If you would be interested in leading a church that desires to move to the next level of effective ministry then you should highly consider Blue Ridge Grace Brethren Church. We are seeking to have a ministry that emphasizes reaching the un-churched, growing Christ-followers, equipping Christ-followers to actively minister; and developing leaders to own the various ministry segments. We have taken the time to assess our strengths and weaknesses and believe we are positioned to grow under the next strategic lead pastor. The church is averaging 80 in attendance and ultimately desires through strategic planning to be a highly effective multi-generational church. This strategic plan will involve initially focusing on reaching the primary sphere of influence of the majority of the current congregation (most are in the second half of life) and then over time incrementally reaching those who are in the 40s, 30s and 20s. It is our desire to double in size in the next three to four years.
We are located in Winchester, VA (Frederick County), the oldest Virginia city west of the Blue Ridge Mountains and one of the fastest growing communities in the greater Washington, DC metro area. For the fourth year in a row the Frederick County-City of Winchester Metro Area was the fastest growing area in Virginia. Yet, our close-knit community prides itself on our small-town charm with modern conveniences. Winchester’s family feel provides a genuine sense of belonging that is often hard to find in growing cities. While it has been a widely recognized mecca for retirees over the past decade, current trends show that adults under 45 are compromising the largest segment of the population moving in. Winchester is rich in history, scenic beauty, and friendly people making it a phenomenal place to call home. There is something here for everyone!
The Lead Pastor will…
- Be a growing, mature Christ-follower
- Have a strong desire to lead and develop the church
- Have a strong desire to build relationships
- Be in agreement with Blue Ridge’s philosophy of ministry, which includes its mission, vision, and doctrine
The Lead Pastor will have the following attitudes and desires:
- Teachable
- Willingness to work hard
- Team player mindset exemplified by working alongside the members/attenders of the church
- Always strives for excellence
- Desire to finish what is started, bringing tasks to completion
- Humble spirit
- Is committed to the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman and if married, his wife wholeheartedly supports him in leading the church ministry
- Willingness to take responsibility for decisions and plans and adapts them as necessary
The Lead Pastor will have the following skills:
- Able to think strategically
- Able to make wise and Biblically sound decisions quickly
- Able to develop and lead leaders
- Able to develop, encourage, and coach ministry workers
- Able to preach with a high degree of application and effectiveness
- Able to manage ministry systems
- Able to resolve any conflict that may arise
- Ability to hold confidences with integrity
- Able to develop and implement Ministry Vision and a clear strategy to see the church become highly effective
- Able to plan both short-term and long-term projects, identify project goals and set timelines for achieving those goals
- Able to galvanize others to participate in achieving the Ministry Vision
The Lead Pastor will oversee/develop the following areas:
- Development and implementation of the Ministry Vision of the church
- Development of ministry leaders
- Development and oversight of ministry systems
- Coaching ministry workers
- Oversight of the Sunday services including preaching regularly
- Oversight and development of an outreach culture
- Oversight of the discipling system
- Oversight of the guest follow up system
- Oversight of the care and connection system
The Lead Pastor maintains relationships with the following people groups:
- Deacons
- Church Board
- Members and attenders of the church
- The missionaries of Blue Ridge
- Un-churched people within the sphere of influence of the church
- Relationships within the community and community organizations
To express your interest please send a cover letter and your resume to:
BlueRidgeGraceScreeningTeam@gmail.com