Job Description for Associate Pastor

Some people have asked what we are looking for in the next Associate Pastor here at Epiphany. When trying to answer that question, the church council and call committee wanted to give some general guidelines, but also be open to where God is leading us.

The Associate Pastor will be assigned to oversee the Outreach Lane of our ministry lanes. This is currently what I oversee, and since Pastor Sara's departure, I have also been overseeing the Worship Lane. Overseeing a particular lane does not limit us to just that area, but provides a staff person overseeing the budget and workings of those ministries. We feel that with the outreach opportunities at the Austin Campus, this is a good fit.

The Associate Pastor will focus primarily on the Austin Campus. We feel a consistent presence and focus on Austin is important for its growth and success. Again, this will not limit the Associate Pastor's participation in Far Hills activities, but his/her primary focus will be Austin.  Here is the job description.

POSITION:                   Associate Pastor –  Epiphany Lutheran Church

Position Purpose:      The Associate Pastor is to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.  The Associate Pastor is to provide spiritual and pastoral leadership to the membership of Epiphany Lutheran Church.  The Associate Pastor will preach, teach and administer the Sacraments.

Primary Focus:           The Associate Pastor will oversee worship and activities at the Austin Road Campus.

Lane Leadership:        The Associate Pastor will be the Outreach Lane Leader.

Supervision:               The Associate Pastor serves under the supervision of the Senior Pastor and the Congregation Council.

Responsibilities:         Subject to review and adjustment in conjunction with the Senior Pastor and Congregation Council, the following constitute the major responsibilities of the Associate Pastor:

 I. Austin Campus

1. Preach and Preside at least 3 out of 4 Sundays a month
2. Coordinate with Worship leaders to provide worship opportunities
3. Oversee the outreach, education and fellowship opportunities
4. Work with Lane Leaders and staff to coordinate these programs

 II. Outreach Lane Leader

1. Oversee the outreach ministries of Epiphany Lutheran Church
2. Approve all budget activities in this lane
3. Supervise staff and volunteers involved in outreach ministries at Epiphany
4. Coordinate with staff outreach programs and activities

 III.  General Pastoral Ministry

1. Preach, teach and administer the Sacraments as a called pastor of the church.
2. Officiate at special services such as weddings, funerals, etc.
3. Work with other members of the staff for cooperation, coordination and communication.
4. Visit the homebound, sick and shut-ins. 
5. Meet weekly with the Senior Pastor.
6. Participate weekly in the staff meeting.
7. Participate in clergy and ecumenical groups in the community

Two more things - First, as we begin the call process, we are open to any possible candidates you might know of who would be a good fit for Epiphany. The candidate needs to be an ordained pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in good standing. Please note that there are many factors involved in the process, and simply offering their name does not mean that person will be interviewed. But any suggestions offered will be considered. 

Second, please continue to pray for the Call Committee as they meet and plan for the opportunity to interview candidates. May God bless them in their serving and their deliberations. If you see them, be sure to thank them for their service.

Peace,

Pastor Charlie