Lead Pastor Grace Hills Church

Reformed Theological Seminary; Aliso Viejo (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Grace Hills Church in Aliso Viejo, CA, invites a full‑time Senior Pastor to lead with biblical clarity and pastoral wisdom. The role centers on preaching, teaching, and shepherding the congregation, with oversight of elders and ministry leaders.

Key responsibilities include exegetical sermons, pastoral care, governance, evangelism, worship leadership, community outreach, mentoring future leaders, conflict resolution, and ongoing spiritual formation.

Qualifications

• Must be an ordained pastor with strong Christian experience.
• Must lead and shepherd the church with godly example.
• Experience in leading staff and elders preferred.

Responsibilities

• Preach and teach biblically, leading worship services.
• Provide pastoral care and visiting the sick, grieving, and couples/families.
• Lead staff and elders, oversee ministries, and steward finances.

Skills

Ordained pastor

Christian experience

Leadership

Pastoral counseling

Job description

Job Description: Senior Pastor Qualifications and Specific Responsibilities

• Must be an ordained pastor, a man of true Christian experience who demonstrates godly
• Must be an ordained pastor, a man of true Christian experience who demonstrates godly
• Serve on the elder board, being a voting member except on the issues of the senior pastor’s salary or dismissal.
• Cast and live out God’s vision for the congregation, setting a godly example for all to follow.
• Preach on a regular basis, leading the congregation in worship services.
• Regularly attend and participate in scheduled church activities and special events.
• Create sermon-based curriculum for weekly life groups.
• Be faithful in prayer for the congregation and community.
• Clearly proclaim the truth of God’s Word and protect the church from false teaching.
• Lead the staff by example, discern their giftedness, encourage, and equip them to do ministry well.
• Oversee the different ministries of the church, assisting staff and elders in identifying and encouraging volunteer leadership.
• Hold leaders of ministry teams accountable for their responsibilities.
• Be involved in promoting financial stewardship in the church.
• As an elder, take part in the preparation of the annual budget.
• Set a godly example by sharing the gospel with people in your relational world outside of the church.
• Be a member of a life group, preferably leading one.
• Provide pastoral counseling to those in need.
• Conduct regular communion services.
• Encourage believing attenders to follow Christ’s command of baptism.
• Conduct marriage ceremonies and funeral services as needed.
• Provide and/or facilitate home or hospital visits for those in need or the home bound.
• Provide and/or facilitate regular communication with the church-supported missions and missionaries.
• Must be an ordained pastor, a man of true Christian experience who demonstrates godly
• Serve on the elder board, being a voting member except on the issues of the senior pastor’s salary or dismissal.
• Cast and live out God’s vision for the congregation, setting a godly example for all to follow.
• Preach on a regular basis, leading the congregation in worship services.
• Regularly attend and participate in scheduled church activities and special events.
• Create sermon-based curriculum for weekly life groups.
• Be faithful in prayer for the congregation and community.
• Clearly proclaim the truth of God’s Word and protect the church from false teaching.
• Lead the staff by example, discern their giftedness, encourage, and equip them to do ministry well.
• Oversee the different ministries of the church, assisting staff and elders in identifying and encouraging volunteer leadership.
• Hold leaders of ministry teams accountable for their responsibilities.
• Be involved in promoting financial stewardship in the church.
• As an elder, take part in the preparation of the annual budget.
• Set a godly example by sharing the gospel with people in your relational world outside of the church.
• Be a member of a life group, preferably leading one.
• Provide pastoral counseling to those in need.
• Conduct regular communion services.
• Encourage believing attenders to follow Christ’s command of baptism.
• Conduct marriage ceremonies and funeral services as needed.
• Provide and/or facilitate home or hospital visits for those in need or the home bound.
• Provide and/or facilitate regular communication with the church-supported missions and missionaries.

The Compensation

Total compensation package $135k - $160k, DOE

About the Organization:

Grace Hills Church (Aliso Viejo, CA) Senior Pastor THE BIG PICTURE Grace Hills Church (https://gracehills.com) is seeking a full‑time Senior Pastor. About Grace Hills Church Grace Hills Church is a vibrant and diverse community of believers, actively engaged in ministry and in each other’s lives. Located in Southern California, between San Diego and Los Angeles, we enjoy one of the most temperate climates in all the U.S. We have a strong seniors ministry, but our congregation spans all ages—from young families to empty‑nesters. We are a multi‑ethnic, intergenerational church committed to being Christ‑centered and Bible‑focused by God’s grace. Our goal is to grow our school‑age and high‑school ministries, attracting younger families to our church. With a dedicated and motivated staff ready to support new families, we are well positioned for growth under the leadership of a new, caring pastor.

• Membership: Approximately 140
• Average Sunday Attendance: 130‑150
• Life Groups: Weekly sermon‑based Bible studies that foster connection and spiritual growth, meeting at various times and locations during the spring and fall.

Principal Responsibility

The primary responsibility of the senior pastor is to humbly serve and shepherd the church, thereby fulfilling our church’s purpose: “To honor God by helping more people become fully devoted followers of Christ.”

Primary Responsibilities

• Preaching and Teaching: Communicating God’s Word through exegetical sermons and Bible studies, ensuring the congregation understands and applies biblical truths (2 Tim 3:16‑17, 2 Tim4:2, Titus 2:1, Matt 7:24).
• Pastoral Care: Providing spiritual guidance, counseling, and support to church members, including visiting the sick, comforting the grieving, and offering premarital and marital counseling (James 5:14‑15, 1 Pet 5:2‑3, Acts 20:18‑35, 2 Cor 1:3‑4).
• Leadership and Administration: Leading the church in its mission and vision, working with church leaders (elders and ministry leaders) to oversee church operations, and ensuring effective church governance (1 Tim 3:1‑7 & 15, Eph 4:11‑16, Prov 27:17).
• Evangelism and Discipleship: Sharing the gospel with non‑believers, baptizing new believers, and helping church members grow in their faith and become mature disciples of Jesus Christ (2 Tim 2:2, Acts 1:8, John 13:14, Matt 28:19‑20).
• Worship Leadership: Encouraging the congregation in worship, ensuring that worship services are meaningful and honor God (John 4:24, Ps 95:6, Col 3:16).
• Community Engagement: Building relationships within the community, representing the church in public functions, and addressing community needs (Matt 5:16, 1 Pet 3:15, Gal 6:10).
• Personal Spiritual Growth: Maintaining a vibrant personal relationship with God through prayer, Bible study, personal reflection, and personal accountability to stay spiritually healthy and effective in ministry (Col 1:9‑10, Phil 1:9‑11, Ps 92:12‑13).
• Conflict Resolution: Addressing and resolving conflicts within the church, promoting restoration, unity, and harmony among church members (Phil 2:3‑5, 1 Cor 12:25, Matt 5:9).
• Mentoring and Training: Equipping and mentoring future leaders, volunteers, and ministry workers within the church (Heb 10:24‑25, Col 2:6‑7, Prov 27:17).