Senior Pastor

Evangelical Free Church of America; Montrose (Susquehanna County); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Evangelical Free Church of America is seeking a full-time pastor for Montrose Bible Church in Susquehanna County. The pastor will lead biblical preaching, provide pastoral care, and engage with the local community to fulfill our mission.

We are committed to scriptural authority and require a shepherd-hearted individual who can lead and develop the congregation. Ideally, the candidate has prior experience in ministry and is emotionally mature and spiritually grounded.

Qualifications

• Prior pastoral or ministry experience required.
• Experience in a small church setting strongly valued.
• Demonstrated competency in biblical preaching.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and deliver biblically faithful sermons.
• Provide spiritual care and biblical counseling.
• Aid in ministry coordination and provide vision.
• Support outreach initiatives and community building.
• Handle administrative functions in planning.

Skills

Biblical preaching

Lead Bible studies

Pastoral care

Community engagement

Leadership

Job description

We are seeking a shepherd who in conjunction with the elders will faithfully preach and teach God’s Word, love our people, equip us for ministry and help us reach our rural community with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

POSITION SUMMARY

The pastor serves with the elders as the spiritual leaders of the church and is responsible for fulfilling the primary responsibilities listed below. In partnership with the elder board, the pastor will lead the congregation in carrying out its mission in alignment with our Statement of Faith.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Preaching & Teaching

• Prepare and deliver biblically faithful, gospel‑centered teaching and sermons
• Lead or oversee adult Bible studies and discipleship
• Administer baptism and the Lord’s Supper

2. Shepherding & Pastoral Care

• Provide spiritual care, prayer and biblical counseling
• Officiate weddings and funerals
• Conduct hospital and home visits
• Provide discipleship and leadership mentoring
• Maintain meaningful relational presence among members

3. Leadership & Church Health

• Aid in ministry coordination
• Provide vision and spiritual direction in partnership with the elders
• Equip members for ministry (Ephesians 4:11–12)
• Develop leaders
• Ability to minister to all age groups

4. Community Engagement & Outreach

• Support outreach initiatives
• Build relationships within the community
• Encourage personal evangelism
• Represent the church in appropriate community settings

5. Administration & Governance

• Handle administrative functions of the church
• Work closely with church leadership in planning and decision‑making
• Participate in budgeting and stewardship development
• Maintain regular communication with leadership

Experience

• Prior pastoral or ministry experience
• Experience in a small church setting strongly valued
• Demonstrated competency in biblical preaching

Personal Characteristics

• Shepherd‑hearted and relational
• Self‑directed and organized
• Emotionally mature and spiritually grounded
• Able to minister across age groups

EXPECTATIONS

• Full‑time commitment (approximately 40–45 hours weekly)
• Sunday leadership and regular presence in congregational life
• Office hours as determined with elders
• Availability for pastoral emergencies
• Annual ministry review with church leadership

ACCOUNTABILITY

The pastor reports to the elder board. The pastor serves as an elder among elders, not above the church.

COMPENSATION

Position details regarding compensation are not provided in this posting.

CHURCH OVERVIEW

Montrose Bible Church is a congregation of approximately 60 people located in a rural community. As a member of the Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA), we are committed to the authority of Scripture, the centrality of the gospel and elder‑led church governance.

We at Montrose Bible Church hold to these principles:

• Scripture Alone: The Bible is the ultimate authority in all matters of faith and practice
• Grace Alone: Salvation is entirely a gift of God’s grace, not earned by human effort
• Faith Alone: Justification comes through faith in Christ, not by works
• Christ Alone: Jesus Christ is the sole mediator between God and humanity
• Glory to God Alone: All aspects of life, including salvation, exist for God’s glory