Associate Pastor

Life House Salem County | Pennsville, New Jersey

Life House Salem County is a small church affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, with a simple desire:
Make Jesus Famous. Since our first public service in November 2020, we have sought to faithfully preach God’s Word, boldly proclaim the Gospel, and help people become growing followers of Jesus Christ.

The Associate Pastor will serve alongside the Lead Pastor in shepherding the congregation and helping Life House take its next steps in ministry. This person will bring biblical wisdom, relational warmth, and practical follow-through to the work of caring for people and building healthy ministry.

Our Lead Pastor values collaboration, continued growth, and learning from the gifts and experience of others. We welcome someone who can offer encouragement, thoughtful counsel, and a shared commitment to faithful ministry.

The specific responsibilities will be shaped around the candidate’s gifts, experience, and agreed availability, with the following priorities.

Discipleship and Spiritual Growth

• Help establish a clear pathway for people to grow in their faith, connect with the church, and become active participants in its mission.
• Lead or develop Bible studies, small groups, and individual discipleship relationships.
• Help guide people through Life House’s partnership process and into meaningful involvement.
• Identify and mentor emerging ministry leaders.

Pastoral Care and Connection

• Share in praying for, encouraging, and caring for individuals and families.
• Help strengthen follow-up with guests and connection with those who have become less involved.
• Support the development of consistent hospitality and congregational care.
• Help cultivate a church culture where people are known, valued, and encouraged to grow.

Equipping and Ministry Development

• Recruit, encourage, and equip volunteers to serve according to their gifts.
• Help ministry teams establish clear responsibilities and dependable communication.
• Work with the Lead Pastor to turn ministry priorities into practical, achievable steps.
• Encourage outreach and relationships that create opportunities to share the Gospel and serve our community.

Preaching and Teaching

• Teach Scripture faithfully and clearly.
• Preach periodically as agreed with the Lead Pastor.
• Help maintain a strong biblical foundation throughout the church’s ministries.

The ideal candidate will:

• Demonstrate a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and a clear calling to pastoral ministry.
• Meet the biblical qualifications for pastoral leadership found in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:5–9.
• Affirm Life House’s statement of faith and be comfortable serving within an SBC-affiliated church.
• Handle Scripture faithfully and communicate the Gospel clearly.
• Show humility, integrity, compassion, and a teachable spirit.
• Work well with others while taking initiative and following through on commitments.
• Understand the flexibility, patience, and personal investment involved in serving a small church.
• Value ministry to people and families of differing backgrounds and abilities.

Previous pastoral, discipleship, or ministry leadership experience is preferred. Experience in working in a church plant is also helpful. Formal theological education is valued, alongside demonstrated biblical understanding, spiritual maturity, and faithful service.

Hours, compensation, preaching frequency, and final responsibilities will be established through conversation before an appointment is made.

We are prayerfully seeking someone who will love the people of Life House, share the work of ministry, and help equip our church to make Jesus famous in Salem County and beyond.