ENCOUNTER Church is seeking an Executive Pastor to manage and direct, in partnership with the Lead Pastor, the implementation of the vision and ministry plan. We are a dynamic and evolving contemporary church that is looking for a strong and compelling leader to oversee strategic planning and goal setting across numerous ministries as we look to grow our reach into Ventura County. As the primary driver of group life, the Executive Pastor will be responsible for creating and championing a clear maturity pathway for those within the church. A successful candidate will also have a heart for creating community engagement and ministering to our growing multicultural city.

The Executive Pastor will oversee Ministry Directors including Children, Youth, Adults, Care, Men and Women's Ministries, Global Outreach, Finance, Human Resources and Facilities. This pastor will work with staff to implement the vision and values of ENCOUNTER, while directing them individually to develop their talents and gifts. This pastor will engage volunteer leaders and seek opportunities for synergy across ministries. The position includes strong administrative support.

This leader will be Biblically trained with the ability to create ministry systems for discipleship while effectively communicating the Word of God. Both a shepherd and an implementer, this pastor will have integrity and a loving heart, coupled with the skills of an effective leader and manager. They will be a problem solver who dreams big and demonstrates creativity and boldness.

We are a gospel-centered, intergenerational church made up of people who come from all kinds of experiences, stories, and brokenness—but, we have embraced the grace of Jesus Christ in our lives.

ENCOUNTER began as Bible Fellowship Church in Ventura in 1953. From our humble roots in a living room, to our existing campus, our goal has always been to communicate and share the grace of God locally and globally. We're a church of 550 who is defined by grace.

Our church is made up of deep relationships that are resilient through thick and thin. We are a committed and giving congregation who work hard to welcome everyone. We are a family that strives to reach others with the love and grace of Jesus. We are committed to three essentials:

• Encountering God - We encounter God in a very personal way through our weekend services. When we come together, everything focuses on getting to know Jesus better through His Word and expressing our love for Him through music, prayer, communion, and the arts. 

• Encouraging Each Other - When we center our attention on our relationship with God, we discover authentic community with each other. We encourage each other through loving actions and using the unique abilities God gives us to serve others. 

• Engaging The World - As Christ followers, our focus turns outward to a world of people who really need what God offers.  So, we intentionally share the love of God with people who have never come into a relationship with Him. 

For a full description of our Essentials, see Encounterlife.org/about 

This is a full time, exempt position that includes paid medical benefits for the employee and family. This role reports to the Lead Pastor. 

Responsibilities

• Vision - the Executive Pastor will work in tandem with the Lead Pastor to develop and clarify the vision of ENCOUNTER Church. They will serve as the principal implementer of that vision in collaboration with staff, ministry leaders, and volunteers.

• Strategy - this leader will coordinate the strategic and scenario planning process with the Lead Pastor and Ministry Directors. They will be responsible for the execution of objectives and goals through staff, ministry leaders, and volunteers.

• Team Leadership - the Executive Pastor will manage a team of Ministry Directors to implement the vision and values of ENCOUNTER through leadership development, onboarding, and evaluation. They will serve to empower and encourage through their gifts of shepherding and leadership.

• Community Life and Formation - this leader will directly own the development and execution of ENCOUNTER Small Groups and create a discipleship pathway for Spiritual Formation.They will develop and implement ministry plans and programs to promote spiritual growth and fellowship in the congregation.

• Teaching - The Executive Pastor of Ministries will share the teaching and preaching of God’s Word with the Lead Pastor. They will utilize excellent communication and homiletic skills to promote the gospel message and encourage spiritual growth.

• Operations - This leader will provide oversight to the business functions of the church including Finance and Budgeting, Human Resources, Facilities, Preschool, and IT. They will equip and develop the staff and volunteer teams in these departments.