Key Areas of Ministry – Pastors

Detailed here are the different key areas of ministry that a pastor could be responsible for. This document can be used for the planning process and also to assist in the annual review of the Pastor’s ministry.

Key Area of Ministry / Definition
Personal Spiritual Growth / The acts of attention to God in relation to the Pastor, the church and other people – prayer life, time spent in scripture, and awareness of personal spiritual direction.
Preaching / Take responsibility for the preaching ministry and ensure ample time for preparation/reflection on the Word, and commitment to listen for God’s voice and its implications for individuals, the church, the community and the world.
Evangelism / Seek to lead people to make decisions for Christ and encouraging their participation in the local church and to work with church members to do the same
Prayer life / Encourage a deeper commitment to individual and corporate prayer in the life of the church.
Interpreting the Faith / Communicate a comprehensive understanding of the Bible and Christian theology in terms relevant to people's lives
Spiritual Life Development / Provide opportunities for individuals or groups to understand and enhance the spiritual dimensions of their personal lives through active encouragement and use of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Church growth / Develop and maintain the church's outreach strategies, programs and activities for the building of the Kingdom of God
Leadership development / Seek to recognise and call forth the potential of people as leaders, providing opportunities for their training and growth.
Communication / Keep people, both within the church family and in the community, informed through the use of relevant (and timely) communication channels.
Pastoral Care / The provision of pastoral care in the healing, guiding, supporting, reconciling, nurturing, liberating, and empowering of people in whatever situation they find themselves.
Facilitating Ministries / Developing and reviewing the vision, mission, values and goals of the various ministries of the church. Review and make necessary changes to ensure they function appropriately. Encouraging ministry areas to grow and develop ongoing ministry opportunities
Community relationships/ Outreach / Maintain active involvement in the community and fully support an outwardly focused vision for the church.
Train and equip / Provision of development and resources to enable church leaders and members to fulfill their ministry obligations.
Set direction and strategies / Formulate clear and structured plans for both short and long term goals of the church.
Manages the churches resources / Focuses community, individual and team efforts to achieve results. Manages ministry team gaps, delegates tasks and actively resolves individual and team performance issues.
Empower others / Instills commitment and motivation in individuals and the ministry team. Able to align others to the church vision, and is seen as a role model for the church in their personal walk with God. Empowers and provides clear direction to others and clearly leads by example
Manage Giftings / Develops team gifts/capabilities and actively supports development. Coaches and counsels individuals to manage their gifts and ministries
Counselling / Provide opportunities for people to enter a healing relationship
Worship / Develop strategy and plans for the growth of a vibrant worship & creative arts ministry incorporating worship leaders, musicians, singers, technicians (sound, data, multi-media) and creative arts (dance and drama).
Youth / Establish and manage ministries to youth, young adults and their families.
Children/ Families / Nurturing the faith formation of children and families within the church and in the community.
Seniors / Establish and manage ministries to the older members of the church.
Stewardship / Promote, educate, and advocate responsible biblical stewardship in the congregation. Assist with financial matters of the congregation.
Administration / Manage/oversee the administrative tasks associated with ministry to ensure the smooth functioning of the church.
Mission