Other Details

Characteristics & Job Description of the Lead Pastor

We are seeking a Lead Pastor with the following characteristics:

• Strong theological knowledge & alignment with the ECC
• Integrity & trustworthiness.
• Intercultural awareness, sensitivity, & agility.
• Shepherding (provides strong relational care & connection; demonstrates effective listening skills and the ability to hold space for both men and women).
• Strong skills in developing and executing strategies.
• Biblically sound preaching & vision casting.
• Emotional balance, health, & maturity.
• Collaborative leadership, & teamwork.
• Values spiritual formation.
• Sufficient organizational skills to undertake expected responsibilities (time management, keeping track of correspondence, etc.).

The Lead Pastor is the spiritual leader of Access who embodies our core values and leads us to fulfill God’s mission through our church. Along with the key responsibilities listed below, the Lead Pastor is instrumental in upholding our church and staff culture which values rest and soul care, putting people before programs, and prioritizing life and loved ones outside of professional ministry.

The Lead Pastor embraces and exemplifies collaboration as their primary leadership style, sharing leadership and empowering others as part of a collective team and faith village. The ideal candidate will strive to honor and uphold Access’ core identity and ethos while seeking God’s guidance to lead us into the next season of our journey as a church.

Key Responsibilities 

• Teaching and Preaching: Primarily responsible for Sunday preaching and sermon series, including special services: Good Friday, Easter, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Sunday.
• Strategic Leadership & Vision: Cast and lead implementation of vision aligned with Access’ core beliefs and values, collaborating as a member of the Lead Team; accountable and reports to Access Lead Team.
• Shepherding:
  • Provide compassionate care and support for congregation.
  • Listens and holds space for both women and men.
• • Discipleship & Spiritual Formation: Support the spiritual growth & formation of staff and congregation.

• Administration and Staff Team Leadership:
  • Oversee church operations alongside pastor team, staff and lead team, including budget planning, staff supervision.
  • Lead weekly staff team meetings.
  • Promote individual staff growth, development, and accountability.
  • Work with staff and lay leaders in planning worship services, ministry strategies and events, church membership and newcomers ministry, and life group ministries.
• Community Engagement:
  • Represent the church in the broader community, building relationships and identifying opportunities for outreach and service.

Required Qualifications

• Seminary-level education (M.Div required).
• ECC-licensed (ordained in word and sacrament) or willing to obtain ECC licensure & ordination once hired.
• Experience as a local church pastor (minimum of 10 years experience in a ministerial position in a local church).
• Experience in an Asian American ministry context.
• Experience with teaching/preaching.
• Experience working in/with diverse communities.
• Alignment with ECC positions – https://covchurch.org/who-we-are/beliefs/