Executive Pastor
An open position
Horizon Community Church
Cincinnati, Ohio
This Section Contains
Opportunity Profile
Executive Pastor needed with exceptional gifts in leadership, management, and administration with proven abilities in strategic planning and people development skills. Horizon Community Church is a growing 5-year old seeker-targeted church with current congregation averaging 500, reaching 35+ year old professionals in the highest income suburb of 1.5 million person Cincinnati (the U.S. city with the most Fortune 500 companies per capita).
Horizon has 12 full-time staff and is operating debt-free with last year's operating budget of $1.4 million, which is fully covered by giving.
For information about Horizon, check out www.horizoncc.com
Overview
Horizon Community Church is almost five years old and is growing with two different Sunday morning services - one for explorers and one for more mature believers - reaching both the affluent and other demographic groups within ten miles of the church. Horizon's services are evangelical, very progressive and culturally relevant with contemporary worship. Horizon has a cohesive, mature, practical Elder Board and Executive Board; is well resourced and professionally staffed; and wants to maximize its opportunity. Horizon is seeking an Executive Pastor who is gifted in the areas of leadership, administration, staff development, and who is a team player.
The Church
Where it came from and where it's going Almost six years ago several families from Indian Hill, an affluent suburb of Cincinnati, decided to start a church to reach their neighbors. With the support of a nearby church, Horizon Community Church started on April 15, 2001.From the outset, the leaders have been intentional in understanding their target audience, and what should be the church structure, the vision, and style.
The Barna Research Group did a demographic study and survey of the unchurched that revealed the following for the residents of Indian Hill and two contiguous neighborhoods of similar demographics:
- 44% have children under 18 (national avg. is 44%)
- 30% of the parents are unmarried
- 57% have a college degree (vs. 36% for the national avg.)
- 73% call themselves Christian (vs. the national avg. of 66%)
- 85% have attended church in the last six months
- 47% claim a personal commitment to Jesus Christ (vs. national avg. of 33%)
- 15% claim to have had a "born again" experience (vs. national avg. of 11%)
- 34% of parents said parenting is a top concern (highest concern by far)
Indian Hill (www.ci.indian-hill.oh.us) has about 6,000 residents in 20 square miles. There are no commercial enterprises in the village, which is purely residential and bucolic. It lies on the northeast side of Cincinnati, home to many large companies such as Procter & Gamble, Federated Department Stores, Kroger, Ashland Oil, Fifth Third Bancorp, American Financial, Cincinnati Financial, and Cintas, and has more major corporate headquarters per capita than any other city. Many of the upper and middle management of these companies live in Horizon's location.
Currently meeting at the Cincinnati Country Day School, which has excellent facilities, the church has grown to about 500 attending each Sunday. The first Senior Pastor was there for five years and left under amicable conditions during the summer of 2004. Horizon's new Senior Pastor is Chad Hovind; Chad accepted the position in February 2006.
The administrative leadership at Horizon rests in the Executive Board, of which there are presently six. The Executive Board votes to elect non-Elder Executive Board members (currently three), while the Elders appoint Elder Executive Board members (currently three). The Executive Board members serve staggered three years terms and are limited to no more than three terms except for the Senior Pastor. The Executive Board selects and retains the Senior Pastor.
The church practices believer's baptism by immersion, open communion for believers, and child dedication.
Handling most of the day-to-day operations of the church and its staff is the Director of Operations (John Kirby). There are 12 full-time positions and 10 part-time positions presently staffed. The annual budget is $1.4 million.
The Position
The Executive Pastor provides leadership in children's and student ministries, programming, assimilation/spiritual growth, finance, and administration.The Executive Pastor is responsible for:
- Designing, developing, and implementing ministry programs;
- Developing mentor direct reports;
- Providing follow up management for staff, programs and initiatives; and
- Managing areas of finance, operations, systems, and building campaigns.
Professional & Personal
Candidates are most likely to come from a growing large church. Such a church is likely to have weekend worship attendance of 500 to 5,000+, and the church style is most likely to be contemporary. The candidate must be comfortable serving a church that is conservative in theology and must personally have a desire to focus on salvation and the integration of Christ into the believer's life. This person must also be able to teach deeply into the Bible to reach the leader caliber types in Horizon's mission field who quickly go deep when they are investigating and growing in their faith. The candidate may presently be at a church that is independent or part of a denomination, but must feel comfortable in becoming a pastor in an independent church.This person is likely to have had 10-25 years of pastoral experience as well as experience in management skills including finance, fund-raising, operations, systems and staff development.
Given that Horizon attracts people ranging from those who are affluent and professional to up-and-coming "gen-Xers," and "boomers," the Executive Pastor needs to have a personality to which people from these demographic groups easily relate. Also, having worked with a church with numerous and varied ministries, including an emphasis on small groups, is important.
The top two professional needs for the position are that this person be an exceptional manager and that he has the proven ability to lead a large organization.
The Executive Pastor must understand how organizations function, how to inspire and motivate people, how to cast a vision with a contagious enthusiasm, and how to work with a mature Executive Board and Elders. The Executive Pastor must have proven leadership capability.
Other professional and personal characteristics needed:
- Fulfills the biblical qualifications for church leadership (1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9);
- Agrees completely with Horizon's Vision, Purpose, Values, and Beliefs and is comfortable leading through and teaching Horizon's Doctrines (see Addendum for Statement of Beliefs);
- While being a self-confident person, is also seen by those close to him as humble and having a servant's attitude;
- Values the gifting of others, and of other styles; and is effective in developing a cohesive, effective preaching/teaching team;
- Inspires and empowers the church staff and lay people; shares authority easily;
- Has genuine warmth and people enjoy being around him; is sensitive to others and never offensive;
- Mentoring to others;
- Has a high level of energy, yet balances long hours with the time he needs for his own walk with God, appropriate time for his family, and personal time for refreshment and diversion;
- Has a shepherd's heart in caring for individuals and is deliberate and proactive in leading the flock spiritually;
- Is a spiritual example, privately and corporately, in his prayer life, Biblical study, and personal behavior;
- Is missions-minded for the Lord's work through Horizon beyond Indian Hill and its environments;
- Is open to change, wants to improve and grow, and wants others to as well; and
- Has a four-year college degree, and preferably a seminary degree.
The Cincinnati Area
In 2000, Places Rated Almanac rated Cincinnati #11 out of 354 metro areas in America. Cincinnati is the north side of the Ohio River directly across from Kentucky.- Greater Cincinnati now has more than 2.1 million people, having grown almost 4% from 1995 to 2000. It has become the one of the leading internet centers, and in many ways, the technology center for middle America.
- Cost of housing is about in line with the national average (+3% versus the national average for owners and -5% for renters). In general, taxes are close to national averages: sales tax (5% + 1% in Hamilton county, index 96), state income tax (ranging from 1% to l7%, index 85).
- A great public school system is bolstered by an excellent private one resulting in the area being rated #13 nationally for education. 81% of primary and secondary children are in public schools. Cincinnati is an excellent place to raise a family.
- Cincinnati is almost at the top of a "mild belt" in the country and is typified by a "moderate continental" climate. December is the coldest month, with an average high of 37oF. July is the hottest, with average temperatures of 85oF. Average annual precipitation is a somewhat heavy but garden-friendly 41 inches per year.
- Cincinnati has a vibrant arts community. World-class museums, ballet companies, symphonies, and theaters abound. Overall, the area has a cultural ranking of the #22. Of note, Indianapolis (114 miles away) is ranked #15, Lexington (only 77 miles away) is ranked #157.
- Healthcare in the area is excellent, with a national rank of #76. There are 18 accredited hospitals to service the area, several with worldwide reputations.
- From a recreation standpoint, Cincinnati offers tremendous options and is ranked #76 nationally. There are numerous great restaurants to sample. All major professional sports except hockey are represented by teams in the area. Golf courses and softball fields abound (with an extremely high per capita ranking for both). An easy drive one-hour south puts one in the midst of the country's prime horse breeding area.
Search Process
The Search Committee consists of six members who are the Executive Board (two women and four men) and Elders (four men).Stage 1 Applicants email their resume/photo/references to Liz Wilkerson; a letter and preliminary questions will then be emailed to the applicants whose qualifications appear to be a good fit.
Stage 2 If requested by the Search Committee after reviewing the applicant's answers to the preliminary questions, a longer, more in-depth questionnaire will be emailed to the applicant.
Stage 3 After reviewing the applicant's answers to the questionnaire, if the Search Committee recommends it, a telephone interview will be conducted.
Stage 4 Upon the Search Committee's recommendation, applicant will be brought in for a live interview.
We want the process to have integrity and to be fair, considerate, and thorough. Every effort will be made to maintain confidentiality of all candidates until the point the person is introduced to the church body as a whole. All candidates considered will go through the same evaluation process, and prospective candidates will deal directly with the Search Committee.
Summary
This is an excellent opportunity to lead a growing, committed evangelical church:- In an affluent dynamic demographic market and great location;
- With an incredible opportunity in healthy financial situation; and
- With a good-sized professional staff and a mature Executive Board and Elders.
Horizon Community Church is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, sex, national origin, or physical handicap.
We fully respect the need for confidentiality of information supplied by interested parties and assure them that their backgrounds and interests will not be discussed with anyone, including our client, without their prior consent, nor will reference contacts be made until mutual interest has been established.
This document can be viewed or printed at www.horizoncc.com
Statement of Beliefs
Every church must discern the scriptural beliefs of that individual church, resulting in some doctrinal personality differences among different evangelical churches. The staff, the Elders and Executive Board members recognize that our Statement of Beliefs is a prayerful human attempt to discern and summarize the riches of an infallible divine revelation. This in no way detracts from the importance of this document, which carefully affirms and accurately summarizes our position with regard to major Bible doctrines. Our doctrine provides our framework for all instruction and teaching at our church, and provides an anchor, which protects us from drifting away from our beliefs in our quest to be relevant and gracious.Scripture
We believe that the Bible is the very word of God containing the Truth. The Holy Spirit is the author of the sixty-six books comprising the Old and New Testaments. God used chosen people whose backgrounds, styles and vocabulary are reflected in the writings. These fallible human writers were supernaturally moved by the Holy Spirit to relay the very word of God. The Bible is the full and final authority on all matters of faith and conduct; there are no other writings similarly inspired by God. The Bible is timeless, speaking to our lives today and remaining in eternity forever. Scriptural wisdom can only be understood through the leading of the Holy Spirit. Luke 21:33, 24:44; Romans 15:4; Hebrews 4:12; II Timothy 3:15-17; I Peter 1:25; II Peter 1:19-21; John 14:26; John 17:17; Psalm 119; Isaiah 40:8; I Corinthians 2:11, 9:10-13God
We believe there is only one true God, Creator and Lord of everything, infinitely perfect, all powerful, all knowing, full of mercy, justice, righteousness and love. God is eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit (The Trinity). These three personalities are equal in divine perfection and holiness as they execute God's moral and natural attributes in perfect harmony. Isaiah 43:10-11; Matthew 3:16-17, 28:19; John 1:1, 14:16-17, 16:23-27; II Corinthians 13:14; Galatians 4:4-6; Titus 3:4-6God the Father
We believe that the Father is Creator and Ruler of all. He is compassionate, loving and just toward all people and is faithful to keep His promises. He hears and answers the prayers of believers. He calls all people to believe in His only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. God, the Father, is a Spirit holy and separate from His creation, infinite in wisdom and love. Those who wish to worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth. Genesis 1; Matthew 7:7, 12-50; Ephesians 4:6; 2 Corinthians 6:18; I Timothy 2:4-5; Exodus 34:5-7; John 4:24; Romans 11:33-36God the Son
We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and has existed from the beginning with God. He came to earth fully God and fully man through a miraculous conception and virgin birth. He lived a sinless life and voluntarily died on the cross as full payment for the all sins in accordance with the Scriptures. He arose bodily from the dead on the third day to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended into heaven to the right hand of the Father where He is the only One who is able to provide access and reconciliation between God and people. He is now acting as the High Priest and Advocate for His church. He will return personally and visibly and set up His kingdom on the earth. Those who have believed in Him will be united with God eternally in the new Heaven and new earth. Those who have not believed in Him will be separated from God in Hell due to their sin and unbelief. Matthew 1:18-23; Luke 24:1-8; Romans 1:3-4, 5:8-11, 6:23; I Corinthians 15:3-6; Hebrews 4:14-16; John 1:1-5, 1:14, 3:16, 3:18, 6:27-28; 11:25, 14:6-7, 14:9-11, 17:5; Titus 2:13-14; Acts 1:9-11; Revelations 20:11-15; I Timothy 3:16God the Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit is a divine person, equal with God the Father and God the Son as part of the Trinity. He was sent to the world in this age by Jesus Christ as a Comforter, Counselor and Helper for believers. We believe the present ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ and reveal God's truth to the world. The Holy Spirit convicts people of sin, bears witness to the truth of the Gospel and is active in the spiritual birth of a Christian. He indwells believers imparting spiritual gifts to them, thereby empowering them for Christian service. Spiritual fruit is produced in the life of a Christian who lives in obedience to the Holy Spirit. John 14:15-26, 16:5-15; Acts 1:8; Romans 8; I Corinthians 3:16, 12:4-31; II Corinthians 1:21-22; Galatians 5:16; Ephesians 4:30; Titus 3:5-6; Hebrews 10:15-16; Galatians 5:22, 23People
God made Adam and Eve in a perfect environment as innocent, pure creations of His love. They were created directly by God and in the image and likeness of God. As such, a person is made with three parts: a body, soul and spirit. Before they sinned, Adam and Eve enjoyed a perfect relationship with God. Adam and Eve voluntarily disobeyed God's commands and as a result death entered the world. Adam and Eve died spiritually when they ate of the fruit: a curse fell upon all of God's creation, and thereafter people were born into the condition of sin. Everyone is guilty of sin and needs redemption from eternal separation from God because of a dead spirit in need of rebirth. Genesis 1:20-31, 2:7-25, 3:1-6, 24; Romans 3:10-19, 5:12, 19; Ezekiel 18:19, 20; Psalm 51:5; Hebrews 4:12; Matthew 10:28-31; John 3:3-7; Philippians 3:21; I Corinthians 15:22-53; I Thessalonians 5:23Salvation
We believe every person is disobedient to God in varying degrees. Any disobedience to God, regardless of how large or small, is characterized as missing God's perfect mark that He himself can only achieve. So whether a person misses the bull's eye or misses the entire target, in old English archery terms, the English Bible calls it all "sin." Sin literally separates each person from God, which is spiritual death. Spiritual death is not God's desire. People can be united with God through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and Him alone. Anyone who believes that Jesus is the Son of God and accepts Jesus' death for their personal sins, acknowledging their sinful nature, and desiring to have Him as King of their life, is once and for all of eternity forgiven from the eternal punishment of sin. Upon this personal decision, God re-establishes a relationship with that person through Jesus Christ and promises eternal life with Him. Salvation has nothing to do with a person's good works but is a free gift offered through the atoning, sinless blood of Jesus Christ. As a Believer, a person receives a new spirit. This new spirit joins the believer into the Body of Christ and as such the believer's salvation is eternally secure. Romans 3:23, 3:3-8,3:24, 5:12, 5:16, 6:23; Psalms 51:4-5; John 3:16, 14:6; Acts 4:12, 10:43; Ephesians 2:8-9; Colossians 1:13,14; I John 5:11-13; II Corinthians 5:17-21; II Thessalonians 2:13; John 3:16; Philippians 1:6; John 10:27-29Christ's Return
Jesus Christ ascended bodily into heaven and it was prophesied that He would return in the same manner. We believe in the return of Jesus Christ in body to the earth and this is our blessed hope. Christians are encouraged to anticipate His return and look for the seasons. When Christ returns there will follow judgment for the believer to determine rewards based on the way they lived; for the non-believer for rejecting Christ as a sacrifice unto condemnation and banishment to hell for all eternity where there is anguish, weeping and gnashing of teeth. John 14:3, 20:27, Matthew 8:6,7; Acts 1:9-11; Hebrews 12:2; I Timothy 2:5; I Thessalonians 4:16; I Corinthians 3:12-15, 15:25; Isaiah 11:4,5; Revelation 20:6; Colossians 3:4; II Peter 3:10; Hebrews 9:27Church
We believe all who acknowledge their sin and accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, make up the one true church with the Lord Jesus Christ as the head. The purpose of a local church is: to empower Christians to reach unbelievers with the message of salvation, to serve as a corporate body for worship of God, to provide fellowship for Christians, to develop spiritual gifts and talents of Christians for godly service, and to practice baptism and communion. We believe baptism and communion are God's ordinances to be observed by believers in Jesus Christ, but not to be regarded as means of salvation. Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:42-47; Colossians 1:18; Hebrews 10:24-25, 12:23; I Corinthians 11:23-26, 12:12-13; Ephesians 4:7-14, 5:23, 3:3-7Faith and Practice
Scripture is the final authority in all matters. By adhering to God's Word and seeking Him, we can best observe His greatest commandments, which are to love Him with all of our heart, mind and soul and to love others. The church has the responsibility to teach sound biblical truth and to encourage its members to conform no longer to the world but to live by the spirit. In matters of discipline the Church must follow biblical instruction. Romans 12:2 14; I Corinthians 8 & 9, 10:23-11:1; Proverbs 3:5-6; Mark 12:29-31; Deuteronomy 6:5Teaching
We believe in the Expository teaching of the whole Word of God. Acts 2:42; 20:20, 27; Nehemiah 8:8; Psalm 119, 138:2; Luke 24:2; Matthew 28:19; I Peter 1:23Position Overview
| Job Title | Executive Pastor |
| Reports to | Senior Pastor |
| Leadership Team | Senior Leadership Team includes the Children's and Student ministries, as well as Programming, Assimilation and Spiritual Growth |
| Direct Reports | Ministry Team Leads - Children's, Student, Programming, Assimilation and Spiritual Growth, Finance and Administration |
| Purpose | 1. Design, develop and implement ministry programs and structure so that spiritual growth, worshipful service, sound doctrine and a passion for explorers are the design and desire of followers. |
| 2. Develop, disciple and mentor direct reports | |
| 3. Provide follow up management for staff, programs and initiatives | |
| 4. Manage the areas of Finance, Operations, Systems and Building Campaigns | |
| Qualifications | Spiritually mature and disciplined |
| Spiritual gifts of leadership, administration, communication and evangelism | |
| Reproducer of reproducers | |
| Communication gifts | |
| Sound doctrine | |
| Team player with respect for Horizon design | |
| Experience | Ten years of business or executive management experience skills including finance, operations, systems and staff development |
| Fund raising experience | |
| Prior ministry experience preferred | |
| Ministry Teams | Lead and manage the effective and relevant implementation of Children's, Student, Programming, Assimilation and Spiritual Growth ministries |
| Lead, manage and develop direct reports including performance plans, ministry plan and reporting. | |
| Finance | Develop and successfully manage fiscal budgets. Provide reporting, trend analysis and input on financial health. |
| Administration | Responsible for internal systems, IT and facilities management. |
| Building Campaign | Responsible for future building campaigns including managing of fund raising consultants and communications with congregation. |
| Supervise Office Staff and IT | Lead and manage the office and IT staff including performance development plans. |
More information available at: http://www.horizoncc.com/execprof.htm
Contact Information
Please email your resume to Liz Wilkerson at lizwilkerson@horizoncc.com
