Pastor

Biblical Qualifications (I Peter 5:1-4; Titus 1:5-9; I Timothy 3:1-10)

Pastor’s Job Description
The pastor’s primary ministry is to, with the support and encouragement of the other Elders, Lead, Teach/Preach and Love ACC so that the Body can fulfill its mission to make disciples who Love Christ, Love people and Serve in Love. (Matthew 28:19-20, Matt. 22:37, Mark10:43)
Below are some scriptures and job responsibilities that we have put together to help describe our desires and direction for our new Pastor.

Lead
“Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine” (I Timothy 5:17)
“Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly” (I Peter 5:2)
“Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy
Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:.28).
• Serve as an official member of the Board of Elders • Discern, with the board of elders, ministry leaders and members, the active vision of ACC. • Manifest a passion and cast a clear vision and yearly plan to fulfill our purpose. • Mentor elders and emerging leaders who will serve on a ministry team to support ACC’s purpose and vision.

Teaching and Preaching
“…some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of the minis-try, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-12).
“Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine” (I Timothy 5:17)
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (I Timothy 3:16-17) • Preach and teach the word of God with accuracy, clarity, and relevance. • Guard the church from doctrinal error • Give direction and guidance concerning roles and responsibilities as the
scripture teaches us.

Love (Shepherding) the Flock of God
“Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly” (I Peter 5:2)
“Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28).
• Compassionate: Love the flock of God as Christ loves the Church. • Minister to those with spiritual needs • Visit the sick, shut-in and bereaved. • Conduct weddings, funerals, baptisms, baby dedications and other such services.
• Personal Attributes and Skills
• Age Range and Marital State. 35 and up, mature, preferred married. • Fit for the area: Someone who could be happy in a suburban town of 1500 with a surrounding area of 100,000 plus, near St Cloud, MN, about 1 hour from Minneapolis, MN. Able to work with and guide couples with a Catholic background toward a deeper walk with the Lord and understanding of the Bible. • Devotion. We desire a Pastor with a consistent prayer life, daily devotional time and a consistent walk with the Lord. • Relational Skills. Loving and caring for all. • Teaching Ability. skilled in Bible study, expository, topical teaching and preaching. • Organizational Skills. Organized and technologically competent. • Evangelism. Believes in the necessity for the church to reach out to unbelievers. The gift of evangelism is not necessary but a heart for the lost is required.

Ministry Experience and Age
ACC’s pastor should have five or more years of pastoral leadership experience (e.g., service as an associate, youth, or senior pastor). He should be able to list ways in which relational skills, leadership, evangelism, organizational skills, and teaching ability were demonstrated during that time.

Doctrines and Beliefs
Our Pastor must be in wholehearted agreement with the statement of faith of our church (see our Constitution), which follows the Doctrine of The 4 C Conference and be able and willing to join that conference as a pastor.

Formal Education
A Masters Degree in Theology is preferred; a Bachelor’s Degree is required.

Preaching Style
Preaching style should be expository, as well as topical. The style should be genuine and relational. The pastor should have a capacity and willingness to weave into sermons how God is working in his own life and ministry on a day-to-day basis.

Organization Skills
He should be organized, able to delegate, and able to lead with a team mentality.

Small Groups
Small Groups are essential to ACC’S mission. Therefore, the Pastor shall be involved in and work with the ACC Adult CE Ministry team.

Sunday Worship Style
He must be comfortable with a blended worship style of worship that includes hymns as well as contemporary spiritual songs.

Finances
He will at times provide sermons related to giving and stewardship. He is expected to give financially to the church, just as any other member does.

Visitation
The pastor has a responsibility to shepherd God’s flock (I Pet. 5:2) Part of this responsibility is to visit those who are ill or bereaved as needed. The pastor should build relationships with other members of the body through attendance of social events and visits in homes.

Outreach
The pastor has a responsibility to reach out personally to the community. He should be motivated to reach both unbelievers and believers to build the church body and should work to establish a church-wide focus on relationship-based evangelism.

Counseling
While the pastor should be a shepherd and capable of providing the guidance that a shepherd might bring (e.g. premarital counseling, giving of comfort), long-term psychological or serious marital counseling should be referred to counselors.

Hours per Week in Ministry The incoming pastor must be energetic and in good health. He must be willing to work
diligently and intentionally. A work week of 40-50 hours will be normal.

Study Time
The pastor will spend approximately 30-40% of his working hours in Bible study, ministry preparation and sermon preparation.

Days Off per Week
The Pastor is encouraged to take 2 days off per week. The church will strive to protect this time. Presently the Interim Pastor takes off Friday and Saturday when possible.

Role of Pastor’s Wife
The pastor’s wife should be supportive of her husband’s ministry. She should be whole-heartedly in agreement with the church’s doctrine, mission, and values. She is expected to be involved in a supportive small group and to be ministering in some way within the body using her gifts.

Attendance at Conferences, Seminars, Workshops and Missions Trips
The Pastor will be an active participant and supporter of the 4 C District and the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference. The pastor should find opportunities to recharge through mentoring relationships and attending a pastoral support group. Attendance of conferences, retreats, seminars, and various other training and educational events is encouraged as time and finances permit.

Compensation and Benefits
The Pastor’s total salary package will be broken down into salary, housing, auto expense, health insurance, and retirement. Presently this is in the 90k area.

Vacation and Continuing Education: For Pastors with 5 years of previous ministry, three weeks of paid vacation will be allotted, for those with 10 years of ministry four weeks and five weeks after fifteen years of ministry. Continuing education time will be provided as needed.