Snapshot

Denomination: Non-denominational

Weekly Attendance:  155

Location: Pacific Palisades, CA

The Role: Lead Pastor

Meet Calvary Church of Pacific Palisades: 

Calvary Church of Pacific Palisades was founded in 1948.  Calvary is a multi-generational, multi-cultural church that values worship,  teaching, community, and service. During the week, Calvary has Women’s Bible studies, Men’s meetups, community groups, and a youth ministry program.  Calvary’s weekend worship experience is known for biblically based preaching and contemporary worship music. 

Calvary is blessed with a beautiful 8-acre campus with over 70,000 feet of church and school facilities including a beautiful, 650 seat Sanctuary dedicated in 2000, a gym, and multiple classrooms.  

Calvary has a long commitment to spreading the Word of God throughout the world.  Calvary supports over 40 individuals and organizations that minister within the US and globally.  On a regular basis Calvary sends short-term mission teams to foreign countries and domestic disaster relief sites in the United States.  Locally, Calvary members serve regularly at homeless shelters, teen pregnancy centers, and senior centers. 

The church’s largest ministry is Calvary Christian School (CCS).  CCS started in 1963 as a preschool.  In 1989, the school moved to its current location and expanded to include kindergarten through 8^th grade.  CCS has grown to be one of the largest private schools on the Westside of Los Angeles with over 450 students.  CCS enjoys an outstanding reputation and presents a great opportunity for Calvary Church to build relationships with families in the broader community.

About the Lead Pastor:

The Lead Pastor serves as the church's primary shepherd and teacher, faithfully proclaiming and interpreting the Word of God. They provide visionary leadership, overseeing the church's administration and ensuring its smooth operation. Additionally, the Lead Pastor offers pastoral care and guidance to the congregation, fostering spiritual growth and well-being. As a member of the Board of Elders, the Lead Pastor has a voting voice in shaping the church's direction. They also participate in other authorized boards and committees in a consultative role, offering expertise and guidance. Furthermore, the Lead Pastor is responsible for selecting and supervising the pastoral staff, ensuring a cohesive ministry team.

The Lead Pastor Responsibilities Include: 

• Proclaim the Gospel: Deliver inspiring sermons and teachings that illuminate the Word of God during worship services.

• Provide Pastoral Care: Lead the spiritual well-being of the congregation, offering guidance, counsel, support, and encouragement to members.

• Lead the Pastoral Team: Oversee and empower the pastoral staff, fostering a collaborative ministry environment.

• Administer Church Ordinances: Conduct baptisms, communion services, and dedication ceremonies with reverence and care.

• Guide Church Leadership: Serve as a voting member of the Board of Elders, providing strategic direction for the church.

• Identify Future Leaders: Contribute as a member of the Nominating Committee, ensuring a qualified pipeline of future church leaders.

• Lead Staff Recruitment: Chair search committees for new pastoral staff positions, ensuring the selection of qualified individuals.

What You Bring: 

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Lead Pastor:

Spiritual Leadership:

• Demonstrates the qualities outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-11, Titus 1:6-9, and 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5, reflecting a strong character and commitment to biblical principles.

• Leads by example, fostering a healthy and Christ-centered family life.

• Possesses a passion for preaching the Bible's timeless message in a clear, relevant, and engaging way for all ages.

• Embraces the core beliefs and doctrines of Calvary Church.

• Supports and celebrates the mission and leadership of Calvary Christian School.

Experience and Education:

• Holds a minimum of 10 years of pastoral ministry experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role such as Senior/Lead Pastor, Campus Pastor, Associate Teaching Pastor, or Student Pastor.

• Possesses a graduate degree from an accredited seminary, preferably a Master of Divinity.

Church Stewardship:

• Demonstrates a commitment to biblical financial principles and is prepared to teach them to others.

• Maintains responsible financial management, free from excessive personal debt.

Additional Skills:

• Exhibits strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, guide, and empower others.

• Possesses excellent communication and interpersonal skills, fostering connection with people from diverse backgrounds.

• Maintains a healthy balance between personal, professional, and pastoral responsibilities.

What it's Like to Live in Pacific Palisades, CA: 

Pacific Palisades beckons with a picture-perfect California lifestyle. Imagine starting your day with a jog along the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the scent of salt air invigorating your senses. With sunshine gracing most days and mild temperatures year-round, Pacific Palisades offers a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Hike or bike through the scenic trails of the Santa Monica Mountains, or spend afternoons swimming and sunbathing on the beach. Parks are plentiful, providing green spaces to relax or gather with friends for picnics and frisbee. The vibe here leans towards laid-back and affluent, with a strong sense of community. Local restaurants boast farm-to-table delights, and trendy cafes offer the perfect spot to catch up with neighbors.

Think you're a great fit for this role? Become a candidate below.