Assistant Pastor of Spiritual Formation: Strong Tower Church

Reformed Theological Seminary; Lakeland (FL); On-site; USD 71,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused church in Lakeland, FL is seeking an Assistant Pastor of Spiritual Formation. This full-time role involves guiding the congregation in spiritual growth, overseeing various ministries, and preaching regularly. Ideal candidates will have a Master’s degree in biblical studies, a minimum of 5 years of cross-cultural ministry experience, and a heart for community engagement. The position offers a competitive salary range and generous benefits.

Benefits

Health insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Car allowance

Cell phone stipend

Retirement stipend

Paid vacation

Sabbatical after 7 years

Qualifications

• Spiritual and character qualifications of an elder per 1 Tim. 3 and Titus 1.
• Prayerful and gifted in leadership and teaching.
• Cross-cultural ministry experience of minimum 5 years.

Responsibilities

• Shepherd and cultivate the congregation’s spiritual formation.
• Facilitate communication through various channels.
• Oversee ministries and ensure engagement with the community.

Skills

Leadership

Shepherding

Teaching

Counseling

Preaching

Education

Master’s Degree in biblical and theological studies

Job description

Overview

Assistant Pastor of Spiritual Formation: Strong Tower Church

Purpose of Position: To shepherd and cultivate the congregation’s spiritual formation by equipping people to grow in the gospel and connect with community.

Direct Report(s): Connect Group Leaders, Hospitality Team Director, Men’s Ministry Director, Women’s Ministry Director.

Responsibilities

• Character: Maintain personal spiritual growth and integrity in Christ, especially through Scripture, prayer, Sabbath, accountability, marriage, and parenting (where applicable).
• Pray for the ministries of the church, specific needs, and for each member or regular attender.
• Share the gospel, modeling and leading the congregation in evangelism.
• Communications: Attend weekly staff meetings and regular strategic meetings.
• Attend weekly worship services, Connect Groups, and special services.
• Facilitate communication through email, phone, social media, etc.
• Connect Ministries: Oversee and equip the Hospitality Team Director in providing a welcoming environment to guests and members at worship services.
• Follow up with and engage guests to connect them with the church.
• Oversee and equip the Men’s and Women’s Ministry Directors.
• Oversee Connect Groups—recruiting, coaching, and developing their leaders; communicate with the congregation, leaders, and guests to promote ongoing involvement in Connect Groups.
• Counsel and shepherd those in need within the church and community.
• Formation Institute: Oversee planning, teachers, content, and execution for Formation Workshops; oversee planning, teachers, content, and execution for Formation Cohorts or Classes (Sept – May); teach in the Formation Workshops, Cohorts, and Classes.
• Preach in worship services at least 10-12 times annually.
• Help to mentor and train people in the Pastoral Residency Program for gospel ministry.
• Support the overall ministry of the church by participating in regular meetings and the work of healthy discipleship and shepherding.

Time Commitment

This is a full-time paid position.

Compensation & Benefits

Starting salary/housing allowance range from $80,000-$90,000 annually, depending on experience and education. Benefits based on full-time status include health insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, a car allowance of $3,300, a cell phone stipend of $900, retirement stipend equal to 7.5% of salary, 4 weeks paid vacation (20 workdays including 4 Sundays), and a 3-month sabbatical after 7 years of full-time service.

Position Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Spiritual and character qualifications of an elder described in 1 Tim. 3 and Titus 1.
• Prayerful and gifted in leadership, shepherding, counseling, teaching, and preaching.
• Master’s Degree in biblical and theological studies.
• Ordained in the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) or ability to be ordained within 6 months.
• Cross-cultural ministry experience of minimum 5 years.

Application Deadline

01/31/2026

Job Type

Full Time

Salary Range

$71k-$90k

General Information

Church/Organization Name: Strong Tower Church

Contact Name & Contact Info: [phone], [e-mail]

Church: Presbyterian Church in America (PCA)

City, State: Lakeland, FL

Description of Organization

Mission: We make healthy disciples of Jesus who cultivate thriving communities.

Motives:

• Gospel - We live in the freedom and hope of God’s love in Jesus.
• Family - We pursue committed, cross-cultural community.
• Humility - We embrace our weakness and take the low place.
• Mercy - We give generously of ourselves for the good of others.
• Justice - We empower and include poor and marginalized people.