Associate Pastor of Discipleship, Serve and Community Life
Job Description
Good Shepherd is seeking a relational, visionary, and mission-driven leader to serve as our Associate Pastor of Discipleship, Serve and Community Life. This role provides leadership for adult discipleship, community engagement, and outreach, helping people take meaningful next steps in faith, belonging, and service.
The right candidate is a strong leader who can build systems, develop servant leaders, and create environments where people grow spiritually, build authentic relationships, and live on mission together. This person will oversee adult ministry pathways, community-building opportunities, and local outreach initiatives while helping cultivate a culture of discipleship across the life of the church.
Full-time, Salaried, Exempt Position
$90,000–$110,000 annually
Essential Responsibilities
·Provide vision, leadership, and oversight for adult discipleship and community life
Develop clear pathways for adults to move from attending to belonging to serving
Lead and strengthen local serve initiatives and strategic community partnershipsRecruit, equip, and shepherd servant leaders across multiple ministry areas
Support pastoral needs through preaching, weddings, memorials, and pastoral care as needed
Discipleship & Community Life
Develop and champion a cohesive vision for adult discipleship aligned with the mission of Good Shepherd
Oversee Men’s, Women’s, Young Adults, Sharpies (55+), and Journey Groups ministries
Support ministry leaders through coaching, encouragement, and leadership development
Ensure adult ministries are aligned, healthy, and producing clear discipleship outcomes
Create meaningful connection points through retreats, gatherings, and ministry events
Serve & Outreach
Champion the church’s vision for serving the local community
Build and steward relationships with schools, nonprofits, shelters, and community partners
Lead service initiatives, compassion ministries, and outreach events throughout the year
Mobilize volunteers and servant leaders for local outreach opportunities
Support a defined level of international mission engagement and partner relationships
Leadership Development
Develop leadership pipelines and succession planning across ministry areas
Create systems for volunteer onboarding, ministry tracking, and follow-up
Oversee ministry budgets, calendars, and planning processes
Collaborate with Communications, Worship, Kids, Youth, and Care ministries to strengthen church-wide engagement
Share stories of life change and ministry impact with the congregation
Pastoral Support
Provide preaching support as scheduled
Officiate weddings, memorials, and funerals in alignment with church values and theology
Offer premarital support and pastoral care as needed
Assist with pastoral coverage during staff absences or high-demand ministry seasons
Organizational Structure
Reports directly to the Executive Director of Church and Preschool
Works closely with the EOS Team and ministry staff
Collaborates with servant leaders across adult ministry and outreach areas
Supports the overall mission and vision of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required; seminary training and ordination encouraged
Pastoral ministry experience strongly preferred
Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
Experience building volunteer teams and developing leaders
Ability to think strategically while executing ministry details effectively
Warm, relational presence with strong pastoral instincts
Alignment with the mission, theology, and values of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
Additional Information
All Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Staff:
Love Jesus and call themselves Christians.
Display Christ-like attitudes and behavior through personal conduct and lifestyle.
Are Coachable and open to feedback and growth.
Do Whatever It Takes to serve the mission of the church and support the team.
Are actively Growing in Christ through their personal faith and participation in the life of the church.
Create a Warm and Inviting environment for everyone who walks through our doors.
Show accountability in their role and on the team.
Exhibit a passion to build God’s Kingdom.
Invest in Good Shepherd’s community of faith.
Attend Good Shepherd and participate regularly.
