Lead Pastor

Calvary Church is a multi-generational, ethnically-diverse, Christ-centered, Evangelical Free Church of about 500 located in the New England town of Trumbull, CT.

Calvary Church began as a public meeting of the newly formed Scandinavian Mission in Bridgeport on Thanksgiving Day, 1889. Its members were immigrants from Norway, Sweden, and Denmark who desired to fellowship with one another and worship God in their native tongue. The fellowship became affiliated with what is now known as the Evangelical Free Church of America in 1918 and held its first service in its present location in January 1957.

Since then, the facilities and ministries have expanded to serve a growing and vibrant congregation.

Calvary envisions an outwardly-focused ministry centered on the gospel of Jesus Christ to families of various generational stages in the greater Trumbull area and beyond.

• Sets a vision for followers of Jesus to engage our neighbors, community, and world with the love of Jesus and the good news of the gospel.
• Has a deep understanding and focus of gospel-centered theology, simultaneously leading people in a growing awareness of their sins and a growing awareness of God’s grace. (Gospel Centrality)
• Engages in spiritual formation, discipleship, and care for the church. It is essential that followers of Jesus are equipped to live faithfully in this world.
• Is driven by a heart for and allegiance to God’s word. He is responsible for teaching sound doctrine in this cultural moment that makes clear how we are to live out God’s word.

• Preach the gospel. Communicate scriptural truth and a Biblical message. Clearly and accurately teach the Word of God in a way that engages both believers and non-believers to discover and apply Biblical truth in their own lives.
• Maintain a thorough knowledge of Scripture.
• Encourage the congregation to move to a higher level of commitment to Christ and understanding of the Bible.
• Lead with presence and connect with a multigenerational congregation containing different levels of faith.
• Lead with a passion for outreach and evangelism.
• Have a strategy and passion for leadership development and discipleship.
• Co-lead with the elders and unite staff and ministry team leaders to maximize the effectiveness of the ministry.
• Ensure Oversight, development, evaluation, and direction of full and part-time staff

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Lead Pastor:

• A Master of Divinity from an accredited, orthodox theological seminary is strongly preferred
• Currently ordained in a like-minded, orthodox denomination.

• Highly effective expository preaching and teaching skills
• Effective interpersonal skills
• Proactively communicates what is most important and supportive to his efforts
• Communicates effectively in all forms of communication (verbal, e-mail, text, etc.)
• contributes effectively and positively in conversations, staff meetings, board meetings, etc.
• Self-aware and cognizant of how he is perceived by others
• Collaborates well with others – Able to set clear direction and entrusts others to deliver results
• Effectively expresses differing viewpoints in a manner that contributes to effective dialogue
• Accepts decisions, even when not in full agreement
• Knows what is expected and then accomplishes those expectations
• Creates a fulfilling environment in the workplace
• Effectively leads others to accomplish ministry objectives
• Able to affirm and appreciate efforts of those he works with / leads

• Leader with integrity, prayerfully seeks God in his personal and professional life
• The servant’s heart will submit to God’s will for his life, and the congregation
• Meets Biblical leadership qualifications in Titus 1 and 1 Timothy 3
• Strong commitment to the Word of God
• Cares deeply for and actively meets the needs of people personally and collectively
• Spiritually and emotionally mature, can counsel those entrusted into his care
• Comfortably leads and develops others to lead
• Con…