Lead Pastor

POSITION SUMMARY

The Lead Pastor serves as the primary spiritual leader of The Journey Community Church. This individual will provide biblical preaching, pastoral leadership, and spiritual direction while equipping the congregation to grow in Christ and live out the mission of the church. The Lead Pastor will work closely with the church’s staff, deacons, and leadership team to shepherd the congregation, develop ministry leaders, and provide vision for the future.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Preaching and Teaching

The Lead Pastor will serve as the primary communicator of God’s Word.

• Preach the majority of Sunday morning services (approximately 38–44 times per year)
• Teach Scripture clearly, faithfully, and with practical application
• Demonstrate strong biblical exposition as the primary preaching approach
• Oversee sermon planning and ensure teaching across ministries remains aligned with the church’s doctrinal convictions

Spiritual Leadership

• Provide spiritual oversight for the congregation
• Cast and communicate a clear vision for the church’s mission and ministry
• Lead the church toward spiritual maturity, unity, and healthy growth
• Model faithful Christian living and pastoral leadership

Pastoral Care

• Shepherd individuals and families through prayer, counsel, and encouragement
• Provide pastoral care in times of crisis or need
• Officiate weddings, funerals, baptisms, and communion
• Encourage spiritual growth through discipleship and relationships

Leadership and Staff Development

• Lead and mentor church staff and key ministry leaders
• Equip volunteers and develop future leaders within the church
• Foster a healthy and collaborative ministry culture
• Provide leadership for church operations, planning, and ministry direction

Church Leadership and Administration

• Work collaboratively with the Staff, Deacons, and Leadership Team in governance and strategic planning, and provide monthly status reports to them
• Provide leadership and planning for ministry alignment, budgeting, stewardship, and organizational health
• Demonstrate administrative leadership appropriate for the growing church

Community Engagement

• Represent the church within the community
• Encourage evangelism and outreach among the congregation through discipleship
• Support mission efforts locally and globally

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The Lead Pastor of The Journey Community Church should demonstrate the following qualities:

Biblical Character

• Meets the biblical qualifications for church leadership described in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1
• Demonstrates humility, integrity, and spiritual maturity
• Possesses a clear calling to pastoral ministry

Strong Preaching and Teaching Gift

• A gifted communicator who faithfully teaches Scripture in an applicable manner
• Capable of preaching expositionally through books and passages of the Bible
• Able to communicate truth in a practical way that connects with people

Relational Leadership

• Highly relational and approachable
• Demonstrates strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Builds trust and meaningful relationships within the church and community

Leadership and Organizational Ability

• Capable of leading staff, volunteers, and ministry teams
• Demonstrates administrative competency and organizational awareness
• Able to provide direction while empowering others in ministry

QUALIFICATIONS

• Clear calling to pastoral ministry
• Meets biblical qualifications for church leadership (1 Timothy 3; Titus 1)
• Bachelor’s degree required
• Formal theological degree from an accredited institution
• Master of Divinity (MDiv) or Master of Ministry degree preferred
• Minimum five years of pastoral experience
• Strong preaching, leadership, and relational skills
• Administrative or management experience
• Demonstrated record of leadership development and ministry growth

THEOLOGICAL ALIGNMENT

Candidates must align with The Journey Community Church’s convictions as a conservative evangelical church that is baptistic in its roots and theological identity. Candidates must be comfortable preaching the full counsel of Scripture and equipping believers for discipleship and spiritual growth.

ACCOUNTABILITY

The Lead Pastor reports to and works collaboratively with the Leadership Team, serving in mutual accountability for the spiritual health and mission of the church.

LOCATION

The Journey Community Church is located in downtown Miamisburg, Ohio, a suburb of Dayton.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Candidates interested in the Lead Pastor position should submit the following:

• Résumé including ministry experience and accomplishments
• A one-page cover letter explaining interest in the position
• Philosophy of ministry statement
• Links to recent sermons or teaching

Please email us directly at jccpastorsearch@gmail.com

Candidates who meet the initial qualifications may be invited to complete a theological questionnaire and participate in the next steps of the interview process.