Associate Pastor

Maranatha Bible Church is prayerfully searching for an Associate Pastor who will work specifically under the direction of the Lead Pastor to join the Elders in shepherding the congregation for the glory of God. The ideal candidate will be one who agrees with and supports the vision of MBC as charted by the Lead Pastor. He will work collaboratively with the staff and Elders to execute that vision through pastoral labors and administrative support in the church.

The qualifications for the position, as listed below, comprise what the Elders believe to best depict the type of man whom God is calling to serve the people of MBC as Associate Pastor.

• Minimum:
  Formal theological training from a sound biblical training center
• Preferred: M.Div or equivalent from an evangelical seminary with a rigorous academic program that holds to the inerrancy of Scripture

• Minimum:
  If no prior pastoral experience, must have extensive ministry experience in leading the church, counseling, discipleship, and teaching. Applicant should have some experience in preaching to a congregation.
• Preferred:
  At least 1–2 years of full-time pastoral ministry at a faithful, gospel-centered church. Have preached at least 15–20 sermons before a gathered church. Ordained to the ministry by a local church or denomination. If not ordained, may be hired under an “Assistant Pastor” staff position (non-elder) or similar.

Minimum:

• Able to preach expository sermons that are anchored in the gospel and draw out relevant implications that serve to encourage and strengthen the faith of believers, rather than dishearten them with one-dimensional rebukes
• Demonstrates doctrinal depth and clarity, but also able to teach complex theological truths in simple and understandable ways that kindle worship and thankfulness to God in the listener’s heart
• Excellent people skills with an ability to befriend all kinds of people in the world (not only those in the church)
• Has both an ability and desire to counsel believers in a way that points them to Christ, not to themselves, especially for those who are struggling and discouraged in faith
• Has a passion and track record for discipling others in the church, especially developing and raising up other leaders
• Takes initiative in new environments even if uncomfortable
• Able to articulate the gospel clearly and lovingly to unbelievers without the use of any theological jargon
• Is good at playing the supportive role and being a team player. Carefully follows through on assigned tasks and is detail-oriented
• Highly organized and responsible, does not miss deadlines and is able to keep track of numerous projects with many moving parts
• Adept at organizing and managing large groups of people and various ministries including their leaders. Able to motivate others and communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing

Preferred:

• Exceptionally gifted in preaching Christ-centered sermons no matter the text or topic
• Is particularly gifted administratively and technologically. Very resourceful and creative at coming up with solutions to difficult problems
• Highly gifted with a “sixth sense” toward people. Able to keenly read the room and sense what others are thinking and feeling, while at the same time not being controlled by a fear of man
• Is financially savvy and experienced, particularly in the context of church finance

Minimum:

• Has carefully read and is in full agreement with MBC’s Constitution & Bylaws
• Has carefully read and is in full agreement with MBC’s unabridged Doctrinal Statement (“What We Teach”)
• Committed to creedal orthodoxy (Nicene, Chalcedonian)
• Committed to Reformed soteriology (Five Solas, Doctrines of Grace)

Preferred:

• Holds to a covenantal…