Lead Pastor

Ashley Community Church; Ashley (OH); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Ashley Community Church seeks a full-time Lead Pastor to serve as the primary spiritual shepherd, teacher, and visionary leader. You will preach, administer the sacraments, and equip the congregation for ministry in partnership with the Church Board.

The ideal candidate will love the local church, lead in worship planning, and shepherd a multigenerational congregation while aligning with the church's Statement of Faith.

Qualifications

• Theological alignment with Wesleyan/Methodist doctrine as per church covenant.

Responsibilities

• Preach Biblical sermons weekly aligned with Wesleyan theology.
• Administer the Sacraments with reverence (baptism, communion).
• Design and plan worship services with volunteers to enrich spiritual life.
• Provide pastoral care, prayer, and counseling to individuals and families.

Skills

Preaching

Pastoral Care

Church Leadership

Education

Pastoral ministry training

Tools

None

Job description

Job Description: Lead Pastor

Organization: Ashley Community Church, LLC

Location: 214 E High St, Ashley, OH 43003

Position Type: Full-Time

Denominational Identity: Independent / John Wesley Foundational Teachings

Governance Role: Non-voting Advisory Member of the Church Board

Position Purpose

The Lead Pastor serves as the primary spiritual leader, biblical teacher, and shepherd of Ashley Community Church. The pastor is responsible for preaching the Word of God, administering the Sacraments, equipping the saints for ministry, and providing visionary leadership to the congregation. Working in harmonious partnership with the Church Board, the Lead Pastor guards the theological integrity of the church in accordance with its Statement of Faith.

Our Congregation

Ashley Community Church, LLC, located in the heart of Ashley, Ohio, is a faithful, independent congregation rooted in traditional Methodist beliefs and Wesleyan theology. As a self-governing, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) church, we are dedicated to cultivating a biblically grounded, loving community focused on holiness of heart, vibrant worship, and active local outreach. We are governed by an active lay Church Board and operate with clear internal safety, financial, and facility guidelines to ensure a thriving environment for ministry.

The Opportunity

We are prayerfully seeking a full-time Lead Pastor called by God to serve as our primary spiritual shepherd, biblical teacher, and visionary leader. The ideal candidate will possess a profound love for the local church, a passion for Christ-centered preaching, and a desire to deeply invest in the spiritual growth and care of our multigenerational congregation.

In our governance model, the Lead Pastor serves as a vital, non-voting advisory member of our Church Board, working in close relational harmony with our lay leadership to guide our operations and strategic ministries.

Primary Responsibilities

Word and Sacrament (Preaching & Worship)

• Biblical Preaching: Prepare and deliver weekly Christ-centered, scripture-based sermons that align with traditional Wesleyan theology.
• Sacramental Administration: Administer the Sacraments ordained by Christ, including Holy Baptism and Holy Communion, ensuring they are handled with reverence.
• Worship Design: Collaborate with ministry volunteers to plan corporate worship services, special seasonal events, and prayer gatherings that enrich the spiritual life of the congregation.

Pastoral Care and Discipleship

• Shepherding the Flock: Provide spiritual guidance, prayer, and pastoral counseling to individuals and families in times of need, transition, or crisis.
• Discipleship Strategy: Oversee and encourage the development of small groups, family worship, and Bible studies to foster spiritual maturity and entire sanctification.
• Visitations: Conduct pastoral visitations for the sick, hospitalized, and homebound members of the church family, ensuring they remain supported by the church community.

Administrative and Board Collaboration

• Advisory Board Role: Attend all monthly and special meetings of the Church Board to offer spiritual counsel, administrative updates, and strategic ministry insights.
• Non-voting Status: Actively advise the board on property use, financial goals, and ministry direction while honoring the final voting authority of the lay leadership.
• Policy Compliance: Partner with the board to model and enforce corporate policies within all church programming.

Missional Outreach and Community Engagement

• Community Presence: Represent Ashley Community Church within the local Ashley, Ohio community, building positive relational bridges with civic organizations and residents.
• Evangelism Activation: Equip and inspire church members to live missionally, sharing the Gospel through service, personal testimony, and community outreach.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Theological Alignment: Uncompromising commitment to the church’s Statement of Faith, traditional Wesleyan doctrines, and the Church Covenant.
• Education & Credentials: Completion of a recognized pastoral ministry course of study, seminary program, or relevant theological training.
• Experience: Strong preaching, teaching, and relational skills.
• Character: A life reflecting high moral integrity, biblical holiness of heart, and a shepherd’s heart, successfully clearing a comprehensive safety background check every two years.