Senior Pastor
- Living Word International Christian Church Christian Career Silver Spring, MD Job Details Full-time $65,000
- $90,000 a year 3 hours ago Qualifications Volunteer support Community partnership development Christian counseling Lecture-based instruction Leading funeral services Volunteer management Team leadership Officiating weddings Coaching Collaboration with board members Small group instruction Leadership development Team development Pastoral counseling Volunteer training Youth engagement in pastoral work Mentoring Leadership training (staff training program) Leadership development programs Community relationship building Senior level Hospital visits Leadership Communication skills Teaching Board relations Working with youth Spiritual well-being Full Job Description Senior Pastor•Living Word International Christian Church Position Summary The Senior Pastor serves as the primary spiritual leader and teacher of the church, providing vision, biblical instruction, pastoral care, and leadership to the congregation.
In a board-governed church structure, the Senior Pastor works collaboratively with the Board of Elders/Directors, which provides governance, financial oversight, and accountability. The Senior Pastor focuses primarily on spiritual leadership, preaching, ministry development, and equipping the church to fulfill its mission. The church operates within a charismatic/Spirit-empowered framework and expects the Senior Pastor to lead with a strong commitment to the authority of Scripture, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the mission of making disciples. Key Responsibilities 1. Preaching and Teaching Prepare and deliver biblically grounded, Spirit-led sermons that inspire spiritual growth and practical application. Provide theological leadership consistent with the church's statement of faith and charismatic convictions. Equip the congregation through teaching series, classes, and leadership development. 2. Vision and Spiritual Leadership Discern and communicate the church's spiritual direction in collaboration with the Board. Lead the congregation in prayer, worship, evangelism, and discipleship. Encourage a culture that welcomes the gifts and work of the Holy Spirit in an orderly and biblical manner. 3. Pastoral Care and Shepherding Provide pastoral leadership to the congregation through counseling, prayer, visitation, and spiritual guidance. Oversee pastoral care systems so members receive support during life events and crises. Officiate weddings, funerals, baptisms, and other pastoral functions. 4. Leadership Development Identify, mentor, and develop ministry leaders and volunteers. Equip emerging leaders within the church through discipleship and leadership training. Encourage every member to use their gifts for ministry. 5. Ministry Oversight Provide spiritual leadership to ministry departments including worship, outreach, small groups, children, youth, and missions. Work with ministry leaders to ensure alignment with the church's mission and values. 6. Collaboration with the Board Work closely with the Board of Elders/Directors who hold governance authority. Provide spiritual insight, ministry reports, and recommendations to assist board decision-making. Support the board in maintaining healthy governance, accountability, and stewardship. 7. Community Engagement and Outreach Represent the church within the community and build relationships with local leaders and organizations. Encourage outreach initiatives and evangelism that extend the church's impact locally and globally. Qualifications Strong personal relationship with Jesus Christ and a clear calling to pastoral ministry. Agreement with the church's doctrinal statement and charismatic theological convictions. Demonstrated experience in preaching, pastoral leadership, and church ministry. Proven ability to work collaboratively within a board-governed leadership structure. Strong communication, relational, and leadership skills. Personal Characteristics Spirit-filled and led by the Holy Spirit. Humble, servant-hearted leader who values accountability. Strong character and integrity consistent with biblical leadership standards. Passion for discipleship, evangelism, and developing leaders. Commitment to unity and collaboration with church leadership. Accountability and Evaluation The Senior Pastor is accountable to the Board of Elders/Directors. Performance will be evaluated periodically based on spiritual leadership, preaching effectiveness, ministry development, and alignment with the church's mission and values. KEY Result Area Dashboard for quarterly evaluation 1. Biblical Preaching and Teaching Deliver clear, Spirit-led, biblically grounded messages that help people grow spiritually and apply God's Word in daily life.
Key outcomes:
Consistent weekly preaching Strong biblical integrity and theological clarity Congregational engagement and spiritual growth 2. Spiritual Vision and Direction Seek God for the church's spiritual direction and communicate vision that aligns ministries and people toward a unified mission.
Key outcomes:
Clear annual and long-term vision Vision communication to leaders and congregation Alignment of ministries with the church mission 3. Prayer and Spiritual Culture Cultivate a culture of prayer, dependence on God, and openness to the work and gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Key outcomes:
Prayer initiatives and gatherings Encouragement of spiritual gifts in biblical order Spirit-led worship and ministry environments 4. Discipleship and Spiritual Growth Ensure systems exist that help people move from new believer to mature disciple.
Key outcomes:
Clear discipleship pathway Small groups or discipleship environments Leadership training for emerging believers 5. Leadership Development Identify, mentor, and develop leaders who can multiply ministry and strengthen the church.
Key outcomes:
Leadership pipeline Regular mentoring of key leaders Training environments for ministry leaders 6. Ministry Health and Alignment Provide spiritual oversight to ministry departments so they operate effectively and remain aligned with church values and mission.
Key outcomes:
Healthy ministry leaders Clear ministry goals Coordination between departments 7. Evangelism and Outreach Lead the church to actively reach people who are far from God through outreach, missions, and personal evangelism.
Key outcomes:
Outreach initiatives Community engagement New people attending and coming to faith 8. Congregational Care and Shepherding Ensure the congregation is spiritually cared for through pastoral support systems.
Key outcomes:
Pastoral care structures Hospital visits, counseling, and crisis support Strong volunteer care teams 9. Church Growth and Guest Integration Create systems that help guests feel welcomed and move toward becoming active members of the church.
Key outcomes:
Guest follow-up systems Membership or connection pathway Increasing engagement of attendees 10. Staff and Volunteer Leadership Lead, develop, and support staff and volunteers so they operate with clarity, unity, and effectiveness.
Key outcomes:
Clear roles and expectations Regular staff meetings and coaching Healthy team culture 11. Board Partnership and Governance Support Maintain a healthy working relationship with the board by providing ministry insight, spiritual counsel, and operational updates.
Key outcomes:
Regular communication with the board Strategic input into major decisions Respect for governance boundaries 12. Personal Spiritual Health and Integrity Maintain a vibrant personal walk with God and live a life that models biblical character and spiritual maturity.
