West Newberry Congregational Church

Lead Pastor

West Newberry, Massachusetts

Why I Love This Opportunity

Chris Lawson

Associate

My passion for helping West Newbury Congregational Church stems from their deep historical roots and strong Christ-centered mission combined with their transformative vision for future growth. The congregation demonstrates an inspiring dedication to genuine community building while maintaining biblical faithfulness and dynamic outreach activities despite facing cultural challenges. The congregation shows a true reliance on Jesus through their dedication to spiritual renewal while empowering young people and serving others with humility. WNCC stands out as an exceptional place because of its steadfast commitment to historical faith combined with ambitious future goals. It is an honor to assist in selecting a Lead Pastor who will lead this incredible church to its next season of life with joy. Would you need additional wording alternatives that match your desired tone whether formal, enthusiastic, or personal?

About This Organization

Since its founding in 1698 West Newbury Congregational Church has been a central institution shaping both spiritual practices and community interactions in West Newbury, Massachusetts. When Newbury’s population moved across the Artichoke River to develop new western territories, they established the Second Church of Newbury because they needed a conveniently located place of worship. Samuel Belcher as its inaugural pastor

Even though many changes occurred within the church structure the institution remained a steady and dedicated servant to its community. West Newbury achieved town status in 1820 while establishing its church as a key element of its local identity. Since its inception the church has remained dedicated to its mission of honoring God and cultivating devoted followers of Jesus Christ.

The church consistently works to adjust its services to meet the changing needs of its congregation and community. The West Newbury Congregational Church stands today as a symbol of more than three hundred years of religious dedication while maintaining its historical roots and future aspirations.

Position Description

West Newbury Congregational Church (WNCC) needs a Christ-focused, biblically loyal Lead Pastor who will steer the church toward a new season of gospel revitalization. The Lead Pastor’s role includes visionary leadership through expository preaching while promoting discipleship and pastoral care alongside team collaboration. He will demonstrate his profound affection for Jesus while building authentic community relationships and developing young leaders to lead church members in acts of neighborly love and service. The Lead Pastor candidate needs to demonstrate a personal relationship with Christ combined with a shepherd’s heart and passion to engage the post-Christian culture through humility and truth. The Lead Pastor will support WNCC’s doctrinal principles while guiding the church to produce and develop committed disciples of Jesus Christ.

 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Christ-Centered Preaching & Biblical Teaching: Proclaim the Gospel through expository, Christ-centered preaching rooted in the authority of Scripture, aiming to nourish and challenge the congregation toward spiritual maturity. Teach and model faithful interpretation and application of God’s Word, equipping others to do the same
  • Visionary & Spiritual Leadership: Serve as the primary spiritual leader of the congregation, guiding WNCC with humility, wisdom, and clarity of vision. Lead with prayerful discernment, aligning ministry efforts with the church’s mission “to glorify God by making and growing fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.”
  • Worship Oversight & Participation: Collaborate with staff and volunteers to cultivate worship gatherings that are reverent, Spirit-led, and Christ-exalting. Provide theological oversight and support for both traditional and contemporary expressions of worship
  • Discipleship & Leadership Development: Champion a culture of discipleship by mentoring and equipping leaders, staff, and laypeople to disciple others in the way of Jesus. Foster a community where spiritual growth, biblical literacy, and active faith are central
  • Pastoral Care & Relational Ministry: Shepherd the church through intentional relationships, prayer, and presence. Provide pastoral care during times of celebration, struggle, and transition, supporting individuals and families with compassion and truth
  • Team Collaboration & Organizational Leadership: Work closely with the church leadership to ensure alignment with the church’s values and goals. Provide oversight to church staff and ministries with a spirit of servant leadership and shared accountability.

 

What a Strong Candidate Would Look Like:

  • A Deep Love for Jesus and His Church: Demonstrates an abiding relationship with Christ marked by personal holiness, humility, and a passion for the Gospel. Lives a life shaped by prayer, Scripture, and dependence on the Holy Spirit
  • Biblical Conviction & Preaching Skill: A compelling, biblically faithful communicator with a clear commitment to expository preaching. Able to connect Scripture to everyday life and effectively teach God’s Word to people at varying stages of spiritual maturity
  • Relational Warmth & Shepherd’s Heart: Approachable and emotionally intelligent, with a genuine love for people and a desire to walk with them through life. Possesses a pastoral heart that listens well, speaks truth in love, and models grace
  • Vision Alignment & Leadership Clarity: Resonates deeply with WNCC’s mission and values, and brings clarity of direction, wisdom in decision-making, and the ability to unify people around a shared vision for God’s Kingdom
  • Collaborative Spirit & Missional Focus: Committed to team-based ministry, valuing the contributions of staff and lay leaders alike. Demonstrates a heart for evangelism and community engagement, leading the church to be a light in the surrounding region and beyond
  • Ministerial Credentials & Experience: Holds an MDiv from an accredited seminary and is ordained or ordainable within a theologically aligned denomination. Brings relevant pastoral experience with a proven record of effective, gospel-centered leadership.

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