Associate Pastor

Acts 29; Brea (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Calvary Community Church of Brea seeks an Associate Pastor to care for the congregation, especially young adults (18–30). The role centers on biblical teaching, shepherding, and ministry leadership within a community-focused church in Brea, CA.

The candidate will preach regularly, lead teams, and manage ministry budgets, with a long-term commitment to the church culture and family immersion. Ordination is not required, with at least 5 years of ministry experience expected.

Qualifications

• Ordination is not required.
• At least 5 years of ministry experience.
• Theological alignment with EFCA articles of faith, complementarian, Reformed, and traditional views on marriage and human sexuality.

Responsibilities

• Lead Young Adults period focus and oversee Refuge events, mentoring, and outreach.
• Preach and teach weekly as part of the rotation.
• Provide administration and budget oversight for ministries (portfolio $50k–$100k).
• Possibly oversee Adult Discipleship, Missions, and Local Outreach.

Skills

Preaching & Teaching

Leadership

Communication

Job description

Calvary Community Church of Breais a long-standing Christian church rooted in deep biblical teaching and community life. Founded in 1925, the church began its ministry in North Orange County and has flourished for over a century as a place where people can worship, grow in faith, and live out the message of Jesus in their everyday lives.

In 2011, the congregation moved to its current location at 603 Valencia Avenue in Brea and adopted the nameCalvary Community Church of Breato reflect its community focus and ministry context.

The church places a strong emphasis on biblical teaching, meaningful worship, discipleship, and outreach, striving to help individuals connect with God, deepen their spiritual journey, and serve others locally and beyond.

About the Associate Pastor

The Associate Pastor will work closely with the pastoral staff of Calvary Community, caring for the needs of the flock with an emphasis on young adults (18- to 30-year-olds).

The Associate Pastor's responsibilities include:

Responsibilities

• Leading Young Adults ("Refuge"): Teaching the Word of God, organizing events (for example winter retreats or outreach opportunities), counseling, shepherding and equipping young adults to live in sincerity and faithfulness to God (Joshua 24:14).
• Preaching and Teaching: Faithfully teaching the Bible, speaking truth into the lives of the congregation, and preaching during weekend services as part of the rotation.
• Administration and Oversight: Supervising 2 to 5 volunteers and managing a departmental budget of $50,000 to $100,000. The pastor must have adequate administrative skills to ensure smooth operation of the ministries for which he is responsible.
• Expanding Ministry Reach: Depending on the candidate's specific gifts, responsibilities could include oversight of Adult Discipleship, Missions, and/or Local Outreach.
• Pastoral Care: Investing relationally in the congregation, speaking into people’s lives, balancing moral standards with grace and forgiveness.
• Long-Term Expectation: A major underlying responsibility is for the candidate to immerse himself and his family in the church's unique culture and DNA.

What you bring

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Associate Pastor:

Education and Experience

• Ordination is not required.
• At least 5 years of ministry experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge

• Theological Foundation: The candidate must possess theological knowledge, specifically aligning with the church's conservative stance and the EFCA articles of faith. This also includes being firmly complementarian, leaning Reformed, and holding traditional views on marriage and human sexuality.
• Biblical Viewpoint:He must believe that the Scriptures are verbally inspired, inerrant, and infallible. The church holds Wayne Grudem, D.A. Carson, John Piper, and John MacArthur in high esteem.
• Cultural Understanding:He needs an understanding of the modern cultural landscape and the specific challenges faced by young adults (18- to 30-year-olds), including the ability to navigate these issues biblically.

Skills

• Preaching and Teaching: The candidate must be highly skilled at faithfully teaching the Word of God, not shying away from difficult subjects or hard books of the Bible. He will be asked to preach during weekend services on a rotation basis.
• Leadership:The candidate must be able to mobilize and equip teams, articulate visionand inspire others to follow.
• Communication: The candidate should be able to exercise good verbal and written communication skills to connect with congregants.

Abilities and Personal Traits

• Self-Starter:The candidate must have the drive to manage his day-to-day activities and responsibilities.
• Authenticity: The ability to be real. The church values transparency and sincerity, so the pastor must be comfortable sharing his reallife challenges with the congregation and the leadership.
• Relational: The ability to connect with people. He must demonstrate empathy and compassion for the body. He should be able to actively pursue relationships with others.
• Balancing Discipline and Grace:The candidate must be willing to stand firmly on moral standards and not shy away from church discipline (Matthew 18) when necessary, while simultaneously possessing the ability to be forgiving and full of grace toward those struggling.
• Humility: He must be a team player with a servant's heart who is teachable, collaborative, and willing to contribute to church events and ministries as needed.

What it's like to live in Brea, CA

Living in Brea, California offers a blend of suburban comfort and small-city charm with easy access to the larger Los Angeles area. The city is known for its clean, tree-lined streets, well-maintained neighborhoods, and safe environment, making it ideal for families and professionals alike. Residents enjoy a vibrant local culture with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, including the Brea Mall, seasonal festivals, and a thriving arts scene. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the many parks, trails, and nearby hills, which are perfect for hiking, biking, and enjoying Southern California's sunny weather. Overall, Brea combines convenience, community, and quality of life, giving residents a friendly and balanced lifestyle while staying connected to the broader opportunities of Orange County.