Lead Pastor

The Groundswell Church; Burlington; Hybrid; CAD 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Groundswell Church in Burlington seeks a Lead Pastor to champion evangelistic outreach, cast vision, and shepherd a growing faith community. The role includes preaching, teaching, and building missional programs while guiding staff and volunteers.

Ideal candidates have 3–4 years of Canadian pastoral experience, with bi-vocational flexibility; Master’s or seminary training preferred, licencing with Central Canadian District or willingness to pursue licencing.

Qualifications

• 3–4 years pastoral experience in a Canadian church.
• Preaching experience with strong preparation and delivery.
• Credentialed/licensed with the Central Canadian District or willing to pursue licencing.
• Masters or seminary training preferred; Bible college diploma acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Lead Evangelistic outreach and vision casting for the church.
• Equip the church through preaching, teaching, and growth initiatives.
• Oversee operations with the Lead Team, Staff, and Ministry Leaders.

Skills

Pastoral leadership

Preaching experience

Licensing readiness

Education

Master’s degree/seminary training

Bible college diploma acceptable

Job description

Groundswell began in early 2018 as several families sought God’s direction for the next chapter of their spiritual journey. Together, they envisioned a church rooted in biblical orthodoxy, committed to the authority of Scripture, intentional in sharing the Gospel, devoted to helping people grow in Christ, and passionate about serving the community.

Today, Groundswell is an intimate, vibrant, diverse ‘Developing’ Alliance church in Burlington’s Tansley Woods area, serving as a bridge for those exploring faith, returning to Jesus, or seeking to deepen their walk with Him alongside fellow believers.

We are seeking a self-starter who loves people to champion our church’s mission and core values. This leader will serve alongside the Groundswell family to further strengthen the church and advance God’s Kingdom through evangelistic outreach.

Accountability

• To the Central Canadian District – through our District Superintendent.
• To the Groundswell Lead Team which provides oversight

Primary Responsibilities

• Evangelistic Leader/Vision-caster

Works with the Lead Team and congregation to advance the church’s mission of reaching people with the Gospel.

• Preacher /teacher

Equips the church through preaching, teaching, and other opportunities that deepen understanding of the full Gospel, foster tangible growth, and mobilize the church to action.

Other Responsibilities: Ensuring church stability

• Oversees and works with the Lead Team, Church Administrator, and Ministry Leaders, to create rhythms and opportunities that invite and support congregational involvement at all levels
• Works within the established systems, structures, and administrative day to day operations of the church, while introducing new concepts and processes to further grow the church

Developing and supporting an effective missional outreach

• Engages with members through teaching, equipping, coaching and prayer to encourage members as they grow and pursue the Mission of the church

Education

We prefer candidates with a master’s degree (in a related field) or seminary training, but we will consider applicants with a Bible college diploma or degree. Applicants currently completing their biblical studies and seeking part‑time work are also welcome to apply.

Experience

We prefer candidates with at least 3 - 4 years of pastoral experience, ideally including evidence of the skills and character needed to support the church’s future growth and health. This may include:

• Has been or are prepared to be a ‘bi-vocational’ pastor.
• Preaching experience, displaying superior skills in both preparation and delivery of biblical messages.
• Experience within a Canadian church.
• Having been part of a church that has experienced growth and development.
• Some multicultural experience - working in areas where multicultural and ethnic sensibilities are needed.
• Being credentialed/licensed with the Central Canadian District of the Alliance Canada - or the willingness to pursue licencing.

Leadership Style

We are seeking a servant leader who leads by example, demonstrates strong character and conviction, and communicates with grace. We prayerfully seek a candidate of integrity and emotional maturity who is excited to help a smaller church family grow into an impactful community church serving Burlington and beyond.

The successful candidate will thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented environment and will:

• See prayer as a priority. (We are a ‘Pray First’ church).
• Address today’s culture by applying the Word of God with accuracy and grace
• Emphasize disciple making and equipping the church for outreach
• Be open to dialogue about debatable (gray) issues.

Employment Details

• Lead Pastor - Permanent Part-Time (20 hrs. per week) Our prayer is that this position will lead into a full-time position over time.
• Location – work from home and attend services at Tansley Woods Community Centre
• Contract position - $2500. A month (no benefits)
• The Lead Pastor will:

• Preach an average of 1-2 times per month, while arranging outside speakers to complement in-house teaching.
• Work collaboratively with the Lead Team, staff, and Ministry Leaders to support the church’s growth, maturity, and outreach.
• Develop staff, Ministry Leaders, and volunteers in ministries that require additional leadership support.
• Participates in the life of the church through Sunday attendance, Home Group involvement and outreach activities
• Maintain an active connection with the Central Canadian District to ensure appropriate support and oversight.

Please note

An offer of employment for the position of Lead Pastor at The Groundswell Church is conditional upon successful completion of; a) pre-employment background check and b) Vulnerable Sector Police Check.

Interested candidates must be - or be willing to become - ordained and licensed with the Central Canadian District of the Christian and Missionary Alliance in Canada.

Successful candidates must agree with and adhere to the Statement of Faith, Constitution, by‑laws and policies of The Groundswell Church and the Christian and Missionary Alliance in Canada.