CONNECTIONS PASTOR

REQUIREMENTS

Character:

  • A man of established Christian character, sound in faith and doctrine; qualified to be apastor-elder (1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:7-9).
  • Embodies a maturing disciple, as laid out in our Ministry Map documents.

Convictions:

  • Fully embraces First Free’s Ministry Map documents (our mission and vision).
  • In full agreement with the EFCA’s Statement of Faith and willing to pursue credentials.

Competence:

  • Meets competence qualifications for pastor-elder: able to teach, leads his own family well, not a recent convert (1 Tim 3; Tit. 1).
  • Compelling communicator with proven track record of effectively equipping and mobilizing people for ministry. Must be able to recruit, train, develop and motivate ministry leaders.
  • Gifted at networking and facilitating relationships.
  • Proven track record of putting systems and processes in place that help a church advance its mission.
  • Must have sufficient technological skills to implement systems and processes. A working knowledge of Microsoft Office and the ability to use CCB, our web-based management software.
  • Results-focused leadership with persuasive interpersonal skills adaptable to a variety of personalities and situations.
  • Competent expositor that is able to connect with a large group of diverse people through preaching.
  • Bachelor’s degree required with advanced degree and/or theological education desired.

Chemistry:

  • Lives in accord with First Free’s Membership Covenant.
  • Collaborates and works well with staff team, elders and others.
  • Is highly relational. Enjoys and thrives in connecting relationally with the staff and the congregation.
  • A life-long learner with a teachable spirit and a desire to continually improve.
  • Hospitable, with a warm and welcoming attitude.
  • Joyful attitude and a humble spirit.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Assimilation

  • Oversee Next Steps process for visitors.

-Ensure there are excellent and clear systems/processes in place to help new people get connected at First Free. This will involve evaluating and changing the current process as needed and oversight of the membership process. This will also involve working with the Next Steps Administrative Assistant.

-Ensure that visitors clearly understand the pathway and goals of connecting with First Free and help them connect with a small group. This will involve working with our Communications Director.

-Equip and mobilize others to do this ministry.

  • Oversee hospitality and assimilation deacons (includes deacons over ushers, greeters, meal ministry, new family check-in, coffee connection, closer look, new members and welcome center) ensuring they understand the significance of their ministries and are equipped to serve so that our visitors receive excellent hospitality.

Managing the Membership

  • Serve the pastors and elder board in their responsibility to keep watch over the flock, ensuring that the mission of the church is advancing in those who have been entrusted to our pastoral care.
  • Oversee Next Steps process for regular attenders who are not yet members (similar to Next Steps responsibilities for assimilation).
  • Oversee membership’s faithfulness to the membership covenant.

-Establish systems that ensure that our pastors and elders have a clear picture of who is and isn’t reasonably connected to First Free, as measured by our Membership Covenant. (This includes attendance, serving, giving, community, evangelism/missions involvement, etc.). This will involve significant involvement with our church management software.

-Facilitate greater connection among our members and helping people engage in a small group, according to our Membership Covenant. This will involve collaborating with others on the team who have opportunities for people to serve and responsibilities over giving, small groups, classes, missions/evangelism, etc.

-Work with other ministry staff members to help avoid conflicting volunteer opportunities across departments (e.g. 2 or 3 ministries recruiting the same person) and to maximize people’s spiritual gifts, through education and placement.

  • Oversee retention process

-Develop and implement biblical and pastoral processes for those who have low attendance. This will involve collaborating with staff and elders who will execute the retention process at the pastoral/ground level

-Help ensure that those who are moving away from First Free are transitioning to gospel-centered churches.

Pastoral Duties

  • Participate in general pastoral duties as needed: visitation, counseling, weddings, funerals, etc.
  • Work with the preaching team and preach 6-10 times per year.

Model Faithfulness to our Mission

  • Growing in the grace of the gospel personally and help others to do the same.
  • Going wide with the gospel personally and help others to do the same.