Berean is seeking a full-time Associate Pastor to serve as the Senior Pastor’s right-hand partner in ministry. While the title is “Associate Pastor,” the function is truly Executive and Discipleship Pastor.
This shepherd-leader will:
– Oversee and lead staff and operations with passion and excellence.
– Champion a culture of discipleship “from birth to burial,” that believes discipleship is best lived out through small groups gathered in homes.
– Take vision and make it reality—building systems, empowering staff, and supporting a thriving church family.
This is a rare opportunity for a gifted leader-integrator who can complement and collaborate with a Senior Pastor called to lead primarily through preaching, vision, and mobilization.
Key Responsibilities
Staff, Operational, & Volunteer Leadership (50%)
Lead, develop, manage church staff and volunteers to A-level excellence, passion, and unity.
Build and steward lean, high-capacity systems and structures that strengthen ministry (“trellis work”) so the people of Berean (“the vine”) can flourish in their walk with Jesus and mission to their neighbors.
Ensure effective operations, communication, and follow-through in alignment with Berean’s mission, vision, values, and culture.
Discipleship & Spiritual Formation (35%)
Champion with senior pastor a holistic approach to discipleship across all ages and stages of life.
Oversee and strengthen Berean’s small group ministry as the primary environment for spiritual growth, care, and mission.
Develop leaders and curate resources that help members live as disciples who make disciples in Creston, throughout Grand Rapids, and beyond.
Pastoral Ministry (15%)
Share in general shepherding, occasional preaching/teaching, counseling, and pastoral care responsibilities as needed.
Partner closely with the Senior Pastor, functioning as a “second chair” leader—providing wisdom, support, and execution strength.
Desired Qualifications
Calling & Character: A clear call to pastoral ministry with a proven track record of Christlike humility, integrity, and maturity.
Leadership Gifting: Demonstrated ability to lead people, systems, and projects with excellence.
Relational Capacity: A shepherd’s heart who loves people, yet also thrives in organizational leadership.
Team Builder: Experienced in leading and developing staff and volunteers.
Discipleship Focused: Passion for seeing people grow as followers of Jesus, especially through small groups and relational environments.
Education & Experience: M.Div. or equivalent theological training preferred; experience in pastoral leadership strongly desired.
Reporting & Relationships
Reports directly to the Senior Pastor.
Serves as part of the pastoral team and leads the staff and volunteer leadership team.
Participates as an ex officio member of Deacon Board.
Collaborates with Small Groups, Facilities, and Finance Teams as an ex officio member.
Accountable to the congregation through the Deacon Board.
Compensation & Benefits
Full-time, salaried position.
Competitive compensation and benefits package according to experience and education.
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