Connections Pastor, Oak Ridge, TN

Heritage Church is looking for a Connections Pastor. The Connections Pastor at Heritage Church will play a vital role in helping every person who walks through our doors feel seen, known, and welcomed into the life of our church family. This position exists to build bridges — from first-time guest to devoted member — through intentional follow-up, vibrant life groups, and a culture of genuine belonging.

The Connections Pastor serves as a collaborative and enthusiastic team player who leads with humility, creativity, and a heart for people at every stage of their faith journey.

• Create and sustain a welcoming environment that reflects the warmth and love of Christ from the moment guests arrive on our campus.
• Recruit, train, and develop a volunteer team for all first impressions roles, including greeters, door holders, parking lot attendants, and hospitality teams.
• Design and oversee the full guest experience from the parking lot through the sanctuary, ensuring a seamless and warm arrival.
• Establish consistent training and standards for all guest-facing volunteers to ensure excellence and authenticity.
• Coordinate welcome areas, guest connection tables, and resource stations during each weekend service.
• Regularly evaluate and improve first impressions systems through guest feedback and team debriefs.

Develop and manage a strategic, compassionate follow-up system that moves first-time visitors toward connection and long-term commitment.

• Oversee the collection and management of guest information through connection cards, digital check-in systems, and other touchpoints.
• Coordinate timely, personal follow-up outreach including handwritten notes, phone calls, text messages, and email sequences.
• Plan and host regular “Next Steps” gatherings, new member classes, and church tours to orient newcomers to our mission and values.
• Track guest retention data and report assimilation metrics to pastoral leadership on a regular basis.
• Partner with other ministry leaders to ensure guests are personally introduced to relevant next steps in community and service.

Leverage digital platforms to extend the reach of connection ministry, engage the congregation, and create an inviting online presence for prospective visitors.

• Manage and create content for church social media accounts (Instagram, Facebook, etc.) with a focus on community life, event promotion, and storytelling.
• Develop a consistent content calendar that reflects the rhythm of church life and seasonal ministry priorities.
• Capture and share stories of life change, group highlights, and volunteer spotlights to inspire engagement.
• Respond to digital inquiries, comments, and messages promptly and pastorally.
• Collaborate with any communications or creative staff/volunteers to ensure brand consistency and quality.

Champion the effective use of technology tools to streamline communication, connection, and ministry data management.

• Serve as a key user and administrator of the church’s Church Management Software, such as Planning Center.
• Maintain accurate database records for guests, members, group participation, and volunteer engagement.
• Utilize digital tools for scheduling volunteers, sending automated communications, and tracking connection pathways.
• Stay current with emerging technology trends relevant to church connection and communication ministries.
• Train volunteers and staff on digital tools as needed to maximize effectiveness across the connections team.

Build a thriving small group culture that provides every person in our congregation the opportunity for meaningful biblical community.

• Cast vision for, organize, and oversee all adult life groups and small group ministry initiatives.
• Recruit, train, and provide ongoing support and coaching for group leaders.
• Create and maintain a simple, accessible on‑ramp for new and returning attenders to find and join a group.
• Develop curriculum resources, leader toolkits, and seasonal group campaigns in alignment with church teaching themes.
• Regularly meet with group leaders…