Lead Pastor Job Description
AAEC Vision and Direction
- The requirement of Ephesians 4 – raising up people for the work of ministry, discipleship direction and training
- Yearly vision casting with the congregation and followup throughout the year
- Celebrating key milestones and church events
- Developing sermon series for the year that align with vision and direction
- Overseeing health of the various congregation ministries
Spiritual Leadership
The Pastor of the Al Ain Evangelical Congregation provides spiritual leadership to the congregation and staff.
- Staff Although we do not have a large staff, there is a significant amount of turnover that happens in the congregation and also the staff. There is a continual need to raise up people to assist in the ministry. The leadership includes biblical training, ministry oversight and development training to the staff.
Elder board and Ministry council
AAEC is an elder led church with the pastor as a member of the elder board. There is periodic turnover within the elder board, so identifying and training of new elders is a continual process. The ministry council consists of the elders and leaders from all ministries. The pastor liaises with the ministries.
Leadership training
- Identifying and providing opportunities for people in conjunction with ministry leaders.
- Counseling Premarriage and marriage counseling
- counseling, hospital visits, family visits, etc.
- Other
- Teaching for first communion, baptism, baby dedication
- Marriage and Funerals
Administrative responsibilities
Oversee Staff
- This involves weekly meetings with staff and key ministry people
- Work with elders regarding hiring and review of staff
- Liaison with government agencies overseeing the church
- Assisting with the handling of governmental requirements for marriages, funerals, and expatriation of people to home countries
- Input into budgeting and liaising with finance committee
Service Responsibilities
- Speaking, preaching series formulation, facilitating guest speakers, etc.
- Coordination with worship, prayer ministry, usher / welcome ministries, etc.
- Weekly service layout
- Special services – Advent, Christmas, New Year’s eve, praise and testimony services, youth and family services, etc.
Evangelical Church Al Ain Compound
The English service was the first service on this compound, and it is now one of 46 congregations that meet weekly on the compound. We work with the compound leadership and provide significant input into other congregations – assisting them in their ministry, providing assistance to lay pastors, etc.
- We often have other compound responsibilities – assisting in government relations, etc.
- We share the compound with the Kanad Hospital and maintain close relationships with them — prayer times, etc.
- Relationship with the other pastors on the compound – training, fellowship, encouragement, etc.
Qualifications
The greatest requirement for a person in the role of Senior Pastor is a strong personal commitment to Jesus Christ and a love for His church. The person must demonstrate commitment to ongoing spiritual development and maturity and be led of the Holy Spirit. In addition, the following requirements are also applicable:
● A degree in Biblical Theology from an accredited institution
● Must possess the elder requirements listed in I Timothy 3:1-7
● Be fluent in English, both spoken and written
● Be at least 45 years old at the time of applying ● Be willing to sign a 2 year renewable contract subject to approval
● Be comfortable leading a diverse, multi-cultural congregation
● Must be able to articulate a clear calling to the pastoral leadership of AAEC
● Exhibits the gifts of wisdom, leadership, and discernment
● Must be someone of impeccable personal integrity and moral purity
● Reads people and situations well in addition to having the ability to discern gifting in others and the role that suits them best
● Be passionate about shepherding the congregation as well as reaching the unchurched
● Approachable, good self-awareness, authentic, and a good example
● Values input, getting “buy-in” to decisions, yet is decisive
● Shows self-confidence yet is humble and has a servant’s heart
● Radiates genuine warmth, attracts people, and is sensitive to others
● Is energetic, has the stamina for a demanding position yet balances work with a strong walk with God, appropriate times for family and personal time for refreshing and recharging
● An engaging, biblical preacher who is enthusiastic about the power of the Word of God to transform people’s lives
● Proven experience in planning services and teaching sermons that are relevant and sensitive to our diverse community
● Be willing to share preaching duties with other leaders and guests
● Liaise closely with the Elder Board in order to lead and guide administrative and congregational matters
● Oversee a multicultural staff (including paid and lay leadership)
● Equips and encourages members in their spiritual development and growth through prayer, teaching and personal relationships
● Is sensitive to theological differences within the framework of a Christ-centred, Bible believing community
B. EXPERIENCE
● 8 years of pastoral experience required, of which 3 years must have been in a similar role
● Experienced in performing weddings, funerals, baptisms and baby dedications
● Well versed in conducting counseling sessions
C. APPLICATION PROCESS
Curriculum Vitae Submit your complete C.V., listing dates and basic details of your education, professional experience and any other relevant qualifications . Statement of Faith To be considered for this position, all candidates must agree to teach and minister in accordance with our statement of faith .
Application Questions Submit your responses to the following questions. Please limit your answers for each question to one paragraph or less.
1) Briefly state why you are interested in this position, and why you think you would be a good fit for the position of Lead Pastor at AAEC.
2) We are an international, multicultural, multiracial and multiethnic church, and diversity is one of our core values. Briefly discuss your experience working with diverse groups of people.
3) Please describe your understanding of the basic message of the Gospel.
4) How would you measure your effectiveness if you were hired as Lead Pastor? What would successful ministry look like for you, if you were hired for this position?
5) What would be your top priorities in ministry if you were hired as Lead Pastor?
6) What are your strongest spiritual gifts?
7) Rest and renewal are important to prevent burnout for anyone in ministry. What do you do for fun? How do you like to spend your time when you need to rest and recharge?
8) Are you comfortable agreeing to teach and minister according to our statement of beliefs? Do you have any questions or reservations? If so, please briefly discuss them.
9) Briefly describe your familiarity and experience with Middle Eastern culture.
References
Provide 3 professional references and 2 personal references (non-relatives) who have known you for at least 3 years.
Provide the details listed below for each reference. Please notify all references that we may be contacting them for information about you.
Name Professional title (if applicable)
Email address Phone Number
1 sentence describing how they know you, and how long they have known you.
Submission Instructions Please compile your C.V., application questions and list of references into a single word document or PDF file, and email to [email protected] .
Selection Criteria Process Candidates selected for a second interview will be asked to submit a recording of their preaching.
The final short-listed candidates will be required to visit the church, preach a sermon and meet with church leadership as part of the interview process.
Candidates must provide a police clearance certificate to receive a formal offer of employment.
