JOB TITLE: Senior Pastor
HOURS: Full-Time/Salaried/Exempt/Pastoral Staff
PURPOSE:
The Senior Pastor is God’s called and gifted leader and advocate for Riverwood’s vision and mission for the purposes of leading, modeling, and teaching God’s ways.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Spiritual
● Commitment to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord
● Leadership, giftedness in ministry, and willingness to serve (1 Peter 5: 2-3)
● Spiritually grounded, i.e. not a new believer (1 Timothy 3:6)
● Ability to communicate biblical knowledge (1 Timothy 3:2)
● Good reputation within and outside the church (1 Timothy 3:2, 7; Titus 1:6)
● Self-control and biblical attitudes in relationships (1 Timothy 3:2-3, Titus 1: 6-7)
● Measure of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)
Education and Experience
● Completed a Master of Divinity degree with an accredited evangelical seminary
OR
● Completed a Bachelor’s degree in ministry from a Christian College and a willingness to complete further education
● Five or more years of previous pastoral experience (may be as associate, youth, or lay leader)
Requirements
● Commitment to Riverwood’s statement of faith, vision, purposes, values, and people
● Participating member of Riverwood (see Constitution, Article Four) or will become one
● Baptism by Immersion or willingness to be baptized
ACCOUNTABILITY:
● Accountable to: God, Riverwood’s vision, Board of Elders
● Accountable for: Board of Elders, Riverwood’s mission and strategic plan, Riverwood staff
RESPONSIBILITIES & EXPECTATIONS:
Spiritual Leadership
● Develop and lead weekly Sunday Celebrations that glorify and worship God
● Prepare and deliver Biblically based messages for Sunday Celebrations
○ Provide relevant and practical application of the scriptures to the everyday life
● Take responsibility for Riverwood’s regular practice of the biblical ordinances of baptism and communion
● Participate at weddings, funerals, etc. as needed and as determined by the Board of Elders
● Oversee adult, youth, and children’s education programs
Leadership Development
● Participate on Board of Elders, incorporating leader development as a component
● Develop and oversee Ministry Team meetings for the purpose of leader development
● Lead and mentor Riverwood staff, including hiring and arranging training
○ Perform annual, documented evaluations with Riverwood staff
○ Evaluate healthy functioning of ministry teams alongside Board of Elders
● Provide opportunities for all involved with Riverwood to discover and utilize God-given gifts
● Enrich personal leadership skills through leadership seminars, coursework, books, etc.
Vision-Casting
● Work together with Board of Elders in discerning, promoting, and implementing God’s vision and direction for Riverwood to achieve its stated mission
Guide & Model
● Petition the Lord in prayer for Riverwood and it’s people
● Personal relational evangelism with the unchurched and lost
● Maintain a weekly Sabbath and a daily habit of spiritual disciplines
● Pursue growth through study and education, both as a pastor and as a person
● Live a balanced and healthy lifestyle
● Maintain personal accountability with a mentor
Pastoral Care
● Provide counsel in crisis situations for a maximum of four sessions (more in-depth counseling will be referred and/or coordinated through other ministries)
● Ensure relational care is taking place through small groups, coaching, and other relationships
● Affirm, thank, and recognize Riverwood family and special guests for their contributions, especially those who provide an exceptional and/or excellent ministry to the Kingdom
Community Connection & Beyond
● Participate in Converge North Central, including statewide church planting strategies
● Establish and ensure Riverwood’s community involvement with the area body of Christ.
● Contribute to the local paper as requested