Pastoral Profile and Expectations
Immanuel Chapel
Montrose, California

This profile is a composite picture of the characteristics our church seeks in the next senior pastor.  This document is not intended to be an exhaustive list of preferences but rather the essential qualities based on Biblical truths and experience.  Let’s remember “In essentials unity, In non-essentials liberty, in everything else charity”.

Personal

Age Range:  This is not restricted, although the preference is a person in their 30-40s.
Marital Status:  This is not restricted, although the preference is a married individual since Immanuel Chapel is a family ministry and family experience would help in better understanding the congregation.
Ethnicity:  This also is not restricted, although the preference is a 1.5 or 2nd generation Asian-American since Immanuel Chapel is predominantly an Asian-American ministry and familiarity with the Asian culture would help in better understanding the congregation.

Education

Would prefer a BS or BA degree from an accredited college or university and a Masters of Divinity degree from an accredited seminary.  Other factors would be considered if these are lacking under certain circumstances.

Qualifications

1 Peter 5:1-4  (NKJ)  The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder  and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed:   Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by constraint but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly;  nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.

Titus 1:5b-9  (NKJ) . . . appoint elders in every city as I commanded you; if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination.  For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.

1 Timothy 3:1-7  (NKJ)  This is a faithful saying:  If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work.  A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.  Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

Ephesians 4:2-6 (NIV) Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.  Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.  There is one body and one Spirit-just as you were called to one hope when you were called-one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and is all.  

Experience

The pastor should have a deep relationship with Christ, which is evidenced by a mature attitude, growing and seasoned knowledge of God’s Word; and a Spirit-controlled life. He must have a clear understanding of his spiritual gifts; experienced with and loves people; is ordained; has served full-time in a pastorate position as an associate and/or senior pastor.  Five or more years of effective pastoral experience as an associate or senior pastor is preferred.  Beliefs must be compatible with, and wholeheartedly agree with, the Statement of Faith as written in the Immanuel Chapel By-Law Article IV.

Personal Attributes and Skills

(1) Must have the gifts of preaching and teaching, never wavering on the truth of God’s Word, yet able to apply that truth to the needs of people’s lives.  Must be able to disciple others so they become mature, involved believers.

(2) Strong devotional/prayer life, growing spiritually and becoming a “deeper” Christian, knowing God ever more intimately and becoming more sensitive to His call and increasingly responsive and obedient to His will.

(3) Must love and care for people.  Must be approachable and personable, encouraging others and celebrating their ministries and input.

(4) Must be a strong and effective leader, building a team of other leaders, properly delegating ministry tasks to them as he gives strategic direction, focused by the church’s purpose and vision, while motivated by Scripture and the direction of the Holy Spirit.

(5) Must keep the church focused on the need to see outreach locally and around the world through our missions program.

Spiritual Gifts

In light of the above items, we believe it is essential that there be an honest awareness of these gifts being in evidence, in order:  gift of faith, of leadership, of preaching and teaching:  An evangelist with a pastor’s heart for people.

Pastoral Style and Focus

The pastor should be a shepherd, an example to follow, an equipper of believers through solid Bible teaching. 

Role of Pastor’s Wife

She must be committed to her husband being in the ministry.  Her priority:  support and encourage her husband and care for their children.  Involve herself in the ministry of the church as any other member.

Compensation:

Negotiable based on experience, education and other factors. Allotted vacation per year depending on experience will be 2-3 weeks per year.