Senior Pastor

Foothill Bible Church of Elderwood

Elderwood, California, United States

Categories: Senior Pastor

Denominations: Non-Denominational

Church Size: 85 -125

Job Type: Full-Time

Our Mission:

To Know, Serve, and Share Jesus Christ

Our Church:

Foothill Bible Church of Elderwood is seeking a Senior Pastor to continue providing biblical teaching, pastoral care, and leadership to accomplish our mission: To Know, Serve, and Share Jesus Christ. Since FBCE is unique in being a rural church that serves more than one community, it is expected that the Senior Pastor share the burden with the laity, to be mobile and available to evangelize in our communities, and to establish FBCE as a lighthouse and refuge.

We are led by our board of Elders. The guiding principle for decision-making is that of unanimity. Ministry Coordinators manage specific areas of ministry including Worship, Youth, Adult, Outreach, Missions, Stewardship, Care, and Fellowship, reporting through the Senior Pastor to the Elder Board.     

FBCE originated from a group of believers who wanted to be involved with a fellowship, as described in Acts 2:42: Believers who devote themselves to Godly teaching and fellowship. This group started meeting in June of 1996 and after several weeks it was evident that there was more than enough interest in starting a new church. In 2000 FBCE acquired its own property located in the community of Elderwood.

At present, FBCE has nearly 90 members, which includes approximately 45 families. Many in the congregation, as well as the community, are involved with agriculture.

We consider ourselves a commuter church, because over half of the congregation commutes from 15-30 minutes. Our weekly ministries include: Sunday morning worship service (with children’s church), home Bible studies, and youth ministries (AWANA and 4:12 Youth). 

Elderwood is located on the east side of Tulare County which is in Central California, and part of the San Joaquin Valley where the foothills rise into the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range and enjoys a panoramic view of them. Elderwood sits at the crossroads of the Giant Forest in Kings Canyon National Park and the Sequoia National Park. Elderwood is a bedroom community to Woodlake, Exeter, and Visalia.

Overview/Purpose:

We believe the role of our Senior Pastor is one of a shepherd, providing spiritual direction to our church family with the objective of equipping each member to do the work of the ministry (Eph. 4:11-16). The Senior Pastor serves as an elder among the elders. Co-laboring in concert with the elders, the Senior Pastor cooperatively leads and serves in a manner that ensures FBCE’s mission, its vision, and values remain consistent with Scripture and the Holy Spirit’s leading.

We firmly believe the Senior Pastor of FBCE is called by God, as described in 2 Timothy 4:2-5.

Required Qualifications:

• Meets scriptural qualifications as set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9, and 1 Peter 5:1-4
• Gifted in preaching and teaching Scripture, proclaiming the power and truth of the gospel clearly, accurately, and effectively (Proper biblical exegesis, hermeneutical approach with life application)
• Trained in and successful at equipping, empowering, and motivating the Church to become mature followers of Christ using an intentional and relational discipleship model (Ephesians 4:12-16)
• Follows Biblical view of creation, marriage, and sanctity of life
• Experience working in, or accepting of, an elder-led and volunteer staff ministry
• Experience in training and equipping others through Christ-centered, biblical leadership models
• Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or related studies, or seminary degree

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3 years of continuous pastoral leadership
• Interested in pursuing Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) or related studies

Spiritual Gifts:

• Teaching, Shepherd, Exhortation, and Mercy

Candidate Traits:

• Comfortable with an agrarian-rural setting
• Available, approachable, and flexible
• Teachable/Lifelong learner
• Self-starter
• Well-rounded and relatable with life experience
• Possessing a shepherd’s heart and temperament 
• Demonstrating personal integrity, Godly character, and personal leadership
• Articulate, relational Bible expository teacher, effective and passionate communicator
• Encouraging servant-leader
• Desire to develop spiritual maturity in volunteer staff and church leadership 
• Passionate and purposeful about reaching the lost
• Strong organizational skills, effective in leading a team.
• Family-oriented, having a priority for his family and other relationships

Realistic Expectations

The senior pastor position is a full-time position, and as is usual with full-time ministry, overtime is typically required, realistically demanding approximately 45-55 hours per week.

To Apply:

Candidates wishing to apply should submit the information listed below in Word or PDF format to pastorsearch@fbcelderwood.com  .

• Letter of Introduction
• Resume with education, employment history, detailed qualifications, experience, and accomplishments
• Video samples (files and/or links) of at least three messages delivered within the last 24 months
• Three references, including phone numbers and email addresses

Selected candidates will receive an informational packet after review of the information listed above.

Candidates will be informed of their status throughout the process.  

Please visit us at fbcelderwood.com for more general information about FBCE.