POSITION OVERVIEW
The Senior Pastor serves as the spiritual leader and primary preacher of Duncan Memorial Methodist Church, an independent Methodist congregation rooted in Wesleyan theology. The Senior Pastor is responsible for shepherding the congregation through worship, discipleship, pastoral care, and mission, while providing visionary leadership and equipping the church to grow in faith, service, and community impact.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Preaching and Worship
• Lead weekly worship services with biblically sound, engaging sermons grounded in Wesleyan tradition.
• Plan and oversee the church’s liturgical calendar and special services (e.g., Advent, Lent, Easter, Christmas).
• Administer the sacraments of baptism and Holy Communion regularly.
• Work with worship leaders, musicians, and volunteers to create meaningful and Spirit-led services.
Pastoral Care
• Offer compassionate care, spiritual counseling, and support to individuals and families.
• Visit and minister to the sick, hospitalized, grieving, and homebound.
• Officiate weddings, funerals, and other pastoral ceremonies.
Vision and Spiritual Leadership
• Discern and communicate a clear spiritual vision for the church in alignment with Methodist theology and tradition.
• Encourage a congregational culture of prayer, Scripture engagement, and Christ-centered living.
• Collaborate with the Church Administrator and Church Council in aligning church ministries with the church’s spiritual mission.
• Participate in strategic planning and church-wide initiatives in a pastoral advisory capacity.
Discipleship and Spiritual Formation
• Promote a culture of discipleship through Bible studies, small groups, and teaching opportunities.
• Equip leaders and volunteers for ministry through training and mentoring.
• Foster spiritual growth and theological understanding rooted in Methodist principles.
Mission and Outreach
• Encourage and lead the church’s efforts in local and global outreach.
• Represent the church in the wider community, building partnerships with other organizations and churches.
• Promote acts of mercy, justice, and evangelism in keeping with Methodist heritage.
QUALIFICATIONS
• Ordained pastor or eligible for ordination through a recognized body consistent with Methodist theology (or ordained/licensed by the church’s board).
• Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or equivalent theological training from an accredited institution preferred.
• Demonstrated preaching and pastoral experience (typically 5+ years).
• Deep understanding of and commitment to Wesleyan/Methodist doctrine and practice.
• Strong relational, organizational, and leadership abilities.
• Personal integrity, humility, and a heart for shepherding God’s people.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
• Salary: Based on experience and local cost of living.
• Housing.
• Health benefits, retirement plan, continuing education support, and paid vacation.
From the Congregation
A recent survey shows the members of Duncan would like their next Pastor's focus to be:
- FELLOWSHIP - PASTORAL: Pastor attends social gatherings and ministry events, builds relationships within the church, and fosters a spirit of connection and care.
- PROCLAMATION OF THE WORD: Pastor preaches God’s Word with conviction, applies it to the needs of the congregation and world, and dedicates time to sermon preparation.
- VISITATION - HOSPITAL OR EMERGENCY: Pastor visits those in hospitals or crisis situations, responds to urgent needs, and provides comfort to the ill and bereaved.
- DISCIPLESHIP: Pastor emphasizes spiritual growth, equips believers through God’s Word, and encourages accountable relationships that develop faithful followers of Christ.
- INTERGENERATIONAL MINISTRY: Pastor values ministry across all ages, ensuring children, youth, adults, and seniors are engaged.
- WORSHIP LEADERSHIP: Pastor leads meaningful worship, educates the congregation for full participation, and fosters a rich spiritual life in worship.
- CONGREGATIONAL COMMUNICATION: Pastor encourages two-way communication, shares information openly, and ensures that varying perspectives are heard and respected.
- TEACHING RESPONSIBILITY: Pastor teaches Scripture, theology, church history, and Christian living. Develops/ teaches Bible studies and classes, while equipping church leaders and preparing new members.