Lead Pastor – Pilgrim Church

Pilgrim Church started in 1965 as a church plant in South Vancouver, British Columbia, and is part of the British Columbia Baptist Association and North American Baptist Conference. We were originally an all-German congregation, with many of our congregants being new immigrants. We gradually transitioned to English and then started focusing our resources on the children in our neighbourhood. As a result, Pilgrim evolved into a more ethnically diverse church reflecting the city we were a part of.

With the church members aging and becoming settled in their ways, a shift in focus was needed. In 2017, we hired a lead pastor who assisted us in revitalizing our ministries, and since then we have become more outward focused. Our average Sunday morning attendance is 45–55 people. Our attendees are now made up of a younger demographic than prior to 2017.

In 2005, Pilgrim built a parsonage on the lot beside our church building. This enabled us to offer housing to our lead pastor (if that person chooses) or to have an extra revenue source. The church building was expanded in 2012 to become fully accessible and to expand our children’s ministry area. In 2020, we modernized the sanctuary to better equip us to engage a changing neighbourhood.

Our Values

Authentic Community

Meaningful relationships matter. Because of Jesus, we are a spiritual family. We believe that it’s vital for people to gather regularly.

 
Diversity

We want to reflect the Kingdom that we belong to. Jesus’ love brings together individuals across social, cultural, and generational divides. We advocate for women in leadership at all levels.

 
Biblical Truth

We are guided and grounded by Jesus as revealed in Scripture. We believe that the Bible shapes our understanding of life.

 
Prayer

We align ourselves with God’s purpose and power through regular prayer. God is actively speaking to us and desires for us to hear and to respond.

 
Transformation

The Holy Spirit does an ongoing work in us so that we reflect the fullness of Jesus, enabling us to be catalysts of change in the world.

 

Who You Are

You have a deep love for Jesus that shows through in all areas of your life. Your gifts include Spirit-led teaching, leadership development, mentoring, and training. You are a team player who works well with others and encourages those they serve to love Jesus more.

Requirements and Qualifications

Main Responsibilities

• Teaching/preaching
• At least three Sundays per month
• Leading
• Provide overall direction and spiritual guidance
• Assist in implementing our vision
• Facilitate leadership development from within the body
• Spiritual development of attendees
• Mentor and manage staff and volunteers

 

Secondary Responsibilities

• Shepherding
• Administer the ordinances of Communion and Baptism
• Perform marriages and funerals
• Administration
• Attend board meetings, BC Baptist Association events, and North American Baptist Conference functions

 

Education and Background

• A master’s degree or undergraduate degree in Biblical Studies
• Five or more years experience being a lead pastor (preferred)
• Fluency in both written and spoken English
• Having another language would be a benefit

 

Characteristics

• Demonstrate commitment as follower of Jesus Christ with a vibrant spiritual life
• Exhibit consistent spiritual and moral character and lifestyle, and the biblical leadership qualifications described in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:5–9
• A commitment to lifelong learning and personal and professional development

 

Skills

• Lead pastoral ministry experience (5+ years preferred)
• Agree with the statement of faith of Pilgrim Church, the North American Baptist Conference, and the BC Baptist Association and the bylaws of Pilgrim Church
• Demonstrated success in leading, training, and equipping staff and volunteers in ministry responsibilities and leadership development within a growing, multigenerational church
• Established track record of biblical preaching and teaching with a mature understanding of the Scriptures
• Effective communicator in both group settings and 1-on-1
• Exhibit strong organizational, administrative, and delegation skills

Special Notes

Salary range $70,000 to $90,000 based on experience and education.