full-time co-pastor search

Who we are

Imago Dei is an eleven-year-old independent, interdenominational church of approximately 200 people from a wide variety of faith backgrounds. Each person reflects the image of God, so we welcome and affirm everyone who is seeking God, regardless of race, gender, age, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or other labels. Though we are autonomous, we learn from the practices and traditions of other denominations and partner with other congregations for ministry health and effectiveness.

How we believe

We believe Jesus loves people on the margins of society, so we work to show His love through practical acts of regular service such as feeding those experiencing homelessness, supporting local foster children and their families, and building homes for a community in Honduras. We believe in generous orthodoxy, so we study, debate, think, and hold our conclusions with an open hand, making space to listen and understand those with different beliefs. We believe in the power of community, so we seek connections, ask hard questions, laugh and cry together, and hold faith for each other when it seems difficult or impossible. We believe in tradition and innovation, so we blend new ideas and practices with ancient spiritual disciplines and the liturgical calendar. We believe each person’s spiritual journey is unique and complex, so we meet people where they are, encourage honest questions and doubts, and prop them up as they take the next step.

Who we need

We are looking for a person of any gender, race, or sexuality whose values, heart, and life with Christ align with the unique identity and mission of Imago Dei. She or he will spend time doing a variety of activities as determined through coordination with existing pastoral staff, including some teaching responsibilities that incorporate the exploration and teaching of Scripture with both their heart and intellect, studying the history and context of the scriptures and connecting these ideas to our lives today. Along with some teaching, we are looking for an individual who is able and excited about tending to the spiritual care of the attendees of our church. Because every facet of this role is people-focused, interpersonal skills are a must. Our pastor will work in close partnership with the other Co-Pastor and Leadership Team to cast a vision for Imago Dei and lead us into deeper connections with our community and city. Our ideal candidate will be self-aware, a humble listener, and well versed in the culture of spiritual practices, willing and able to offer insights to the pastoral team, leadership, and the church as a whole. She or he will invest in the ministries that best fit their gifts and support others as they do the same. Our pastors do not need to pretend to be perfect. Vulnerability and authenticity are vital qualities.

What is a co-pastor?

While allowing for flexibility depending on each pastor’s unique gifts, in general the new pastor will work with the other Co-Pastor to care for the church family, implement and manage ministries, develop volunteers, share some administrative tasks, preach 10-15 times throughout the year, though that number is negotiable. Together the Co-Pastors work with the Resource Team for building and financial issues, the Ministry Team for service and programs, the Formation Team for spiritual formation and church family care, and the Leadership Team to set vision and direction.

What a typical week might look like:

• Meet with the other staff, discuss a book, strategize, plan and problem-solve

• Have a new family over for dinner — hear their story and share yours

• Help a couple find a small group

• Give the announcements and lead the Apostles’ Creed in our Sunday Gathering

• Teach a Sunday School class

• Sit in a meeting brainstorming the next sermon series

• Lead our team that serves breakfast to those experiencing homelessness through a discussion exploring new, creative ideas for how best to serve our Sunday morning guests

• Have coffee with 4–5 people in our church

• Check in with ministry volunteers to ensure they’re equipped for their respective jobs

• Study and prepare to teach on the weekend

• Engage with our church through Facebook, Twitter, a blog or other forms of social media

Some books we have read together:

• A Generous Orthodoxy by Brian McLaren

• Dare to Lead by Brené Brown

• The Enneagram by Richard Rohr

• Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson

• The Sin of Certainty by Peter Enns

• Guerrillas of Grace by Ted Loder