Associate Pastor

METHODIST

WEEKLY ATTENDANCE: 250

Meet Armstrong Chapel UMC

Armstrong Chapel United Methodist Church is made up of an intergenerational congregation of 700 members with an average weekly attendance of 250 in-person and online worship. Armstrong Chapel is a church with an over 200-year history; a dedicated youth space; three worship spaces and a dynamic outreach to our urban neighbors. 

About the Associate Pastor:

As part of the Armstrong Community, the Associate Pastor is expected to be:

• A trustworthy leader within Armstrong’s staff with managerial responsibilities, strong communication, and technical skills.
• An experienced worship leader and teacher with a strong theological background who can lead across various settings.
• Focused on welcoming, developing, and sustaining young Christians – youth, young adults, and young families – and new Christians. 
• Driving mission opportunities that engage/grow current members, bring in new members, and overall extend Armstrong’s reach into the communities we serve. 

The Associate Pastor’s responsibilities include:

Church Service Leader and Teacher

Teach and lead spiritual growth and ministry that is Christ-centered and biblically grounded across a variety of formats (Sunday morning worship services, Virtual services, Small Groups, etc.) available at Armstrong Chapel. Includes but is not limited to:

•  Coordinate regularly with the senior pastor on worship theme/text development
• Be present at and participate in and across services
• Serve as church service leader as needed across in-person and virtual service formats
• Assess and develop a plan for the creation, leadership, and sustaining of small group ministries
• Support and incorporation of contemporary themes across worship services, sermons, and music

Young/New Christian Development

• Develop programming to support and develop Young Christians, specifically ages 13-30 (youth, young adults, and young families) as well as New Christians, of any age, who are just beginning their Christian journey. Includes but is not limited to:
• Create a confirmation experience for Youth that covers the foundation of the Christian faith and aligns with the teachings and beliefs of the UMC
• Develop a strategic plan for an ongoing youth program
•  Understanding today’s Young Adults and their perspectives on religion and how they want to participate.
• Collaboration and partnership with Children’s and Preschool leaders to further engage and grow the faith of parents and/or young families
• Assess and address gaps in our current formats/services/options for being welcoming/inviting for New Christians, in conjunction with the Senior Pastor and Church Council

Mission Opportunities

Strengthen Armstrong’s outreach ministries by reassessing and implementing a comprehensive ministry that invites existing members and the broader community into mission with Armstrong Chapel, strengthening existing relationships with Christ while welcoming new ones. Includes but is not limited to:

• Strengthen existing; develop new relationships in the community.
• Build relationships with current volunteers to understand individual and collective needs.
• Incorporate mission trips and opportunities for the community and congregation.

Managerial/Administrative Leader

As a leader within Armstrong’s staff, develop and implement the ministries and individuals to grow and sustain the programs at Armstrong Chapel UMC and in the surrounding communities. Includes but is not limited to:

• Active members of the pastoral staff, including staff meetings, retreats, and other scheduled church events.
• Develop strategic guidance, project plans, and intermediate steps necessary to grow the church.
• Effectively manage designated staff; and volunteers, delivering on expectations while motivating/growing individuals.
• Lead and manage all group ministries within the financial resources provided by the ACUMC General Operating Budget.

What it’s like to live in Cincinnati, OH:

Living in Cincinnati offers a unique blend of urban and suburban experiences, with distinct neighborhoods, a rich cultural scene, and a welcoming community. The city is known for its affordability, with reasonable housing costs compared to larger cities and a variety of neighborhoods that cater to different lifestyles, from the vibrant Over-the-Rhine to the charming suburbs like Hyde Park and Oakley.

Cincinnati’s food scene is a standout. The city’s cultural offerings, including theaters, museums, and festivals, reflect its diverse heritage, particularly its strong German influence, and the city’s strong investment in the Arts. Cincinnati’s weather features four distinctive seasons, while its parks and outdoor activities cater to nature lovers. The city also has a thriving sports culture with passionate fan bases for the Reds, Bengals, and FC Cincinnati. With a family-friendly atmosphere, Cincinnati has state and nationally ranked public and private elementary schools and high schools and offers a high quality of life that’s balanced between historic charm and modern growth.