Lead Pastor

Five Forks Brethren in Christ Church is searching for a Lead/Senior Pastor who profoundly recognizes dependence on God with a clear calling to leadership and pastoral ministry at Five Forks Church. (I Timothy 3, Titus 1). We are a congregation within the Brethren in Christ U.S. denomination, as such the lead pastor will understand and embrace the doctrine and governance of the Brethren in Christ church.

Key Responsibilities

• Serves as the primary overseer of the congregation, promoting the health and vitality of the life, ministry and mission of the congregation.
• Teach / Preach the Word of God.
• Provide administrative, staff oversight and strategic leadership for the overall church and its various outreach ministries.
• Provide Pastoral Care and Counseling.

Qualifications

• Personal relationship with Jesus Christ
• Ability to effectively Minister to a wide demographic of ages and backgrounds
• Experience at a church of similar or larger size for at least 5 years, with combined proven leadership experience of at least 10 years
• Seminary/Post Graduate degree preferred
• As a part of the Brethren in Christ U.S. (BIC U.S.) family of churches, candidates should resonate with BIC U.S. theology and Core Values and be licensed or willing to be licensed in the BIC U.S.

Pastoral Profile

A committed and maturing follower of Jesus Christ who profoundly recognizes dependence on
God with a clear calling to leadership and pastoral ministry at Five Forks Church. (I Timothy 3,
Titus 1) In addition, the lead pastor will understand and embrace the doctrine and governance
of the Brethren in Christ church.

Leadership

• Cast and articulate a clear, compelling vision and strategic direction, championing a
  unified movement toward fulfillment in consultation and coordination with the
  church board and within the broader scope of the ministry and mission of the BIC
  USA.
• An empowering presence who equips and encourages congregational leadership to
  set and accomplish goals for ministry within and beyond the congregation.
• Strong leader who accepts the responsibility of making clear, decisive, challenging
  and is willing to make tough decisions.
• A leader that seeks to serve others with an empowering presence who equips and
  encourages the staC and congregation to set and accomplish their goals.
• A lifelong learner who commits to professional development and personal growth
  through opportunities oCered by the BIC US and other agencies.
• A person of integrity who is transparent in communication with church board, staC,
  congregation and denomination.

Preaching and Teaching

• A gifted and transformational speaker that applies biblical teaching to everyday life
  and challenges the listener to continually grow toward being fully mature in Christ
• A devout student of the Word of God, presenting Gospel-centered sermons and
  lessons that edify, challenge and promote passionate worship of God both
  individually and cooperatively.
• Serves as the primary preaching pastor while integrating other pastors in the
  preaching rotation to capitalize on and enhance their preaching skills.

Shepherding

• Serves as the primary overseer of the congregation, promoting the health and vitality
  of the life, ministry and mission of the congregation.
• Relational person who has a passion for growing God’s Kingdom, meeting new
  people and engaging them in a personal way.
• An approachable and available listener who oCers empathetic understanding of and
  concern for persons in the routines and joys as well as the crises and transitions of
  life.
• Loves and enjoys people, relating well with a variety of diCerent people and diCerent
  ages in a sincere and humble manner.
• An innovator and supporter of initiatives that engage and involve participants of
  every generation.

How to Apply

For more information or to apply for this position, please send a resume and cover letter to Bishop Rob Patterson of the Allegheny Conference of the Brethren in Christ Church at rpatterson@bicus.org.

Published on July 9, 2025