The Role of an Executive Pastor

The use of the title or term Executive Pastor at Proclaimers:

The term Executive Pastor has been in use in the church for many decades and is used to describe the role of a person appointed to assist the senior pastor. It is a term used in large church contexts to describe the role of a specific person designated to free the Senior Pastor from the many day to day administrative duties in church life as the church grows.

Every church is led by a Pastor. The Pastor's role is to shepherd the flock, however, it is not possible for one person to shepherd a large and growing number of people and to do so effectively. There has to be some delegation of work and function. Spreading out roles and responsibilities reduces the burden on the Pastor's shoulders so they are free to fulfil their primary responsibility in teaching, vision casting, directing the church, coaching and developing leaders, creating culture and caring for people.

The Executive Pastor is appointed to shoulder many of the day to day responsibilities in the church freeing the senior pastor to do what he’s been called to do. The Executive Pastor is there to help the Senior Pastor to get the work of the church done effectively, efficiently and quickly. Their role is to make sure that every aspect of the church’s ministry impacts effectively and according to design.

In a large and growing church every person counts and it is the vision of our church to see that every person is cared for well. To achieve this goal the role of the Executive Pastor is crucial.

Job Description for the Executive Pastor

Vision Implementation
Under the direction of the Senior Pastor, the Executive Pastor is to co-ordinate and organise the programs of the church, in line with the established goals of the church.

Overseeing Daily Activities
The Executive Pastor leads all the day-to-day activities, thereby allowing the Senior Pastor to concentrate on the overall spiritual growth of the church.

Administrative Activities
Under the Senior Pastor's guidance, and in consultation with appropriate committees and staff, the Executive Pastor has to prepare the church budget and manage it. He/She is tasked to relate to others on staff to ensure they operate effectively in their roles and according to their stated goals.

Disciplining and Nurturing
The Executive Pastor's duty also includes coaching individuals and developing their capacity as leaders and disciples of Jesus Christ. He/She is to train and motivate the team, so that the church sends effective leaders into the world to carry forward the message of Christ and His church.

Helping with General Pastoral Duties
Often times the Executive Pastor will handle areas of general pastoral care which may include counselling and general advice offered to members; he/she would perform this ministry alongside others in the church who have as a responsibility for the care of others. His/her role is crucial in allowing the senior pastor to be able to carry out his role of pastoring in a large and growing church.

Facilitate Short-term Ministry Projects
The Executive Pastor is to manage teams of people for short-term ministry projects such as building programs, special church events or community involvements.

In a large and growing church the role of an Executive pastor is crucial if a Senior Pastor is to function effectively. I thank God for the role that Pastor Owen Morgan plays in our church here in Norwich.

Tom Rawls
Senior Minister ¦ Proclaimers

_{I want to acknowledge help on this articel from Priya Johnson at Buzzle.com and Owen Morgan who functions as Executive Pastor at Proclaimers}