Position Description

The Lead Pastor is a spiritual leader, vision-caster, and shepherd of the congregation. They provide biblical preaching and teaching, oversee the spiritual health of the church, and lead the pastoral staff to equip the church in a team approach to ministry. The lead pastor works closely with the elders to advance the church’s mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ locally and globally.

The Lead Pastor models Christlike character, equips leaders, and ensures that all ministries align with the church’s theological convictions, mission, and strategic vision.

The lead pastor that we are praying for is a person who loves Christ and loves people. They are deeply immersed in scripture and gifted to communicate the things of God in a manner that is relevant and applicable to the cultural context in which we live.

Personal Profile

• A person of prayer who lives dependant on Christ and aƩends to the voice of the Holy Spirit.
• A person whose life and teaching are grounded in the grace of the gospel and who is courageous to speak truth and protect the church from error and compromise.
• A leader commiƩed to leading Westwood, by example, in Jesus’ commission to a) reach the community and world with the gospel message and b) ensure that they are enfolded into the life of the church and on a path toward maturity in Christ.
• A person experienced and skilled in leading a community in a collaboraƟve team-based model.
• A person whose shepherd heart is demonstrated in their care for others and in the way in which they equip and empower the church to care for one another.
• A person who embraces and faithfully stewards the responsibility of leadership.

Primary Responsibilities (approximate %)

1. Preaching & Teaching (35%)

• Serve as the primary preacher, delivering biblically faithful, gospel-centered sermons.
• Leads, develops and mentors a preaching team.
• Ensure theological integrity in all teaching ministries.
• Oversees preaching calendar that aligns with Westwood’s mission, vision, values.

2. Vision & Spiritual Leadership (20%)

• Articulate and champion the church’s mission, vision, and values.
• Lead strategic planning in partnership with elders.
• Foster a culture of prayer, discipleship, evangelism, and spiritual growth.

3. Leadership Development & Staff Oversight (20%)

• Supervise and lead pastoral and ministry staff.
• Develop emerging leaders within the church.
• Conduct regular staff meetings and performance evaluations.
• Build a healthy leadership culture marked by collaboration and accountability.

4. Shepherding & Pastoral Care (15%)

• Equip elders, and ministry leaders in shepherding responsibilities.
• Provide pastoral and crisis care for church members.
• Officiate weddings, funerals, baptisms, and child dedications.
• Maintain visible and relational presence within the congregation.

5. Governance & Administration (10%)

• Serve as ex officio elder and work collaboratively with the Elder Board.
• Participate in budgeting and stewardship planning.
• Ensure policies and procedures align with biblical and legal standards.
• Represent Westwood in denominational, inter-church and community networking.

Qualifications

Spiritual & Character Requirements

• Meets the biblical qualifications for elders/pastors (1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9).
• Demonstrates a vibrant personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
• A servant of others who pracƟces what they preach and models a life of generosity, integrity and humility.
• Exhibits a commitment to share the love and message of Christ with those who don’t yet know Him.
• Models a healthy marriage and family life (if married).

Education & Experience

• Graduate theological training preferred.
• Significant pastoral ministry experience.
• Experience leading in a multi-staff environment.
• Proven record of effective preaching and church leadership.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong expository preaching ability.
• Strategic thinker with organizational leadership skills.
• Effective communicator across generations.
• Team builder and developer of leaders.
• Conflict resolution and pastoral counseling competency.

Theological Alignment

The candidate must affirm and support:

• The authority and inerrancy of Scripture.
• Mennonite Brethren Confession of Faith.
• Westwood’s mission, vision, and values; and bylaws.
• Credentialed or eligible for credentialling with the British Columbia Mennonite Brethren Conference.

Reporting Structure

• Accountable to the Elder Board.
• Oversees pastoral and ministry staff.
• Works collaboratively with elders, pastoral and ministry staff, and ministry leaders.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range ($75,000-$90,000).
• Health insurance and retirement benefits.
• Ministry expense allowance.
• Paid vacation and study leave.
• Relocation assistance (if applicable).

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit the following to the Lead Pastor Search Team at leadpastorsearch@westwoodchurch.bc.ca:

• Resume with ministry experience.
• Statement of faith.
• Philosophy of ministry.
• Links to recent sermon recordings.
• References (professional and pastoral).

Application deadline: Posting open until filled (if posting is up, the position is open).

Lead Pastor - Westwood MB Church, Prince George, BC (Full Job Posting)