Senior Pastor

Merson Church; Gobles (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Merson Church in Gobles, Michigan seeks a Senior Pastor to lead spiritually, teach the Bible, and shepherd the church family. The role requires a strong, expository preaching style, a grace-oriented theology, and a long-term commitment to ministry within the church body.

The pastor will work with the church board and staff to develop ministry strategies, oversee volunteers and paid staff, and promote evangelism, discipleship, and doctrinal integrity across all ministries.

Qualifications

• Clear testimony of faith in Jesus Christ.
• Biblical elder qualifications per 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4.
• Ability to interpret and teach Biblical truths (2 Timothy 2:15).
• Agree with Merson Church's Tenets of Faith and doctrine.
• Grace-oriented, Pre-Trib theological perspective.
• Proven communicator of God’s Word; expository preaching.
• Submit to church board policies.
• Commitment to 10+ years at Merson Church; 5+ years ministry preferred.
• Background check – national registry.

Responsibilities

• Lead the church spiritually with vision and oversight.
• Oversee ministry strategies with the church board and staff.
• Develop and articulate the church vision to the congregation; manage pulpit schedule.
• Oversee paid and non-paid personnel in coordination with leadership.
• Annual performance reviews and accountability with elders.
• Coordinate worship, teaching ministries, Bible studies, and small groups.
• Oversee evangelism, discipleship, and community outreach initiatives.
• Respond to crises within the church family and provide pastoral care.

Skills

Pastoral leadership

Expository preaching

Biblical interpretation

Discipleship

Community engagement

Job description

Job Description: Senior Pastor

Merson Church

Gobles, Michigan

Qualifications:

1. The Senior Pastor will have a clear testimony of faith in Jesus Christ.
2. The Senior Pastor will have the Biblical qualifications for an elder (1Timothy3.1-7; Titus 1.5-9; 1 Peter 5.1-4) as follows: humility/teachable spirit-led & spiritually mature, encourager/supportive, team player, person of prayer, gracious/loving, interpersonal/relationship skills, steadfast, Godly example/high moral character.
3. The Senior Pastor will accurately interpret the Word of God and teach Biblical truths (2 Timothy 2.15).
4. The Senior Pastor will wholeheartedly agree with the tenets of faith and doctrine of Merson Church.
5. The Senior Pastor will have a theological perspective that is strongly grace-oriented and Pre-Trib.
6. The Senior Pastor will be a proven communicator of God’s Word in quality and consistency across small and large setting. Preaching should be mainly expository. Key elements of preaching should include centrality of the Bible, teaching the full counsel of God’s Word, evangelism, and discipleship.
7. The Senior Pastor will have the ability to submit to and implement policies approved by the church board.
8. The Senior Pastor will desire to maintain 10+ yrs of ministry at Merson Church, as God leads.
9. The Senior Pastor will have prior successful ministry experience, of at least 5 years preferred.
10. The Senior Pastor will submit a background check-national registry.

Responsibilities:

Vision and Leadership

1. The Senior Pastor will lead the church spiritually.
2. The Senior Pastor will be responsible for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry (Ephesians 4.12). He will oversee the development of ministry strategies for each area of the church along with the church board, youth pastor, and the Sunday School superintendent.
3. The Senior Pastor will work with the church board and staff in the process of discerning our vision from God and determining how to articulate that vision to the entire family (church body/membership). The Senior Pastor is the primary spokesman for developing, encouraging, and promoting the vision to the entire congregation.
4. The Senior Pastor along with the church board is responsible to oversee all paid and non-paid personnel.
5. The Senior Pastor is subject to annual performance review from the elders. He will provide necessary communication for both his own annual performance review as well as the annual review of the youth pastor.

Teaching/Preaching/Discipleship

1. The Senior Pastor is responsible to oversee coordination of the worship service and any special services planned by the leadership.
2. The Senior Pastor will be the primary teacher for the worship services of the church and shall oversee the filling of the pulpit on all Sundays that he is not present.
3. The Senior Pastor will oversee an align all the various teaching ministries of the church, both doctrinally and strategically, with the approval of the church board. This includes but is not limited to men’s and women’s Bible studies, Sunday School (adult, youth, and children), and other small groups.
4. The Senior Pastor will seek the approval of the church board for the annual schedule of pulpit responsibility, vacation, seminars, and ministry activities outside of Merson Church.
5. The Senior Pastor will have a passion for evangelism/discipleship that will include community outreach, missions, and the maturing of believers.
6. The Senior Pastor will equip the saints for the work of ministry, working with the youth pastor and other church leaders to develop/discern their spiritual gifts.

Personal Growth and Renewal

1. The Senior Pastor will have energy and be involved yet will balance his church commitment with time needed for personal renewal and his walk with God, along with appropriate time for his family and personal hobbies. This may include Pastor’s fellowship, seminars, and conferences.

Pastoral Duties

1. The Senior Pastor will perform communion, baptisms, weddings, baby dedications, funerals, hospital visitation, etc. in conjunction with other members of the pastoral staff and elders as needed.
2. The Senior Pastor will need to be able to respond quickly to crisis situations that arise in the church family.
3. The Senior Pastor will disciple, evangelize, and counsel people of all ages using biblical principles in accordance with Merson Church Bylaws and Statement of Faith.
4. The Senior Pastor will participate in the church board meetings.