We're Hiring a Full-Time

(Full-time)

Senior Pastor

About Nashville Nazarene

At Nashville Church of the Nazarene, our mission is to Seek Jesus, know God deeply, grow together in faith, and go out to spread the Gospel. We’re all about living this out in real, everyday life and not just on Sunday mornings. Here, you’ll find people who genuinely know each other, support one another, and want to see God work in practical, powerful ways. If you’re ready to bring your creativity, passion for Jesus, and heart for community to a place where you can truly make a difference, we’d love to talk with you.

Nashville Church of the Nazarene is a welcoming, multi-generational congregation located in Nashville, Michigan, in the heart of Barry County. We are a rural church with a strong sense of community and approximately 60–70 people in weekly worship attendance.

Our church offers ministries for children, youth, men, women, and adults and seeks to build authentic relationships that lead people closer to Christ. While we enjoy the benefits of small-town living, we are conveniently located within driving distance of Grand Rapids, Lansing, Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, and other West Michigan communities.

Position Overview

We’re seeking a Senior Pastor who loves people, values discipleship, embraces community engagement, and is committed to helping people encounter Jesus, know God deeply, grow together in faith, and go out to spread the Gospel.

Key Responsibilities

1. Preaching & Spiritual Leadership

Prepare and deliver biblically grounded, Christ-centered sermons that effectively communicate God's Word.
Provide spiritual leadership for the congregation through prayer, discipleship, teaching, and personal example.
Ensure doctrinal integrity and theological alignment throughout all church ministries.
Lead worship services and special services in collaboration with ministry leaders and volunteers.
Foster a culture of prayer, spiritual growth, evangelism, and disciple-making.
Cast vision that aligns with the mission and values of Nashville Church of the Nazarene.

2. Vision & Strategic Leadership

Work collaboratively with the Church Board to discern and implement God's vision for the future of the church.
Lead strategic planning and ministry development efforts.
Identify opportunities for spiritual growth, community engagement, and church health.
Help create a culture of unity, accountability, excellence, and mission-focused ministry.
Regularly communicate vision, priorities, and ministry goals to the congregation and church leadership.

3. Leadership Development

Recruit, equip, mentor, and encourage ministry leaders and volunteers.
Develop pathways that help people grow as disciples and disciple-makers.
Provide oversight and support to ministry teams and staff.
Identify and develop emerging leaders within the congregation.
Foster healthy communication, teamwork, and collaboration among ministry leaders.
Demonstrate the ability to lead both relationally and organizationally in a small-to-mid-sized church setting.

4. Pastoral Care & Shepherding

Shepherd and care for the congregation through life's joys, challenges, and transitions.
Provide pastoral counseling, spiritual guidance, and prayer support as appropriate.
Conduct weddings, funerals, baptisms, membership classes, and other pastoral responsibilities.
Visit and support individuals and families during times of illness, crisis, grief, and celebration.
Develop and oversee systems of care that utilize both staff and volunteer leaders to minister effectively to the congregation.

5. Community Engagement & Outreach

Represent the church within the Nashville and Barry County communities.
Build positive relationships with local schools, organizations, community leaders, and neighboring churches.
Encourage and participate in outreach initiatives that help people encounter Christ.
Lead the congregation in local and global missions consistent with the values of the Church of the Nazarene.
Promote a culture of invitation, hospitality, and community impact.

6. Administration & Organizational Leadership

Work with the Church Board to ensure responsible stewardship of church finances, facilities, and resources.
Assist in budget planning and long-range ministry planning.
Provide oversight and leadership to church staff and ministry teams.
Ensure compliance with denominational policies, local church governance, and applicable legal requirements.
Submit regular ministry updates and reports to the Church Board.
Promote effective ministry systems and healthy organizational practices that support the church's mission.

Qualifications

1. Spiritual & Character Qualifications

Demonstrates a vibrant and growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
Exhibits the biblical qualifications for pastoral leadership as outlined in 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1, and 1 Peter 5.
Supports and lives consistently with the doctrines, values, and practices of the Church of the Nazarene.
Models humility, integrity, emotional maturity, servant leadership, and personal holiness.
Possesses strong interpersonal skills, including empathy, communication, conflict resolution, and team-building.
Demonstrates a genuine love for people and a passion for helping others grow in their faith.

2. Ministry Qualifications

Ordained Elder in the Church of the Nazarene preferred.
Licensed minister actively pursuing ordination in the Church of the Nazarene will be considered.
Minimum of three years of ministry leadership experience required.
Previous Senior Pastor experience preferred but not required.
Demonstrated effectiveness in preaching, leadership development, discipleship, and pastoral ministry.
Ability to lead, motivate, and equip both staff and volunteers.

3. Education

Bachelor's degree in Ministry, Biblical Studies, Theology, or a related field preferred.
Equivalent ministry experience and demonstrated effectiveness may be considered in lieu of formal education.
Graduate theological education is valued but not required.

Desired Qualities

The ideal candidate will be:

Christ-centered and spiritually mature.
Relational, approachable, and people-oriented.
A strong communicator and effective preacher.
Passionate about discipleship and spiritual formation.
Comfortable serving in a rural and small-town setting.
Collaborative in leadership style while providing clear direction.
Committed to community engagement and outreach.
Visionary while honoring the church's history, culture, and legacy.
Adaptable and willing to lead the church through future growth opportunities.

What We Offer

Full-time salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Church-provided parsonage that is well-maintained, move-in ready, and located within the local community.
Paid vacation and time away benefits consistent with church policy.
Continuing education and professional development opportunities.
Ministry expense reimbursement and other benefits as approved by the Church Board.

Additional compensation and benefit details will be discussed during the interview process.

How to Apply

To learn more or apply, please send your:

Resume
Cover Letter
Personal testimony and ministry philosophy
Links to at least two recent sermon videos or recordings
Three ministry or professional references

Applications should be submitted to:
churchoffice@nashnazmi.com

Please include “Senior Pastor Application” in the subject line. We look forward to connecting with you and discerning together if God is calling you to serve in this role at Nashville Church of the Nazarene.

Info about Nashville:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nashville,_Michigan
https://www.michigan.org/city/nashville
https://www.barrycounty.org/townships_villages_and_cities/VillageofNashville.php