Associate Pastor

Westminster Theological Seminary; Oroville (CA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Westminster Theological Seminary is seeking an Associate Pastor to provide operational leadership and manage church ministries effectively. The ideal candidate must have at least a bachelor’s degree in ministry or theology, along with a commitment to reformational theology.

Responsibilities include overseeing church programs and fostering community relationships. Additionally, the candidate should possess at least five years of ministry experience and be ordained.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in ministry, theology, or a related field required.
• At least 5 years of ministry leadership experience preferred.
• Ordination required for this position.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate church ministries with strategic alignment.
• Manage budgets and oversee ministry planning.
• Cultivate relationships within the church and community.

Skills

Operational Leadership

Volunteer & Staff Management

Teaching

Event Planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in ministry, theology, or related field

Master of Divinity preferred

Job description

The Associate Pastor’s responsibilities include:

Responsibilities

1. Operational Leadership: Lead and coordinate church ministries, ensuring strategic alignment and efficiency in church programs and initiatives.
2. Administration & Strategy: Manage budgets, oversee ministry planning, and support church leadership in decision‑making.
3. Connecting with People: Cultivate strong relationships within the church and community, fostering an environment of engagement and discipleship.
4. Discipleship and Member Integration: Support spiritual growth through structured programs and new member assimilation.
5. Family and Youth Ministries: Supervise children’s and youth ministries, mentoring staff and volunteers.
6. Outreach & Evangelism: Assist in equipping members to share the gospel and engage in community outreach.

What you bring

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

Education and Experience

Education

1. Degree Level: A bachelor’s degree in ministry, theology, or a related field (Master of Divinity preferred).
2. Theological Training: The candidate must be committed to reformational theology or be willing to be trained in it. Full agreement is required with the church’s Statement of Faith, as well as the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy, the Nashville Statement, and the Ligonier Statement on Christology.

Experience

1. Duration: The ideal candidate will ideally have at least 5 years of ministry experience.
2. Ordination: Ordination is required for this position.
3. Leadership Scope: The role requires “proven experience in church ministry leadership roles” with the ability to manage multiple ministries simultaneously.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge

1. Theological Framework: A strong commitment to sola scriptura (Scripture alone) and tota scriptura (all of Scripture). The candidate must be committed to reformational theology or willing to be trained in it.
2. Doctrinal Agreement: Full agreement is required with the church’s Statement of Faith, as well as the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy, the Nashville Statement, and the Ligonier Statement on Christology.
3. Curriculum Development: Knowledge of how to select and/or develop Christian education curriculum for all ages.

Skills

1. Operational Leadership: The ability to provide operational leadership to ensure ministries function effectively, including managing a departmental budget.
2. Volunteer & Staff Management: Proven skills in recruiting, training, developing, and mentoring both staff and volunteers across multiple age‑group ministries.
3. Event Planning: The ability to cast vision for and execute major events, specifically VBS, Fall Festivals, Youth Camps (every other summer), Family Camps, and summer mission trips.
4. Teaching: The skill to provide the main teaching for youth midweek services when needed and assist with Sunday worship services.
5. Program Oversight: Specific ability to oversee the AWANA program and work with the AWANA Director.

Abilities

1. Energetic & People Focused: The candidate is explicitly described as needing to be “energetic and outgoing” with a natural ability to build relationships.
2. Multi‑Generational Connection: The ability to connect with people of “all ages and stages of life,” bridging the gap between children, youth, young adults, and parents.
3. Teachable Spirit: A “curious, learning spirit” is required; the candidate does not need to know everything, but must display a desire to keep growing in biblical knowledge.
4. Collaborative Autonomy: The ability to work well independently while also following the Senior Pastor’s leadership and directives.
5. Initiative: The capacity to be a “self‑starter” who is creative and willing to try new things rather than just maintaining the status quo. Also willing to be actively involved in ministry of the church. While this person needs to be a delegator and discipler of others, it is best caught by living out the ministry and ‘getting your hands dirty’.