The Senior Pastor's main job is to preach the Bible, pray, and look after the people of the church. The goal is simple: help the congregation know Christ and grow in Him.
This isn't a management role. It's a pastoral one. The Senior Pastor feeds the flock, leads with the elders, and keeps the church anchored to Scripture and prayer (1 Peter 5:4; Ephesians 4:11–16).
How Time Is Spent
- Preach the Bible week in, week out — Christ crucified and risen
- Make time to study and prepare well
- Give theological direction to the church
- Hold the line on sound doctrine (2 Timothy 4:1–2)
- Help other teachers across the church grow in their faithfulness
- Chair and prepare Session meetings
- Lead the staff team and support ministry leaders
- Work with the elders to make decisions together
- Represent the church at Presbytery and General Assembly
- Help the church think clearly about where it's heading
- Be present with the congregation — not just at Sunday services
- Encourage and support ministry leaders and volunteers
- Train students and apprentices in ministry
- Build real relationships within the church
- Work alongside the elders in caring for the flock
- Lead the church in prayer — and actually pray
- Oversee catechism and profession of faith
- Keep personal rhythms of prayer, rest, and repentance
- Be available when people are in crisis
Character (1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9)
A good reputation inside and outside the churchTeaches sound doctrineHumble and not quick-temperedGenuinely hospitablePrayerfulLeads by servingHonest about his own need for grace
What We Believe About This Role
- Christ is the Head of the church — not the pastor
- The Bible is enough. It doesn't need to be supplemented
- Ministry happens through ordinary means: Word, prayer, and the gathered church
- Eldership is shared, not carried alone
- Pastors plant and water. God brings the growth (1 Corinthians 3:6–7)
Why This Role Matters
Every week, people in this church carry real burdens — doubt, grief, failure, confusion. The Senior Pastor's job is to keep pointing them back to Christ. Not to programs or personality, but to the gospel. That's what builds a church that lasts.