Associate Pastor

Location: Elma

Church: Elma Alliance Church
Location: Elma, Washington
Affiliation: The Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA)
Position Type: Part-Time (20 hours per week)

About Elma Alliance Church

Elma Alliance Church is a growing and thriving multigenerational congregation associated with the Christian and Missionary Alliance. Our church body consists of approximately 100 regular attendees, with a vibrant community spanning from newborns to seniors in their 90s. Official services are held on Sunday mornings, with deeper discipleship happening during our Wednesday evening Bible courses.

We feature a robust array of ministries, including adult men's and women's Sunday School classes, Children's church, preschool, an after-school CMAX program for elementary-aged children, and Wyld Life for middle schoolers. Backed by an active Seniors ministry team and numerous member-led activities, we are a body passionately pursuing the C&MA vision to know Jesus and make Him known.

Position Purpose

The Associate Pastor supports the Lead Pastor in shepherding our multigenerational congregation, cultivating spiritual growth, and expanding ministries in the Elma community. This role focuses on developing and overseeing family ministries, delivering biblical teaching, and providing pastoral care.

Core Responsibilities

1. Family Ministry Development

• Build, launch, and oversee strategic ministries for children, youth, and young families.
• Partner with and support our established preschool, after-school CMAX program, and middle school Wyld Life ministry.
• Recruit, train, and screen adult volunteers for family ministry teams.
• Select and implement biblically sound, C&MA-aligned curriculum.

2. Preaching and Teaching

• Preach in the main Sunday worship services dynamically at least approximately per month.
• Step in to preach during the Lead Pastor's vacations or absences.
• Lead, facilitate, or teach during our Wednesday evening Bible courses or Sunday School classes.
• Ensure all teaching reflects orthodox Christian theology and C&MA distinctives.

3. Member Support and Pastoral Care

• Provide Christ-centered biblical counseling, prayer, and care for our diverse, multigenerational flock (newborns to 90-somethings).
• Conduct hospital visits, home visits, and wellness checks for congregants in collaboration with the Seniors ministry team.
• Assist with major life events including baptisms, weddings, and funerals.
• Follow up promptly with first-time visitors and new church attendees.

4. Church Operations and General Assistance

• Attend monthly staff meetings with the Lead Pastor.
• Participate in leadership, elder, or governing board meetings as requested.
• Assist with Sunday service coordination, technology needs, or administration.
• Perform other ministry duties assigned by the Lead Pastor to support member-led activities and shifting needs.

Qualifications and Requirements

Spiritual and Personal Life

• Clear testimony of faith in Jesus Christ.
• Consistent, maturing walk with the Lord.
• High moral integrity matching biblical standards for leadership (1 Timothy 3:1-7).
• Strong alignment with the C&MA statement of faith and polity.

Education and Experience

• Education: Minimum of 30 post-graduate academic credits in Christian studies and/or a pastoral related field. Master's Degree preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 2 years of Christian ministry leadership experience. Experience as an Associate Pastor or above is preferred.
• Skills: Strong verbal communication, public speaking, organizational skills, and a proven ability to lead multigenerational volunteer teams.

Christian and Missionary Alliance

• Doctrine/Polity/Statement of Faith: Formal review and agreement with the Christian and Missionary Doctrine/Statement of Faith and Polity statements.
• License and Ordination: Successful candidates must be licensed with the Christian and Missionary Alliance. If previously ordained, a sustaining ordination interview may be required.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary Range: $2,500 - $3,500 per month (commensurate with experience).
• Housing: Parsonage provided by the church as part of the total compensation package.
• Schedule: Flexible 20-hour work week, including mandatory Sunday mornings.

To be considered for this position, please complete the application to include your testimony, resume and other background information related to the position.

If the district office has reviewed your application and they think you may be a potential match for the position, that the hiring manager will reach out to you for next steps.

This position requires licensing with The Christian & Missionary Alliance. To learn more about The Alliance and requirements for licensing, please visit our website

Please do not contact the church directly.