Lead Pastor

Lead Pastor at Pathway Church

Pathway Church is a community of believers committed to glorifying God, making disciples, and multiplying next-generation leaders for generational impact. We believe God wants to use Pathway to raise up men, women, students, and children who follow Jesus and influence generations to come.

Our culture is shaped by five values: We Follow the Spirit, We Choose People, We Live Authentically, We Keep It Simple, and We Celebrate Transformation. We depend on the Holy Spirit, invest in people more than programs, walk together in grace and truth, pursue clarity of mission, and celebrate the transforming work of Jesus.

Pathway is part of the Church of God movement (Anderson, Indiana). Our theological foundation centers on six core beliefs: Jesus Is Lord, the Supremacy of Scripture, the Great Commandments, the Great Commission, Unity, and the Kingdom of God.

We invite you to learn more about Pathway Church, our mission, ministries, and community at pathwayvb.com.

The Opportunity

Pathway Church is seeking a spiritually mature, relational, and mission-driven Lead Pastor to serve as our primary spiritual leader and teaching pastor. The Lead Pastor will partner with the Board of Directors, pastors, staff, and congregation to advance Pathway's established mission, vision, values, and strategic direction.

The ideal candidate will lead with humility and integrity, communicate biblical truth with clarity, and equip people to grow in faith and use their gifts. This leader will help cultivate a healthy church culture where people are discipled, leaders are developed, and the mission extends beyond Sunday worship into everyday life.

Key Responsibilities

The Lead Pastor's six core responsibilities are to Listen to God, Shape the Culture, Communicate Biblical Truth, Cast Clear Vision, Develop the Leaders, and Connect Within the Community. These responsibilities guide the following areas of leadership and ministry.

Spiritual Leadership and Teaching

●      Listen to God: Maintain a growing relationship with Jesus through Scripture, prayer, worship, and spiritual development. Seek the Holy Spirit's guidance and lead from a foundation of spiritual maturity and humility.

●      Communicate Biblical Truth: Provide spiritual leadership and direction to the congregation, preaching biblical truth that helps people grow in faith and apply Scripture to everyday life.

●      Preach during weekend worship services and other ministry settings as appropriate, dedicating regular time to Scripture study, prayer, and sermon preparation.

●      Provide spiritual guidance and encouragement to the Board of Directors, pastors, and staff.

Strategic Leadership and Board Governance

●      Cast Clear Vision: Champion Pathway's established mission, vision, values, and strategic direction, translating priorities into clear goals and meaningful ministry outcomes.

●      Serve as a member of the Board of Directors and attend Board meetings.

●      Partner with the Board on governance, strategic direction, accountability, and decisions consistent with Pathway's bylaws and policies.

●      Work collaboratively with the Board, pastors, and staff to establish priorities and advance the church's mission.

●      Establish an annual budget and capital improvement priorities and steward church resources responsibly.

Staff and Ministry Development

●      Shape the Culture: Model Pathway's culture values and foster an environment of authenticity, trust, unity, spiritual growth, and genuine care for people.

●      Develop the Leaders: Develop and support pastors, staff, and ministry leaders. Identify, encourage, equip, and empower emerging leaders, helping them use their gifts and develop others.

●      Work closely with the Worship Director and Service Planning Team to align weekend services with the focus of the messages.

●      Encourage teamwork, discipleship, and effective collaboration across ministries.

●     Champion Pathway's 1-2-4 Discipleship Method and four rhythms - Connect, Grow, Serve, and Go - through ministry leadership and discipleship development.

Community Engagement

●      Connect Within the Community: Build authentic relationships within Pathway and the broader Vero Beach community.

●      Build relationships with Christian leaders and churches in the community.

●      Encourage Christian unity and collaboration in advancing the Kingdom of God.

●      Participate actively in the life of Pathway Church, including a Pathway Group and an outside community organization.

●      Encourage outreach, service, generosity, and practical expressions of Christ's love in everyday life.

Technology and Continuous Improvement

●      Develop a growing knowledge of modern church technologies.

●      Help ensure Pathway uses effective practices and technologies consistent with churches of comparable size.

●      Encourage continuous improvement in ministry practices, communication, collaboration, and the use of resources in support of Pathway's mission.

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Ministry Experience

●      A minimum of three years of experience serving as a Lead Pastor is required; five years is preferred.

●      Ten years of ministry experience, with demonstrated leadership and ministry growth.

Education and Ordination

●      A Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree is preferred. Candidates with other relevant theological education or ministry training will also be considered.

●      Ordination through the Church of God (Anderson, Indiana) is preferred. Candidates ordained through another Christian denomination with a theologically aligned tradition will be considered, provided they are willing to pursue ordination through the Church of God (Anderson, Indiana), as applicable.

Spiritual and Personal Qualifications

●      A clear Christian testimony and an enthusiastic commitment to serving Christ and His church.

●      A mature, godly spirit and a commitment to addressing conflict in a biblical manner, including the principles of Matthew 18.

●      A servant-leader approach and a shepherd's heart.

●      Demonstrated integrity in relationships within the church and the broader community.

●      A willingness to listen, receive counsel, and appropriately include the perspectives of others.

●      A commitment to participating in the life of Pathway Church.

●      A commitment to personal spiritual growth and helping others grow as followers of Jesus.

Theological Alignment

Candidates should share Pathway Church's six core beliefs and demonstrate alignment with the broader theological commitments and distinctives of the Church of God (Anderson, Indiana), including its positions on women in ministry and leadership, marriage, and sexual purity.

Compensation and Benefits

●      Base salary: $135,000 annually

●      Retirement: Employer contribution of 6% to a 403(b) plan

●      Paid time off: Three weeks annually

●      Paid holidays: 8.5 holidays

●      Medical and dental: 100% employer-paid employee coverage

●      Life insurance: Employer-paid term life insurance with a $25,000 benefit

●      Cell phone: $690 annual stipend

●      Relocation: Assistance available for out-of-state candidates

Living in Vero Beach

Located along Florida's beautiful Treasure Coast, Vero Beach offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle, a welcoming community, and a wonderful blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences. From uncrowded Atlantic beaches and outdoor adventures to locally owned shops, restaurants, art galleries, and live theater, the area offers opportunities to connect, explore, and enjoy life at a more relaxed pace.

How to Apply

Please submit the following:

●      Resume outlining your ministry experience, leadership background, and relevant qualifications.

●      Cover letter addressing the following questions:

1.     Building Unity: How would you build unity within a congregation with differing perspectives on women serving in ministry and leadership, while remaining faithful to Pathway Church's theological beliefs and commitments?

2.     Living Our Mission: Pathway's mission is GODpurposing our everyday lives to multiply Christ-centered leaders who transform generations. How would you bring this mission to life through your leadership, ministry, and discipleship?

3.     Discipleship and Small Groups: How would you develop and strengthen a culture of discipleship at Pathway Church, including the role of Life Groups in helping people grow in their faith and become Christ-centered leaders who develop others?

4.     Salary Expectations: Please include your salary expectations.

Email your resume and cover letter to jobs@pathwayvb.com.

Posting date: October 27, 2026
Application deadline: December 4, 2026

Resumes will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.