Senior Pastor Position Description

MINISTRY DUTIES
The Senior Pastor’s primary responsibilities are to provide expository communication of the Word, shepherd and train the church staff, the leadership and ministry teams. Along with the Board of Elders the Senior Pastor will develop a vision for the future of the church that helps equip the congregation for the work of the ministry. Furthermore, the Senior Pastor shall be faithful in the exposition of Scripture so that the congregation may grow in their understanding and application of the Word of God. (Ephesians 4:11-14; Acts 20:28).

POSITION REQUIREMENTS
  1. Expresses a clear testimony of personal salvation, believer’s baptism, and a commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ.
  2. Demonstrates effectiveness in personal evangelism.
  3. Holds at least a Bachelor’s degree in Theology or related field of study from an institution with a statement of faith substantially similar to that of High Point Church. A Master of Divinity degree or higher is preferred.
  4. Has five years of experience as senior or associate pastor in leading a multi-staff church including preaching to the congregation on a regular basis, or equivalent professional experience.
  5. Agrees fully with the Statement of Faith of High Point Church.
  6. Holds a license or ordination, or eligible to obtain such in the State of Wisconsin.

NECESSARY EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, and QUALITIES
  1. Exhibits the godly character and qualities outlined in 1Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4 and Acts 6:4.
  2. Demonstrates the exegetical and homiletic skills necessary to study and effectively communicate the Word of God in a captivating and engaging manner that allows people to apply it to their daily lives.
  3. Demonstrates strong interpersonal and relational skills and have a passion for pastoral care.
  4. Commits to personal regular accountability with other godly men and the ability to maintain such relationships.
  5. Exhibits a heart for evangelism and a deep desire to reach the lost for Christ.
  6. Demonstrates effectiveness in discipleship and inspire and equip members of the congregation to reach out to the community addressing both spiritual and social needs.

PRIMARY ACCOUNTABILITY
The Senior Pastor shall coordinate or direct, and be accountable for certain areas of ministry. As an elder he will be mutually accountable with the Board of Elders to the congregation. The primary areas of ministry and responsibility include:
  1. Providing primary preaching and teaching of the Bible, overseeing the planning and implementation of worship services and conducting baptisms, weddings, child dedications and funerals.
  2. Providing spiritual leadership for the church to build mature followers of Jesus Christ who seek Him constantly, serve Him faithfully, and share Him boldly.
  3. Partnering in the spiritual development of the Board of Elders and other lay leaders of the church.
  4. Shepherding the staff by providing professional development, personal growth, encouragement and feedback, and setting goals for growth in their respective ministries.
  5. Leading the congregation in prayer and growing the congregation as a praying flock.
  6. Working with the staff, the Board of Elders, the deacons and deaconesses, ministry leaders, and volunteers in planning and organizing ministries and events.
  7. Working with the Board of Elders in creating and maintaining a vision for High Point Church.

OVERSIGHT RESPONSIBILITY
  1. Partnering with the High Point Christian School Committee and school staff to maintain and ensure high standards in Christian education.
  2. Reaching out to local communities and to neighboring churches, establishing connections and building relationships that bring glory to God.
  3. Supporting and promoting High Point Church’s leadership philosophy of servant-leader and that of the plurality of eldership in accordance with Acts 20:18-36, 1Timothy 5:17.
  4. Developing and maintaining policies related to the performance and oversight of his ministry in conjunction with the Board of Elders.
  5. Undergoing an annual evaluation by the Board of Elders utilizing the duties and responsibilities identified in this Position Description and participating in a peer elder review.
  6. Reviewing this position description and recommending changes, as appropriate, to the Board of Elders within one year of his arrival and annually thereafter. ____________________________________________________________________________________

About Madison Wisconsin
Madison is the state capital and home to the University of Wisconsin–Madison. The 2006 population estimate was 223,389, making it the second largest city in Wisconsin, after Milwaukee, and the 82nd largest in the United States. The Madison metro area had a 2006 estimated population of 543,022, and is one of the fastest-growing in Wisconsin. Madison is 77 miles west of Milwaukee and 122 miles northwest of Chicago. Madison is heavily influenced by the secular culture, but has a strong and vibrant evangelical Christian community. The headquarters of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA is located in Madison and other ministries such as Campus Crusade for Christ have a significant presence. The University enrolls approximately 42,000 students annually; 4,000 of those being international students; offering a nationwide and worldwide mission field.

Information about Madison, Dane County and south central Wisconsin is available at the following websites.

Chamber of Commerce http://www.visitmadison.com/
City government http://www.cityofmadison.com/
Madison Newspapers http://www.madison.com/
Listing of area churches http://www.madisonclick.com/dir/index.stx/Society_and_Culture/Religion_and_Spirituality/Churches