POSITION OVERVIEW

CrossWay Community Church of Milwaukee is prayerfully seeking a Full-Time Pastor to give primary oversight to discipleship and ministry operations. We have been a local church on the Milwaukee south side, since 2008, with a mission to, “Make maturing followers of Jesus by the power of the gospel.” We have always rented space in the city and are currently seeking permanent space to establish a rooted presence.

ROLE / RESPONSIBILITIES

The ideal candidate will have a pastoral impulse with skills of an executive pastor.

• Give primary oversight to discipleship strategies at CrossWay. This will include overseeing ministries such as, small groups, youth ministry, our, “Every Member Discipleship” initiative, and collaborating to organize training courses. 

• Give primary oversight to ministry operations. This will include giving attention to ensuring the church and all ministries remain aligned with our mission and vision, and overseeing church rhythms and transitions throughout the year. 

  • Note: While he will give primary oversight in these two areas, he will work in coordination with the other full-time pastor, the elder and deacon teams, the church administrator, along with others. In this way he shall be a catalyst in each area, not working alone. 

• Depending on his current abilities, the ideal candidate will initially preach 4 - 12 times per year. Additional teaching opportunities are available depending on desires and gifting. 

• This individual will also share in general pastoral care for the flock along with the other full-time pastor and the lay elder team.

• There will be further room to minister in additional ways according to the individual’s gifting, passions, and bandwidth (i.e. pastoral counseling, musical leadership, etc.).

• For candidates previously unknown to CrossWay, the role may require two years of service before being eligible to be a voting elder. Our church polity does not single out a senior pastor. The elder team delegates ministry tasks to full-time staff (among others). It would be expected for the candidate to enter the elder candidacy program, where he will gain eldering experience and testing, before being presented to the congregation to vote as one of their elders.

BENEFITS:

• Salary based on experience and education

• Health care contributions

• Retirement contributions

• FICA tax payment

• Three weeks of vacation per year

• Resource reimbursement (i.e. discretionary ministry account)

• Continuing Education account (classes/seminars/conferences)

• Sabbatical policy

• Clergy Housing Allowance eligibility 

ACCOUNTABILITY:

• Conducts ministry under the direction of, and is accountable to, the elder team

• Regularly reports ministry progress and challenges to the other full-time pastor and elder team, and collaborates with them on long-term strategies for ministry growth.

• An annual evaluation based on the job description will be provided by the other full-time pastor and elders to provide support and feedback.

QUALIFICATIONS

• The ideal candidate will have completed some formal theological education (Bachelor’s  in Bible, MDiv, etc.) with the willingness to obtain a MDiv within a reasonable time period.

• Willing to pursue ordination within the EFCA, to be completed within three years of the start date.

• Able to whole-heartedly affirm the EFCA Statement of Faith and clarifications laid out in the EFCA’s document “Where We Stand.”

• Able to whole-heartedly affirm CrossWay’s member Statement of Faith, and our Church Affirmations (particular theological positions that guide the teaching of CrossWay)

• Theological, philosophical, and relational compatibility with CrossWay.

• A clear testimony of faith in the Person and work of Jesus Christ.

• A deep love for and calling towards pastoral ministry.

• Exemplifies godly character, spiritual discipline, and leadership abilities in alignment with the biblical Elder qualifications given in 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; Ephesians 4:11-16; and 1 Peter 5:1-4.

• Pastoral heart with skills of an executive pastor.

• If married:

  • The candidate’s wife should support his calling and seek to actively engage with the church body and the larger community.

  • The candidate must be able to maintain a healthy balance between ministry and family responsibilities.

• Able to pass a full background criminal check.

• Organized, self-motivated, detail oriented, strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Proficient with tools such as Planning Center, Google Applications, and Microsoft Office.

• Team player and demonstrated humility.

• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to navigate and effectively mediate conflict in a manner consistent with biblical principles.

• Has clearly demonstrated his ability to preach and teach God’s Word.

• This position is subject to an 18-month probationary period.

How To Apply

To apply please submit the following to: admin@crosswaymilwaukee.org 

1. Cover Letter

2. Resume

3. On a separate document:

   • Name three books or persons that have shaped your view of pastoral ministry

   • Links to two recent sermons

   • 1-2 sentence explanation of where you land theologically.

   • The names and contact information (email and phone number) for three references:

     • One current or former pastor or elder.
     • One ministry leader or supervisor.
     • One personal reference (not a family member) who has known you for at least three years.