Doctrinal Statement
We believe:
In the word-by-word inspiration, inerrancy, and final authority of the Holy Scriptures.
In one God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit (the Trinity).
In the Lord Jesus Christ as true God and true man; His virgin birth, sinless humanity, substitutionary death, bodily resurrection, present advocacy, and His bodily return.
In the fall of man, resulting in his complete and universal separation from God and his need of salvation.
That the Lord Jesus Christ shed His blood and died as a sacrifice for the sins of every person in the whole world.
That salvation is a free and everlasting gift of God, entirely apart from works, received by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
That the Holy Spirit regenerates with divine life and personally indwells the believer upon faith in Christ for salvation.
In the bodily resurrection and unending life of the saved with the Lord and the bodily resurrection and unending punishment of the unsaved.
The church, beginning at Pentecost, is the body of Christ comprised of those who have trusted Jesus Christ as Savior.
It is the church’s responsibility to glorify Christ by preaching the gospel to the world and making disciples of all nations.
We hold and teach the following positions:
The rapture of the church and Christ’s premillennial return to the earth.
The historical-grammatical interpretation of the Bible.
That a soul once saved can never be lost.
The practice of believer’s baptism by immersion and regularly celebrating the Lord’s Supper (Communion).
That Biblical marriage is the uniting of one man and one woman in a lifetime commitment.
That legitimate sexual relations are exercised solely within the context of a Biblical heterosexual marriage. Our pastors, staff and members will not participate in same-sex unions as they are contrary to God’s Word.
That we respect the sanctity of life from conception to natural death.
Core Values:
The Word of God as our final authority
A Spirit-controlled life
Dependence on God
The role and responsibility of the local church in the Great Commission
Readiness to sacrifice for Christ and His church
Godly relationships and interdependence in ministry
Excellence and urgency in all we do to equip the Saints for the work of the ministry – Eph 4:12.
Senior Pastor Contract/Covenant
Ministry Title
Pastor
Qualifications
The Pastor shall be a believer in the Gospel and of the basic doctrines of faith, as stated in the Ottawa Community Church constitution. He must be a man. He will be working with our retiring Pastor through 2022 and assist him in areas including but not limited to Christian Education, Youth Work, Visitation, Music, and Counseling, as directed by the Pastor. When the retiring Pastor is absent, the new Pastor shall be accountable to the Leadership Team.
Skills Required:
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Communication skills both verbally and in writing to inform, persuade and comfort congregation members; a pastor’s communication skills are also important to communicate with church staff and the media if necessary
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The ability to keep information private when working with congregation members to better counsel and comfort church members in times of crisis; all Pastors should respect a congregation member’s privacy during and after pastoral counseling
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Knowledge of church software to manage church administrative duties
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Project management skills to work with the church administration in a timely manner
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Strong moral character to give a good religious example to the congregation
Ministry Purpose
The Senior Pastor shepherds the congregation after God’s example (Ezekiel 34:15-16; 1 Peter 5:1-3). He exemplifies personal devotion to private and corporate prayer (Acts 6:4); models proper interpretation and application of God’s Word (2 Timothy 2:15); preserves the church’s mission to make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20) by aligning the ministries and ministers of the church toward this purpose; leads the preaching and teaching ministry of God’s Word (Acts 6:4) and offers correction to the flock (2 Timothy 4:2); oversees the care of the flock (1 Peter 5:2); equips the saints for the ministries of the local church (Ephesians 4:12); and sets an example of godliness by managing his household well (1 Timothy 3:4) and living Christian holiness (1 Timothy 4:12).
The Church’s Expectations of the Pastor
In addition to the described requirements above, the Church should have the following biblical expectations of the pastor:
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Competency in ministry through the study of God’s Word and well-prepared sermons; and continued growth in the knowledge and application of God’s Word (2 Tim. 2:15; 3:16-17).
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Oversight of the ministries and staff of the church as a steward of God’s flock, exhibiting the character of our Good Shepherd (1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:7-8).
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Appropriate pastoral care for those who are lost, strayed, and sick (Ezekiel 34:15-16) and refraining from ignoring or undervaluing any part of the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:14-25).
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Availability of knowing how he can be contacted during the week and how he can be contacted while he is away from the church field.
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Leadership of worship services with propriety and order (1 Cor. 14:40), including setting and communicating expectations for those who assist in worship.
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Maintenance of the educational ministry of the church (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:9) for the equipping of the saints (Ephesians 4:12) so that believers will grow spiritually in Christ (Colossians 1:28).
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Cooperation with the board of directors and other leaders of the church ministries in overseeing the administration of the church (1 Timothy 3:3).
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Receive criticism with wisdom and righteousness (Proverbs 9:9), being quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger (James 1:17), knowing that a soft answer turns away wrath (Proverbs 15:1).
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Loyalty and adherence to the Church Discipline as an example of holiness and unity to the members (1 Timothy 4:12).
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Maintain integrity and a life without reproach (1 Tim. 3:2), being especially transparent and accountable when ministering to women.
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Management of his household in a way consistent with his calling to care for God’s church (1 Tim. 3:4-5), including marital fidelity (1 Tim. 3:2), raising children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Eph. 6:4), financial integrity (1 Tim. 3:3), and consistency of lifestyle in all places and times (1 Tim. 3:7).
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In concern for the pastor’s personal health, the church requests that the pastor should have a day of rest other than Sunday in which to rest from ordinary ministry-related activities. This day should be arranged in conjunction with the church administration and pastoral staff in order to maintain oversight of the church. Additionally, the pastor may have a second day each week in which is “on-call” only for emergencies.
The Pastor’s Expectations of the Church
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Enable the pastor’s experience as the shepherd of the flock of God (1 Peter 5:2) to be a joyful one by respecting his divine appointment and the oversight entrusted to him by God (Hebrews 13:17).
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Trust the pastor as a person of integrity dedicated to the welfare of the church (1 Timothy 3:1-7) and to Christian holiness (1 Timothy 4:12).
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Permit the pastor to devote himself primarily to prayer, the ministry of the Word of God (Acts 6:4), discipleship and equipping the saints for the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:12).
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Function as the body of Christ by serving according to one’s God-given gifts (1 Cor. 12-13); commit to be equipped for ministry (Eph. 4:12), mature in faith (Eph. 4:13-15), and cooperate for the growth and strengthening of the body of Christ in love (Eph. 4:16).
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Diligently promote unity within the local church by refraining from spreading dissent (1 Cor. 1:10) and recognizing that the pastor must please God before men (Acts 5:29; Galatians 1:10; 1 Thess. 2:4).
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Be unselfish and willing to sacrifice one’s personal comfort and preference for the best interest of the church and the glory of God (Philippians 2:3-5).
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Recognize the pastor’s authority to maintain the order of a public worship service (1 Cor. 14:40) and to approve or disapprove who is permitted to speak from the platform or the pulpit, or otherwise address the assembly of the church.
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Consult with the pastor about church affairs so that the church can benefit from his training and experience, and so that the work of the church can be coordinated (Acts 6:1-6).
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Review the worthiness of the pastor’s compensation each year (1 Timothy 5:17-18).
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Care and respect the pastor’s wife and children, recognizing that their sacrifice is great and often overlooked; recognize that the pastor’s time with his family is for the benefit of the church (1 Tim. 3:4-5). Recognize that the pastor’s wife and family are essential to the pastor’s ministry yet are not employees of the church.
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Pray for your pastor (Ephesians 6:18-19).
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Faithfully support the work of the local ministry through attendance and giving tithes and offerings. Communicate with the pastor when you will be absent from a corporate gathering.
Compensation and Benefits
Annual Salary: $60,000 This sum can be broken down however the Pastor wishes for insurance, housing allowance, retirement, and taxes with a 1099 turned in for his time. There must be a health insurance policy out of this salary, and the Leadership Team must approve the healthcare plan chosen.(1 Cor. 9:14; 1 Tim. 5:17-18; Gal. 6:6.)
Fuel Expense for Ministry: All ministry-related fuel expense is paid for by the church.
Debit Card: The pastor will possess a church debit card which should be used for ministry expenses. All receipts must be given to the treasurer and be categorized according to the budget set by the board of directors. A monthly allocation of $250 may be used by the pastor at his discretion. This allows the pastor ministry assistance for meeting people for lunch or coffee, obtaining ministry materials such as commentaries, or other expenses beyond the church budget.
Professional Development: Reasonable expenses associated with going to a conference once a year such as the Shepherd’s Conference.
Time Away: The pastor is strongly encouraged to take three weeks of vacation per year. This should be arranged in cooperation with the pastoral staff so that pastoral oversight of the church is maintained. Unused vacation time may not be carried to the following year. Additionally, the pastor may be absent from this field of service up to four weeks each year for ministry in other fields including one week for spiritual renewal.
Holidays: The pastor will be either “on-call” or unavailable in arrangement with other staff members for the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Friday following Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. When any of these holidays occur on a Sunday, an alternate day may be observed in addition to the weekly day of rest.
Paid Severance: If the pastor is dismissed or resigns for reasons other than moral, ethical, or doctrinal reasons or in order to assume other ministry responsibilities, he shall be paid three months’ salary as severance pay and shall not be expected to fill the pulpit or perform pastoral ministries during that time. Under ordinary circumstances, the pastor shall give the church no less than thirty days’ notice of his resignation. In the event of disability of the pastor, the church will continue full financial arrangement for up to six months.
Direct Reports and Review
Reports to and is supervised by the Leadership Team.
Reports annually to members of the local church.
This covenant will be reviewed annually by the Leadership Team.
Term of Employment
This covenant begins on___________________ as a partnering between the current Pastor, Parsram Venkatsammy, and the new pastor. They will work together through Dec. 31, 2022 as Pastor Sammy introduces the new Pastor to the congregation and the ministries in our community. During this period, specific duties will be as follows:
Pastoral Duties
Ottawa Community Church
It is the overall purpose of the Church to proclaim the Gospel of Christ in all its purity; to support the evangelistic outreach of the Church; to equip the Saints for the work of the ministry and to encourage all to give themselves unreservedly unto God for His service. Thus, all duties support this overarching goal.
Come alongside Pastor Sammy in filling the pulpit on Sunday mornings–gradually.
Member of the church Leadership Team with church administration assistance.
Greet church attenders each morning; follow up on new visitors.
Visitation of congregation–especially those in need of physical and spiritual aid.
Youth Ministry Leader on Sunday morning Bible study, Sunday evening Youth Group, mission trips and youth events.
Help with the AWANA group on Wednesday evenings.
Support all small group Bible Studies and church programs.
Serve as ex-officio on all church committees and meetings.
Support the community; work with local ministries. (Invocations for City and County Commission meetings, Hope House, Life Care Center, Ottawa Ministerial Alliance)
On January 1, 2023, the new pastor will become the senior pastor with his leadership and vision implemented. Pastor Sammy will continue to partner with the new pastor (with full salary) to help him succeed in his new role until Pastor Sammy officially retires on May 1, 2023.