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Brief Description: Seeking an energetic and innovative family and youth-oriented person who has a passion to attract and equip followers of Jesus Christ as a full-time Associate Pastor. This individual will partner with the Senior Pastor in shepherding a 300-member congregation, leading discipleship and outreach programs and assisting in overseeing daily ministry operations. The ideal candidate has or is working on a seminary degree that includes some Wesleyan studies, has strong teaching and preaching skills and a heart for pastoral care. The position includes a competitive salary, housing allowance and business reimbursable amount which is negotiable based on experience and education. 

Associate Pastor - Athens First Methodist Church, Inc.

The use of general terms, such as AFMC, church, staff, or congregation, are all descriptive names within this document and associated with Athens First Methodist Church, Inc., an independent Methodist church in Athens, Texas.

The Associate Pastor is an important position within Athens First Methodist Church, Inc. (AFMC). This full-time position includes preaching, teaching, pastoral care and may focus on certain ministries that the Senior Pastor may delegate. This position involves guiding the congregation, leading volunteers, and directing specific missions and ministries of the church. The Associate Pastor is supervised by the Senior Pastor but ultimately reports to the AFMC Administrative Council and is supported by the Staff-Parish Relations Committee (SPRC), which is a sub-committee of the Administrative Council. The person in this position must: be accountable to the church; accept its doctrinal standards, discipline, and authority; and live in covenant with its worship leaders.

Key Responsibilities:

Spiritual Leadership

  • Preach and teach the Word of God, and deliver engaging and biblically sound sermons.
  • Provide spiritual guidance to individuals and families.
  • Lead worship services and oversee other spiritual activities.
  • Administer the sacraments of baptism and communion.
  • Foster a culture of discipleship and spiritual growth within the congregation.
  • Assist in the development and implementation of the church's vision and strategic plan.
  • Plan worship services with the church ministry staff several weeks, if not months, in advance to facilitate planning of services, music and other worship service activities.

Pastoral Care

  • Provide care and support to church members as needed, including home and hospital visits
  • Lead and coordinate support groups for various needs within the church.

Administrative Support

  • Be aware of, support, and follow the employee guidelines found in the AFMC Employee Handbook.
  • Assist AFMC church staff in planning and implementing church activities.
  • In the absence of the Senior Pastor, assume supervisory responsibilities of the church staff and volunteers.

Community Engagement:

  • Represent the church in the wider community and building relationships with other organizations.
  • Lead outreach and evangelism efforts to connect with those outside of the church.

Leadership Development:

  • Equip and empower lay leaders to serve in various ministries.

Other Responsibilities:

  • Officiate weddings, funerals, and other significant life events at AFMC.
  • Participate in church meetings and other gatherings as needed.
  • Continually work toward growth in Christ-likeness and develop leadership skills

Qualifications:

  • Typically requires a Bachelor's degree from a 4-year accredited college or university
  • Must understand and adhere to the doctrinal standards and discipline of AFMC.
  • Experience in pastoral ministry, including preaching, teaching, and leadership
  • Must be able to lead, coach, and supervise church staff in the absence of Senior Pastor.
  • Demonstrate a willingness to pursue additional educational training as described in the AFMC by-laws.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Ability to pass all necessary background checks.

The Associate Pastor and the Senior Pastor will work together to further define the specific roles and duties of the Associate Pastor position so that between the Senior and Associate Pastors, all levels of ministry and support for AFMC are administered.