Associate Pastor: Branch of Hope OPC

Associate Pastor – Job Description

The ideal candidate will be a man of proven godly character, ordained or ordainable in the OPC, gifted in preaching and teaching exemplifying theological soundness and practical application, and committed to the ordinary means of grace: the faithful exposition of the Word, the administration of the sacraments, and prayer. He should lead with humility, wisdom, and pastoral care, equipping the saints for the work of ministry and fostering unity and spiritual maturity within the body.

He will be approachable and warm, friendly and engaging toward both members and visitors, and marked by integrity in life and doctrine.

The Associate Pastor must fully subscribe to the Westminster Standards and clearly affirm the doctrines of grace, including a robust commitment to five‑point Calvinism and forensic justification by faith alone. He should affirm a literal six‑day creation as taught in Scripture and uphold the historic Reformed understanding of God’s creative work. He should hold, or be sympathetic to, theonomic ethics as a proper application of God’s moral law, and affirm or be charitable toward a post millennial eschatology, with the ability to teach and defend that position competently and graciously within the life of the church.

A deep love for Reformed theology, church history, and confessional integrity is essential, along with the ability to communicate these convictions clearly and pastorally.

In addition to preaching and teaching, the Associate Pastor will provide shepherding care, leadership, and vision for the congregation, working closely with the Senior Pastor, the session, and the broader presbytery. He should be supportive of the regular, weekly administration of the Lord’s Supper as a means of grace for the strengthening of the saints. He should demonstrate a heart for discipleship, evangelism, and cultural engagement grounded in a biblical worldview, trusting in Christ’s present reign and the advance of His kingdom.

Above all, we seek a servant‑leader who loves Christ, His Church, and His law, and who desires to labor faithfully for the glory of God and the good of His people.

In keeping with the biblical qualifications for elders (1 Timothy 3; Titus
1), and out of a desire for both the session and congregation to more fully discern a man’s gifts, character, and pastoral fitness in the context of actual ministry, this position is structured as an initial one‑year ministerial engagement. During this period, the Associate Pastor will participate fully in the life and labors of the church, allowing for a meaningful, mutual evaluation of calling, gifting, and relational fit within the congregation.

Should there be unity regarding the Lord’s leading, the session intends to then issue a formal call, subject to congregational approval and presbytery oversight, with a view toward a long‑term ministerial relationship and the potential for future transition into the role of Senior Pastor. This approach is not intended to circumvent the ordinary call process, but to strengthen it by enabling a more informed and discerning participation by the session, congregation, and presbytery.