Find a church or online ministry


Lead Pastor in Oregon, USA


27 February 2026

The Lead Pastor of the Portland Community of Christ congregation in Portland, Oregon, USA, provides leadership to the congregation’s priesthood, officers, members, and friends, guiding their work in support of the church’s mission in alignment with Community of Christ Mission Initiatives and Enduring Principles.

Position Description

Employer

Portland, OR Congregation; Greater Pacific Northwest USA Mission Center

Remote Eligibility

Not eligible

Required Language(s)

English

Education Requirements

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience; willingness to pursue Seminary/Master's Degree

Experience Required/Desired

  1. Good role model in all aspects of life, leading an ethical, Christian lifestyle
  2. Clear testimony of Jesus Christ
  3. Member of the Community of Christ Melchisedec Priesthood and the ability to perform the sacraments of the church
  4. Knowledge of Community of Christ beliefs, history, scriptures and theology, as well as administrative policies and procedures
  5. Strong oral and written communication; effective from the pulpit in public ministerial endeavors

Immediate Supervisor

Portland Community of Christ Leadership Team

Employment Status

40+ hours/week

Summary of Position

Develops and implements a congregational ministry plan based on the Community of Christ Mission Initiatives: Invite People to Christ, Abolish Poverty, End Suffering, Pursue Peace on Earth, Develop Disciples to Serve, Experience Congregations in Mission. The Pastor directs the activities of the congregation's priesthood, officers, membership, and friends toward accomplishing our mission in harmony with Community of Christ mission initiatives and Enduring Principles.

Essential Functions

  1. Pastoral Care/Shepherding
    1. Visible at congregational activities and expresses hospitality
    2. Creates ongoing educational programs for adults
    3. Recruits and supports leaders for special interest groups such as youth, children, young adults, middle aged, seniors, men, women, LGBTQIA+, singles, and seekers
  2. Supports Priesthood Ministry Communication
    1. Ensures communication of local, Mission Center, and World Church news (events, policies, etc.) are shared regularly with congregation
    2. Conducts business meetings
    3. Personal example of an effective communicator, through active listening skills, conflict resolution skills, etc.
    4. Communicates regularly and effectively with Pastor Leadership Team, Mission Center staff, etc., regarding goals, expectations, needed support, etc.
  3. Management
    1. Consults with the CFO/ Facility Manager for all facility administrative responsibilities
    2. Supports congregational programs and leaders to ensure their success
    3. Assesses current programs and develops/initiates new programs based on the needs and interests of the congregation
    4. Oversees responsibilities of the Administrative Assistant
  4. Missionary/Community Outreach
    1. Without divergence from the mission of Community of Christ, forms community partnerships with organizations and other local churches that enhance the ministry of the congregation
    2. Ensures friends of the church feel welcome at all church activities by welcoming them personally, introducing them to others and assisting the congregation to create better systems for welcoming visitors
  5. Worship Life
    1. Preaches on a regular basis on Sunday mornings
    2. Leads the congregation in creating vibrant worship services utilizing multiple elements including audio/visual technology
    3. Willingness to teach or facilitate classes

Required Competencies/Skills

  1. Community Relations
  2. Church Expansion
  3. Evangelism and Outreach
  4. Counseling and Referral Procedures
  5. Hospital and Bereavement Ministry
  6. Home Visiting
  7. Reconciliation and Peacemaking
  8. Team Building and Visioning
  9. Computer Skills/Basic Technology Understanding
  10. Familiarity and experience with sacraments of Community of Christ
  11. Self-starter requiring minimal supervision

Desired Competencies/Skills

Familiarity with and willingness to participate in ecumenical ministries locally/regionally

Supervisory Responsibility

Yes

Other Duties

Please note that this job description in not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned when necessary.

Required Trainings

Registered Youth Worker/Anti-harassment Training: New employees are required to be a registered youth worker with Community of Christ or be able to register within 30 days of hire date. Anti-harassment training is also required within 30 days of hire and then required annually. Complete Family Promise Volunteer Training.

Ministerial Status

Yes

Overtime Status

Exempt

Application Instructions

Fill out World Church Employee Minister Application to apply.

Apply Today!

Complete a World Church Employee Minister Application to apply for this position.

APPLY

Previous Page

Learn more about Community of Christ. Subscribe