• Home
  • About Me
  • Resources
  • My Library
  • Consulting
  • Contact Me

Executive Pastor Online

Church Leadership And Infrastructure Development

  • Leadership
  • Infrastructure
  • Finance
  • Facilities
  • Human Resources
  • Outreach
  • Technology
  • How To’s
Home Human Resources Senior Pastor Duties And Responsibilities

Senior Pastor Duties And Responsibilities

Responding To The Many Requests I've Had For A "Senior Pastor Job Description"

November 3, 2021

Pastor Holding Bible ca. 2000

As you’ve probably noticed by now, there’s currently no “Senior Pastor Job Description” posted here on Executive Pastor Online. I’ve had several requests for one, and my response is always the same. Maybe I’ll write one someday.

But, for now, here’s the deal …

At least at my church, the duties and responsibilities of the Senior Pastor are outlined in the church’s Bylaws. The Bylaws describe the Leadership Team’s duties (Eldership or Church Board), including those of the Senior Pastor as a member of that team.

They also specifically say …

The Senior Pastor shall serve on the Leadership Team.

In addition to the Senior Pastor’s duties as a Leadership Team member, the Senior Pastor will serve as the primary teacher in weekend services, visionary leader for the congregation, and manager of the church staff.

Certain limitations and general constraints to the responsibility and authority of the Senior Pastor are set forth by the Leadership Team in the Executive Limitations Policy.

Under no circumstances will a Senior Pastor be hired who has not received an undergraduate and/or graduate degree from an Independent Christian church college or seminary and had at least five years of full-time service with an Independent Christian church.

I realize there’s not much here. A good job description has a general description, essential job functions, education, experience, etc. Perhaps writing one eventually would be a good idea.

But, here’s the thing … a job description has a specific purpose. It should describe the position in enough detail to make sure the person filling it understands their job and that the position is understood, organizationally, how it fits as a part of the whole, especially as it relates to authority. Does what’s in the Bylaws accomplish this? I would say yes, but the details of the position are not spelled out very well.

So, if you’re wondering why a Senior Pastor Job Description is not among the long list of job descriptions here on Executive Pastor Online, here’s your answer.

The job description of the “top job” in the church is part of the Church Bylaws and the church’s Executive Limitations Policy.

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Email

Subscribe

Search

Most Popular Posts

  • Executive Pastor Job Description
  • Moving From Fellowship One To Church Community Builder
  • Executive Pastor Online Resources
  • Should Churches Require Their Staffs To Tithe?
  • How To Write An Operating Procedure
  • Strategic Planning Operating Procedure
  • The Management System
  • Infrastructure Development – Where Do I Start?

Recommended Products/Services

  • Asset-Based Stewardship
  • Church Management Software
  • Church Mobile Apps
  • Collaboration and Project Management
  • Diagramming Software
  • Donor Development
  • Church Accounting Software
  • Intentional Growth Planning
  • Staff Performance Improvement
  • Virtual Executive Assistants

Recent Comments

  • Kevin M. Stone on Smart Phones
  • Michael on Smart Phones
  • Kevin M. Stone on Other Resources
  • Shane Williams on Other Resources
  • Kevin M. Stone on Donor Retention
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • Vimeo

Return to top of page

Copyright © 2022 Executive Pastor Online · Privacy Policy · Managed by Credits · Log in