor
First Free is an equipping church with an outward focus dedicated to making, maturing, and multiplying fully- committed followers of Jesus Christ. First Free is committed to God’s inspired Word and to presenting it to our congregation and community with clarity. Sunday morning teaching is primarily, but not exclusively, expository sermons.
Position Objective
A dedicated learner and teacher of God’s Word equipping the body of Christ to be mature and complete. A leader who will shepherd the pastoral staff and lay leaders providing vision, and encouragement. To create and foster an atmosphere of joyful service, community, and outreach.
Ministry Description and Responsibilities
Teaching and Preaching
The pastor teaches God’s Word in a way that exposes his depth of love for Christ, delivers Scriptural insights to believers and unbelievers, and provides concrete examples of how to apply Scripture in everyday life utililzing:
a wide range of communication styles to reach both new and mature believers
a wise balance of expository and topical preaching encouraging personal application
a Biblical perspective in dealing with cultural issues
a celebration of life stories of God’s work
a heart to present the Gospel regularly with boldness and clarity
Shepherding
The pastor intentionally seeks to spiritually care for and equip First Free pastors and key leaders as he transparently models godly love. He inspires learning and growth through mentoring, sharpens skills through coaching, and nurtures with patient encouragement. He equips others by:
empowering pastoral staff and key leaders
supporting, inspiring, and fostering an atmosphere of unity and common purpose
discipling, mentoring, training, and equipping pastors and key lay leaders
providing a supervision structure that enables goal achievement and regular feedback
Strategic Leadership
The pastor, collaborating with senior staff and the elders discerns God’s direction for the church, casts vision, and motivates others to follow by communicating the vision effectively, unifying the body, and implementing a plan by:
establishing teams to discern and implement that direction throughout the church
being the primary communicator, motivator, and chief catalyst for implementing the vision
planning and executing with others corporate worship services which reflect the church’s vision and values
Staff Position and Accountability
The senior pastor is accountable to God, the Elder Board, and the congregation. He is a voting member of the Board.
Other Duties:
share in administration of ordinances and other ordained duties
participate with the EFCA General Assembly and other boards
continue to grow spiritually and professionally by participating in conferences, seminars, and networking
Qualifications – Senior Pastor
Personal Character - This man must possess the spiritual qualifications of an Elder as set forth in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. Additionally, he will possess the following qualities:
Humble servant leader who leads by example
Authentically transparent
Secure in his personal call to ministry
Approachable and personable
Teachable and a life-long learner
In step with and sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading
Spiritually Bold in delivering God’s message
A man of prayer
In full agreement with the Statement of Faith and Distinctives of the Evangelical Free Church of America.
Ordained or willing to pursue ordination in the EFCA
Skills and Abilities:
Strong creative expository teacher/preacher
Challenges and equips the church to apply God’s word in their daily lives in tangible and practical ways
Motivates and mobilizes the church to have an outward focus to be the hands and feet of Jesus in their
community and spheres of influence
Winsomely draws people to Jesus
Casts a compelling vision
Able to unify, challenge and encourage
Strategic thinker with strong operational execution skills
Primary Spiritual Gifts
Pastor – Teacher
Wisdom
Leadership
Education
A Master of Divinity (or equivalent) from a Bible-centered evangelical seminary or divinity school is required
Experience
Preferably more than 5 years of experience as a Senior Pastor in a church of at least 500 in attendance or Associate Pastor in a church of at least 1,000, or equivalent.
Emphasis in expository teaching/preaching with a working knowledge of original biblical languages
Proven success in the role of shepherding, discipling and mentoring other leaders.
Has demonstrated inspirational, servant leadership
International/multi-cultural and church planting experience beneficial
Working with and attracting young families
