Senior Pastor

Job Description: An invitation to prayerfully consider shepherding our church family.

The role: At The Grove, “Senior Pastor” describes the man our elders entrust to serve as the shepherding leader of our church’s ministry — the one who carries the primary preaching and teaching, leads our ministry staff, and helps set and steward our vision. Just as importantly, he serves as one of a plurality of elders — leading alongside, and accountable to, a team of brothers, not over or around them. We’re looking for a shepherd, a preacher, and a fellow laborer who wants to give himself to this congregation for years, not seasons. Who we’re looking for Before the job itself: we are not first looking for a skill set or a résumé, but a man whose ministry flows out of a living walk with Christ rather than running ahead of it. We’re praying for a man who is: Alive to Christ — whose public ministry visibly springs from a real, humble, prayerful walk with Jesus, not the other way around. Free of the need to be great — who finds his identity in Christ rather than in the platform, the numbers, or the applause, and is guarded against the quiet idols of ministry. Sure of his call — able to say, and to have others confirm, that God has called him to shepherd and lead the local church. Tender with people — patient, forgiving, hospitable, and gentle with strugglers, because he knows his own need of grace. Teachable and self-aware — open to correction and encouragement, quick to own his sin, and the same man in private that he is in the pulpit. Steady under pressure — whose faith holds when ministry is hard, slow, or costly.

What you’ll do: As our shepherding leader and one of our elders, you would: Preach and teach the Word — carry the primary preaching, feeding the church through faithful, Christ-centered exposition. Shepherd the flock — care, pray, and walk with people, and (with the elders) tend the church’s health and, when needed, its discipline. Lead and develop our staff — direct and grow our ministry team under the elders’ oversight. Guard our doctrine — protect the church’s teaching and keep it well represented across our ministries. Set and steward vision — cast direction and lead the day-to-day ministry of the church. Labor in plural leadership — share the load with a team of accountable elders, cultivating mutual encouragement and honesty. What we’re asking for: Character (essential). You meet the biblical qualifications for an elder in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:5–9 — above reproach, faithful in marriage and home, self-controlled, hospitable, not a lover of money, well-regarded by those outside the church, and able to teach. Doctrine (essential). You wholeheartedly affirm and can teach our Statement of Faith — including the inspiration and inerrancy of Scripture, the gospel of grace, believer’s baptism by immersion, and God’s design for marriage and sexuality — and welcome leading as one of a plurality of accountable elders. Experience & practical. 8+ years in vocational pastoral or teaching ministry, with a real preaching track record and experience leading a team. Ordination (required). Theological education — seminary training (M.Div. or equivalent) preferred, or demonstrable theological depth and a plan for ongoing study. Willing to relocate to live within a 20-minute drive of The Grove, in Acworth, Georgia. Close enough to be a genuine part of this community. Able to provide references — and, for finalists, to consent to standard background, reference, and stewardship checks. What The Grove offers: We know a call runs both ways. Here’s what we commit to the man God sends us: A true team; A real, praying, accountable body of elders who share the load and guard the man — so you’re neither isolated nor unchecked. Honor and provision; Best-practice, generous care for you and your family, as the Lord enables us. A culture that values who you are over what you produce; including Sabbath and an annual pull‑away for rest and renewal. An honest, warm church family; one that will tell you the truth in love, welcome your correction of us, and pursue unity the way the body of Christ does. Our prayers; “before, during, and long after the call.” Compensation. The salary range for this role is $105,000–$135,000, depending on experience and qualifications, plus benefits. A portion of compensation can be designated as a minister’s housing allowance, and the benefits package includes health coverage, retirement matching, life insurance, and reimbursement of ministry expenses. Compensation and benefits are set by the elders; the specifics will be worked out directly with the elders as a candidate moves toward a call. A closing word: We believe God already knows the man He’s preparing for The Grove. If that might be you, we’d count it a joy to begin the conversation. “Shepherd the flock of God that is among you… and when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory” (1 Peter 5:2–4). In Christ, The Pastoral Search Advisory Team