Lead Pastor

Canadian Baptists of Ontario & Quebec; Windsor; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused church in Windsor is seeking a Lead Pastor to shepherd its Cantonese- and English-speaking congregations. The ideal candidate will have a Master of Divinity, minimum 5 years of pastoral experience, and fluency in Cantonese, English, and possibly Mandarin. Responsibilities include preaching, pastoral care, and community mission engagement. Applicants should demonstrate effective leadership and strong relational skills. A background in a Chinese church context is preferred but not mandatory.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years experience in pastoral ministry.
• Ability to work in a team and adapt to a diverse church environment.

Responsibilities

• Preach and teach the word of God faithfully.
• Provide pastoral care and counselling for members.
• Oversee development and strategic direction of the church.
• Lead community engagement and mission outreach.

Skills

Fluency in Cantonese

Fluency in English

Fluency in Mandarin

Pastoral care skills

Leadership and team-building

Education

Master of Divinity or equivalent

Graduate from an evangelical seminary

Job description

1071-1099 University Ave. W. Windsor, Ontario, Canada

We are seeking a passionate and spiritually mature pastor to shepherd our Cantonese- and English-speaking congregations. Fluency in Mandarin will be a definite asset. We expect the successful candidate to excel in preaching, teaching, and providing spiritual counselling and discipleship. Following the Baptist faith and practice is essential.

Overview of Church and Community

The Windsor Chinese Baptist Church is a trilingual church, serving Cantonese, English, and Mandarin-speaking congregations. We have 50 to 60 full time members. We also serve students from China who attend the University of Windsor.

The WCBC is located in downtown Windsor, a couple of blocks from the beautiful Detroit River. Our latitude is similar to Northern California. As a result, our winters are usually milder and warmer than the rest of Ontario. The Windsor community is multi-ethnic and multi-cultural. We welcome newcomers with open arms. We have excellent Italian, Arabic, Indian, and Asian cuisines. A mega-hospital is currently under construction. The Western University has a medical school campus here with training of undergraduate and postgraduate learners in medicine. We have one of the most beautiful skylines in North America.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Master of Divinity or equivalent
• Applicant should graduate from an evangelical seminary
• At least 5 years experience in pastoral ministry and exposure to the North American settings
• Fluency in Cantonese, English, and/or Mandarin
• Ability to work in a team and adapt to a diverse church environment

Role and Responsibilities

The Lead Pastor will serve as the spiritual shepherd and organizational leader of Windsor Chinese Baptist Church, providing Christ-centred leadership in preaching, teaching, pastoral care, and mission. Working in partnership with the church board and ministry leaders, the Lead Pastor will:

• Spiritual Leadership: Preach and teach the word of God faithfully, contextually, and effectively to a bilingual and multicultural congregation (Mandarin/Cantonese and English where appropriate)
• Pastoral Care: Provide pastoral care, counselling, and visitation for members across all generations. Shepherd families and individuals through significant life stages (weddings, baptisms, funerals, crisis care, etc.). Encourage reconciliation and unity where conflict arises.
• Leadership and Administration: Oversee the development, vision, and strategic direction of the church in alignment with its mission. Supervise and mentor pastoral staff, ministry leaders, and volunteers. Partner with the church board in governance, administration, and stewardship of resources.
• Community and Mission Engagement: Lead the church in evangelism and mission, locally and globally. Equip the congregation to reach both Chinese-speaking and English-speaking communities. Build bridges between generations, cultures, and languages within the church and neighbourhood.

Preferred Skills

A mature, personal relationship with Jesus Christ and a clear sense of pastoral calling. Theological education (Master of Divinity or equivalent preferred). Fluency in Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese) and proficiency in English; ability to minister in both languages is a strong asset. Strong preaching and teaching skills, with cultural awareness to connect across generations. Demonstrated ability in pastoral care, counselling, and spiritual formation. Effective leadership and team-building skills, with experience mentoring staff and lay leaders, Administrative competence: able to manage time, priorities, and organizational responsibilities. Cross-cultural sensitivity and the ability to foster unity in a bilingual/multicultural congregation. Experience in a Chinese church context preferred but not required.