Associate Pastor

First Central Bible Church); Chicopee (MA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

First Central Bible Church is seeking a Full-Time Associate Pastor to join their pastoral team in Chicopee, Massachusetts. The role involves teaching, leadership, and shepherding the church community. Candidates should have at least 5 years of ministry experience and theological training such as a Master of Divinity.

The Associate Pastor will work closely with the Lead Pastor to guide the church’s vision, develop people, and engage the community. Strong teaching gifts and spiritual maturity are essential.

Qualifications

• Clear testimony of faith in Jesus Christ and a life marked by spiritual maturity.
• Minimum of 5 years of ministry experience in a local church setting.
• Demonstrated gifting in teaching and communication.

Responsibilities

• Share regular preaching and teaching responsibilities with the Lead Pastor.
• Serve as an elder participating in the spiritual leadership of the church.
• Provide leadership and direction to ministry areas based on gifting.

Skills

Teaching and communication

Team-oriented leadership

Spiritual maturity

Flexibility in engaging with diverse age groups

Education

Master of Divinity (M.Div) or similar theological training

Job description

Position Title: Associate Pastor

Reports to: Lead Pastor

Status: Full-Time

Location: First Central Bible Church – Chicopee, Massachusetts

Church Overview

First Central Bible Church exists to glorify God through making and maturing disciples of Jesus. We are an elder‑led church with approximately 120 members and a growing commitment to Biblical teaching, gospel‑centered community, and personal evangelistic outreach. Located in Chicopee, Massachusetts, we are multi‑generational and focused on helping people live out faithful obedience to Christ in everyday life.

Position Summary

The Associate Pastor will serve as a key member of the pastoral team. He will help carry the shepherding and teaching load of the church. He should have previous church leadership experience and a strong teaching gift and thrive in a dynamic, fast‑paced ministry environment.

He must meet the biblical qualifications for eldership and, if affirmed by the church, will serve as an elder alongside the Lead Pastor and elder team. Specific ministry responsibilities will be shaped around his unique strengths, with potential areas of oversight including discipleship, small groups, young adults, or next‑generation ministry. This is a strategic position that supports the overall vision of the church by developing people, deepening community, and strengthening biblical engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Share regular preaching and teaching responsibilities with the Lead Pastor, with a goal of preaching at least once per month and teaching in other settings as needed
• Serve as an elder, actively participating in the shepherding, oversight, and spiritual leadership of the body
• Provide leadership and direction to one or more ministry areas based on gifting (e.g., discipleship, small groups, young adults, or next gen)
• Equip and train volunteer leaders for ministry effectiveness
• Participate in pastoral care, counseling, and visitation as needed
• Collaborate with the Lead Pastor and elder team in vision alignment, ministry planning, and church‑wide initiatives
• Support and participate in church‑wide events, retreats, and seasonal programming

Qualifications

• A clear testimony of faith in Jesus Christ and a life marked by spiritual maturity and integrity
• Meets the biblical qualifications of an elder (1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9)
• Demonstrated gifting in teaching and communication, both publicly and interpersonally
• A minimum of 5 years of ministry experience in a local church setting
• Agreement with the church’s doctrinal statement and alignment with complementarian convictions regarding pastoral leadership
• Energetic, flexible, and eager to engage people across generations
• Humble, team‑oriented, and able to lead with both conviction and grace
• Master of Divinity (M.Div) or similar theological training preferred

Compensation

Compensation includes salary and benefits and is commensurate with experience and education.