Snapshot

Denomination: Independent Methodist

Weekly Attendance:  276

Location: Opelika, AL

The Role: Discipleship Pastor

Meet First Methodist Church of Opelika:

First Methodist Church of Opelika is an exciting, historic, and growing Methodist church that is inviting our community to find and follow the Spirit-led life in Jesus. Founded in 1837, First Opelika has a rich history of influencing and impacting families in the Opelika/Auburn and surrounding community. The church is currently in a season of revitalization and is laying

the foundation for effective ministry in the next season of her life as an independent Methodist church. First Opelika is in a wonderful, family-friendly community and offers a great team-based work experience. Our staff and church leaders are dynamic, energetic people who love each other, enjoy discerning God’s direction for the church, and are leading the church toward a vibrant future.

About the Discipleship Pastor:

First Methodist Church’s Discipleship Pastor (DP) is a full-time position. The DP gives oversight and leadership to all the church’s adult discipleship ministries. This includes developing and executing a compelling and relevant vision for adult discipleship and holding themselves and those serving in adult discipleship accountable for excellent quality in all facets of ministry. The DP will recruit, train, and empower teams of people within the church to develop, plan, lead, and execute all aspects of the ministry. To ensure that adult discipleship efforts are producing intended results, the DP will also consistently review and evaluate ministry efforts for the purpose of improving and achieving intended outcomes. 

Far more than just managing programs, the DP’s role will be one of fostering and leading wholistic discipleship efforts that will take adults at all ages and stages of faith and assist them in taking steps of transformative growth in order that they may become Spirit-filled, fully alive, transformed followers of Jesus. The DP will use all resources and programs necessary to achieve the goal. This may include existing programs and ministries, new ministries, or outside ministries that will move people toward genuine faith development. The DP will also serve as a member of the preaching team, will assist in the planning and development of the preaching plan, and will preach between 12 and 20 times per year.

First Opelika works in a team-based approach to ministry. The DP functions as a part of the ministry team, shares in the overall leadership of the church, and works to help the success of the church’s mission to make lifetime followers of Jesus Christ. The DP may be asked to coordinate or oversee secondary ministry areas for the success of the church’s mission.

What You Bring: 

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate 

Education & Experience

• 10+ ministry experience

• Under-grad degree required

Personal Characteristics & Qualifications

The successful applicant for First Methodist Church of Opelika’s Discipleship Pastor position will have the following qualifications:

• Contagious and vibrant faith in Jesus Christ

• Spirit-filled and Spirit-led leader

• A sense of calling from God to preaching and discipleship ministry

• A hunger to grow in God’s Word, a heart for historic/traditional church infused and awakened with new life and the Spirit, a desire to make an eternal difference inside and outside the church, a heart for seeing the next generation raised in authentic faith, evidence of deep relationships that shape practice of faith, and a heart and passion for prayer

• Excellent preaching ability that combines faithful biblical proclamation with relevant contextual application

• Hungry for the opportunity to develop, grow, and lead a dynamic discipleship ministry

• The ability to motivate, recruit, and empower people toward the vision of a wholistic discipleship ministry

• The ability to problem solve, develop new ideas, and move forward with change and new initiatives

• Ability to work with a team, seek information from others, and produce excellent work

• Excellent communication skills (written, computer, and spoken) and attention to detail and organization

• Disciplined, self-motivated, and the ability to meet deadlines

• Ability to learn and adapt to First Methodist Church’s culture, vision, and mission

• A minimum of three years effective experience (either paid or as a volunteer) in related ministry settings

• Pastoral credentials and Wesleyan theological education are encouraged but not required with effective experience and maturity

What it's Like to Live in Opelika, AL: 

Living in Opelika, AL, is a delightful experience marked by a strong sense of community and Southern charm. Nestled in Lee County, Opelika features a historic downtown area with beautifully preserved architecture, local boutiques, and inviting cafes. The town is known for its vibrant arts scene and numerous parks, providing ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and cultural activities. With a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and close proximity to Auburn University, residents enjoy the perfect balance of a close-knit community and the dynamic energy of a college town.

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