The Lead Pastor will provide visionary leadership and spiritual direction for our church body. This role requires a dynamic leader capable of managing growth, developing church staff, expanding community outreach, and fostering a vibrant, inclusive congregation.
- Lead, oversee, develop, empower, and equip the Mercy Road Church NW staff and volunteer teams, in partnership with the Executive Pastor.
- Oversee the worship services and the implementation of the engagement pathway for disciple-making.
- Embody and diffuse the DNA of Mercy Road Church through the staff, volunteer teams, and congregation.
- Work across the Mercy Road Family of Churches in partnership with the other Lead Pastors, staff and Board of Directors.
- Work across ministry partners and outside organizations to reach new people for Christ.
- Collaborate and facilitate multiple 3rd party relationships
The Lead Pastor reports directly to the Board of Directors of Mercy Road Church Northwest.
Strategic Leadership:
- Articulate and implement a clear, compelling vision for the church’s future, aligning with the Mercy Road Family of Churches mission, vision, and values.
- Embody and diffuse the DNA of Mercy Road Church through the staff, volunteer teams, and congregation.
- Lead the strategic planning process, setting short-term and long-term goals for growth and development in partnership with the Executive Pastor and the Board of Directors.
- Encourage and implement innovative approaches to worship, ministry, and outreach in partnership with the staff team.
- Communicate and participate in fundraising and generosity campaigns in partnership with the Board of Directors
Spiritual Leadership:
- Preaching and Teaching:
- Prepare and deliver biblically sound, engaging sermons and teachings that inspire and equip the congregation and aligns with the Mercy Road Family of Churches values and beliefs.
- Preach ~40% of the calendar year.
- Lead and develop the teaching team, along with guest communicators, for the other ~60% of the calendar year.
- Participate in the creative process as it relates to Sunday morning
- Participate in the creation of an annual teaching calendar in conjunction with the teaching team.
- Pastoral Care:
- Provide pastoral care and counseling, supporting the spiritual well-being of the church community.
- Discipleship:
- Develop and oversee discipleship programs that foster spiritual growth and maturity.
- Actively participate in the discipleship programs the church offers.
Personal Responsibilities:
- Maintain God-ordained priorities in your life by putting Jesus Christ first, (if married) your spouse second, (if you have children) your children third, and the ministry fourth.
- Support and champion the overall mission and vision of Mercy Road Church amongst the congregation and in the community at large.
- Be loyal to the vision and staff of Mercy Road Family of Churches and always protect the unity of the Church.
- Invest and invite the lost to know Jesus and join God’s movement through Mercy Road Church.
- Tithe at least 10%
Qualifications:
- Education: Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or equivalent theological education from an accredited seminary.
- Experience: Minimum of 5-7 years of pastoral experience, including experience in a growing church setting.
- Skills: Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. Proven ability to manage change and growth effectively.
- Personal Qualities: Deep faith, integrity, humility, and a heart for service.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of connecting with diverse audiences.
- Compassionate and approachable, able to provide support and guidance to individuals and families.
- Proven leadership skills with the ability to inspire and mobilize staff, volunteers, and congregation members.
Expectations:
- Fully committed to the Mercy Road Family of Church’s mission, values, and doctrinal beliefs.
- Willing to adapt to changing circumstances and needs within the family of churches and community. Availability for evening and weekend events as needed.
- Engage in ongoing professional and spiritual development.
- The qualifications for LP shall include those listed in Chapter 3 of the first book of Timothy and Chapter 1 of the book of Titus.
- The LP shall affirm his/her agreement with the Statement of Faith of the Church and shall conduct himself/herself in a manner that is consistent therewith. The Lead Pastor must be willing to sign the Leadership Covenant.
- To be present for all Christmas and Holy Week/Easter gatherings, and necessary preparation time prior.
Benefits for this Full Time, Salaried Role:
- 15 days of Paid Time Off (starting rate, changes based on employee handbook)
- Reimbursement for up to $80/month for gym/well-being expenses.
- Reimbursement for up to $400/month for health insurance
- 3% retirement match through MMBB
- General sabbatical support (based on the employee handbook)