Senior

Pastor

First Christian Church is in The Dalles, Oregon, which is located 75 miles east of Portland at the eastern end of the Columbia River Gorge. This gorge is a spectacular river canyon, 80 miles long and up to 4,000 feet deep. The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is the largest national scenic area in the nation. According to the Columbia River Gorge website, “You’d be hard-pressed to find vistas as stunning as these.” One will find many recreational opportunities in the Gorge.Our fellowship offers many ministry opportunities. Sunday mornings include both in person and a live stream worship service as well as adult and children’s teaching offerings. We have music opportunities on praise teams and a community Christmas worship choir. Other ministries include a Friday night service and supper, led by two elders, focused on the recovery community. We also have small groups, monthly men’s breakfast, and an active Women’s ministry team. Our church created The Last Days of Jesus Pageant 42 years ago, which is still active today. Other programs which we are involved include Vacation Bible school, neighborhood Bible clubs, after school Good News Clubs and Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Shoe Box collection. Our most recent undertaking has been the establishment of Columbia Gorge Christian Academy Preschool, currently serving ten preschoolers with three staff members.

Overview: The Lead Pastor is called by God, the elders and congregation to provide general oversight for the ministry of First Christian Church, The Dalles, Oregon. He will, with oversight by the elders, perform all aspects of the ministry including preaching, teaching, training, discipleship, pastoral care and ministry management. As such, he will promote the health and growth of First Christian Church as described in the mission, vision and values statements. Major Responsibilities * Preaching & Service Planning His highest calling is that of being a faithful communicator of God’s Word. He will prepare, schedule and deliver sermons and series. In his absence he will ensure that the pulpit is filled with other qualified preachers. He will work closely with the worship leaders and Service Planning Team to develop inspirational and creative worship experiences.* Elder Coaching & Training He will work with the chairman of the elders to develop regular meeting agendas, primarily focused on FCC’s Mission, Vision & Values statements. He will suggest training resources and facilitate development sessions to enhance the effectiveness of their spiritual leadership.* Developing & Overseeing a Discipleship Pathway In cooperation with the elders and other leaders, he will design and initiate an intentional process of spiritual growth. This pathway will include steps, resources and mentors to encourage seekers as they grow into believers, followers as they grow into worshipers and ministers as they grow into mentors. This intentional pathway may well include specially designed sermons, series, seminars, classes, small group studies, events, and one-on-one meetings. It will encompass the entire ministry of First Christian for every age and stage of attenders.* Equipping & Leading a Ministry Staff He will work directly with Associate Pastors and Major Ministry Directors, providing guidance, encouragement, training, resources and support for their individual ministries. He will work to provide greater communication, cooperation and collaboration by assisting the Ministry Action Team meetings.* Congregational Direction & Care The Lead Pastor will conduct weddings, funerals and baptisms as requested or needed. He will give counsel, including marital and pre-marital counseling, and encouragement to church attenders and community residents who seek his spiritual guidance. He will do visitations to homes, workplaces and hospitals as needed. He will encourage other pastors, leaders and congregational members to be active in pastoral care.* Miscellaneous Responsibilities The Lead Pastor will communicate regularly with the church family through church publications, email and social media. He will generally put in a 5-day workweek including Sundays. His office hours and work locations may vary but he will be accessible by phone and internet connections. He may take on other responsibilities as directed by the elders.* Accountability He will be directly accountable to and communicate regularly with the elders for his pastoral ministry, personal integrity, and spiritual maturity.