Associate Pastor

The Associate Pastor serves as the primary support to the lead pastor in carrying out the day-to-day shepherding of the congregation. As an under-shepherd in Christ’s church, he must love the congregation and seek their growth as disciples. He must also love the lost and have a desire to see the gospel spread. The associate pastor is one who casts a vision for the ministries under his direction, working within the vision of the elders and under the Great Commission as the mission of the church.

Below are some of the core functions for this position, with a rough idea of how much of the role they will take up. These percentages are rough estimates and will flex from week-to-week, season-to-season and with the giftings and competencies of the individual.

1. Lead and supervise ministry to children, youth and families (≈50%)
This is the primary focus of this role and includes:
a. Provide hands-on leadership to youth ministry
b. Provide pastoral oversight and leadership for the children’s ministry and children’s ministry director
c. Give attention to equipping parents with discipleship and educational opportunities

2. Support the lead pastor in the overall vision and leadership of the church’s worship and education (≈20%)
Including but not limited to:
a. Provide feedback and improvement ideas for Sunday mornings
b. Serve as a primary person on stage (announcements, liturgy, etc.)
c. Communicate with and handle any outside speakers, including securing manuscripts, coordinating travel arrangements, requesting honorarium payments, etc.
d. Preach regularly (expected roughly 6-8 times per year)
e. Maintain clear channels of communication with the pastor, including a weekly meeting
f. Assist the lead pastor as requested in organizing discipleship and educational ministry in the church

3. Share in pastoral care and shepherding with a particular focus on birth through young marrieds (≈10%)
a. Visit members when appropriate
b. Conduct funerals and weddings
c. Provide confidential pastoral counseling when needed

4. Other Duties As Assigned (≈20%)
In a smaller church, there are inevitably many areas which require varying levels of pastoral involvement and leadership. In addition to the core functions outlined above, there are a number of other ministries in which the associate pastor may lead and provide pastoral oversight based on the gifting and abilities of the individual hired. These will be discussed and decided collaboratively together with the man hired.

Examples of potential areas include: assisting with music, overseeing small groups, leading outreach and missions, etc.

The associate pastor position requires a flexible work schedule, including evenings and weekends but that means there can be comp time during the week. This is a full-time position. There is an expectation of keeping regular office hours at the church Tuesday through Thursday, with greater flexibility on other days. The elders are committed to encouraging healthy rhythms and balance for the associate pastor and his family.

This position requires a man to:

• Exhibit evidence of Christian character that meets the qualifications of an elder as stated in 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9, and 1 Peter 5:1-4
• Have a minimum of two years of full-time or part-time experience as a staff member in a ministry leadership capacity
• Possess at least a Bachelor’s degree (emphasis in biblical studies or related field is preferred)
• Be able to use common computer programs and learn new programs
• Possess the personality, temperament and interpersonal skills to relate and serve effectively within a multi-generational congregation setting
• Love the local church and its mission of sharing the gospel and making disciples of Christ
• Give evidence of a spiritually balanced life (prayer, Bible study, rest, worship, financial stewardship)
• Must be a U.S. resident

Located north of Albuquerque. Approximate (2020) population of Rio Rancho: 104,000.

Current paid staff:
Full-time pastor (retiring 6/1/26) – Daniel Cooley / associate pastor (lead pastor 6/1/26) – Andy Herman
Paid part-time staff:
Executive administrative assistant,…