Associate Pastor of Discipleship Pathways

Position Vision and Purpose:  The vision is for a person who would provide our congregation momentum, engagement and clarity around a discipleship plan. The plan is to take a person from his/her first contact with the church toward a profile of a maturing disciple. This position envisions an experienced ministry person, who significantly supports and serves as a clergy colleague, with the Lead Pastor.   

Job Details:

Part-time, up to 25 hours
Supervised by the Lead Pastor  

Personal Qualities Required of Applicants: 

• Embraces Community West’s ministry philosophy and its evangelistic mission, actively building relationships with people not yet following Jesus.

• Serves as an active member of East Central Presbytery and a co-participant in the work.    

• Is a disciple-maker at heart. 

• Demonstrates strong teaching and preaching skills.

• Is a high-capacity ministry leader. 

• Is dependable and good with follow-through; keeps his/her word.

• Demonstrates good interpersonal skills when relating to volunteers, staff and the West Richmond community.

• Understands and embraces the “all-hands-on-deck” ethos of a young church.

• Values and contributes to a healthy, unified staff culture.

• Demonstrates a growing grasp of God’s grace, and engages in spiritual disciplines, including prayer and Bible study.

• Is willing to submit to the authority of the Lead Pastor and the elders.

Overview of Ministry Responsibilities:

Discipleship Plan – with the Lead Pastor, develops an overall plan for discipleship at Community West, including a profile of a maturing disciple and a path for attaining maturity. Develops alignment of that plan with children, youth and adults.

Small Groups – develops and implements strategies for adult small groups. This includes developing a leadership pipeline.  

Teaching – responsible for developing and implementing strategies for providing classroom and seminar teaching. Teaches on an as-needed basis.

Mentoring – develop strategies for encouraging discipleship trios, and multi-generational mentoring relationships.

Sunday Servant Teams – provides support for Sunday Servant Team volunteer leaders and teams.

Supervision – supervises the Director of Children’s Ministry.    

Pastoral Responsibilities – serves on Session, participates in ministries of pastoral visitation, and the administration of the sacraments, and is available to officiate weddings and funerals when called upon and as needed. Preaches up to 6 times/year.    

Ministry Competencies:

Leadership and Vision - Casts vision in areas of ministry responsibility and gives thoughtful theological leadership.

Volunteer Equipping - Effectively equips volunteers, and approaches ministry through teams.   

Administrative Abilities – Serves as a competent and effective administrator.         

Disciple Making – Is personally involved in discipling leaders, who disciple leaders (leader multiplication).   

Networking - Builds relationships with other ministry leaders in his/her areas of responsibility and interest. 

Professional Development - Is a learner and looks for ways to grow as a ministry leader.

Education and Credentials:

• A Master of Divinity degree or its equivalent is preferred. 

• Ordination in ECO, or eligible to be ordained.

• A minimum of six years of church or ministry experience is required.

Compensation:

Compensation is commensurate with the person’s gifts and ministry experience, and industry standards in our West End Richmond context. 

How to Apply: Submit a cover letter and resume to admin@communitywestchurch.org with the following subject title: “[Your Name]’s application for Associate Pastor of Discipleship”

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