Snapshot

Denomination: Non-denominational

Weekly Attendance:  85

Location: Van Alstyne, Texas

The Role: Lead Pastor

Meet Church Project:

Church Project began in 2010 with 40 people in The Woodlands, TX. Since then, avoiding marketing strategies or typical growth models, Church Project The Woodlands would grow to over 5,000 people, help plant 20+ Churches and 100+ House Churches, and give away millions of dollars to church plants and ministry partners.

Church Project Van Alstyne officially launched in January 2023 with a small group of people committed to pursuing this biblical ecclesiology as a church of house churches.

In mid-2022, we started as couples, singles, children and seniors meeting together to live out the Gospel with each other – sharing our joys, sorrows, challenges and victories as we walk through this life. Though imperfect, we know that following Christ means loving others more than ourselves and serving each other sacrificially, as needed.

Gathering together as a larger, collective group of house churches on Sundays is our way to worship together, celebrate God’s goodness, and explore ways to reach out to love and serve our local community.

The Lead Pastor’s Responsibilities Include: 

Preaching & Teaching | The Lead Pastor will serve as the primary preacher and teacher of the local Church Project. While occasional topical sermons are allowed, such as a specific teaching on early church ecclesiology, all CP Lead Pastor’s will primarily preach exegetically, verse-by-verse, through books of the Bible. Teaching must support and advocate the doctrine of Church Project. As the primary teacher, the Lead Pastor serves as the primary protector of doctrine across all domains of the local Church Project.

House Church | As a Church of House Churches, the Lead Pastor serves as the primary advocate of House Church and leader of House Church Pastors. While additional positions can be added as the number of House Churches scale, such as HC Coaches and/or a HC Director/Pastor, the Lead Pastor will always remain indispensably involved in the leadership of House Churches.

Elders | Church Projects operates with a plurality of Elders who oversee the doctrine and direction of the local Church Project (in alignment with the overall ecclesiology and doctrine of Church Project Network). The Elders of local Church Projects make decisions unanimously, withholding from initiating a decision until there is unanimity. While the Elders agree to major decisions collectively (e.g. choosing a Lead Pastor, major staff, property, or contextual issues, etc.), the Lead Pastor functionally serves as the leader of the Elders, generally guiding the topics and direction that he feels God’s leading. As appropriate, the Elders provide counsel, support, and accountability to the Lead Pastor and local Church Project. The Elders of Church Project operate in a highly relational capacity and, thus, the Lead Pastor must be committed to cultivating and protecting those relationships by regular one-on-one and collective meetings with the Elders.

Staff | The Lead Pastor will oversee all staff for the local Church Project. This includes hiring, leading, coaching, and, when necessary, firing of staff. The Lead Pastor also serves to promote the spiritual wellbeing and growth of staff, by, as contextually possible, leading them in worship, prayer, and personal devotion.

What You Bring: 

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Lead Pastor:

Education & Experience

• Graduate of an accredited seminary, required.
• 5+ years pastoral experience, preferred.

Personal Characteristics & Qualifications

• A proven track record of effective leadership, ministry development and exceptional communication skills.
• Will attend CP The Woodlands and meet with Jason Shepperd for final approval.
• Have a passion for serving in a small, but growing community with the goal of building relationships and leading the church in a God-honoring direction.

What it’s Like to Live in Van Alstyne, Texas: 

Nestled in the heart of North Texas, Van Alstyne offers an idealistic Texan experience with a tight-knit community feel. This rapidly growing town balances rural charm and modern convenience, making it ideal for families. Van Alstyne prides itself on an excellent school system with small class sizes, fostering personalized education. The local economy is diverse, supported by local businesses and proximity to larger hubs like Dallas and McKinney, offering short commutes and varied work opportunities. Residents enjoy exploring the historic downtown, charming shops, and cozy cafes. Community events and festivals, such as the annual Fourth of July parade and the Van Alstyne Bluegrass Festival, bring residents together. With its friendly atmosphere, strong sense of community, and picturesque surroundings, Van Alstyne is an ideal place to live, work, and raise a family.