Senior Pastor Profile BE Free Church (“Branford Evangelical Free Church”)

Faith & Ministry qualifications:

- Mature Spirit-led Christian with an abiding love for God and His Word

- Agreement with EFCA Statement of Faith (https://www.ecfa.org/Content/StatementFaith);

licensed/ordained by the EFCA or willing to pursue this if called

- MDiv degree or similar education

- At least 5 years of pastoral experience preferred

- Commitment to lifelong learning

Leadership qualifications:

- Skilled in preaching Bible-based sermons with clear application.

- Passion for discipling believers and equipping the church to do God’s work.

- Able to work with the elders in developing vision and activating the church body.

- Collaborative team leader and strategic thinker with experience developing and implementing

effective ministry.

- Able to develop others’ strengths and giftings to build effective leaders and teams within the

church

- Strong communicator who can ensure clear, consistent communication channels.

- Skilled in mediation and conflict resolution.

Vision:

- Eager to share God’s love on the Connecticut Shoreline and beyond.

- Committed to equipping the church body to grow in their personal faith and to go and share

the good news of God’s love and make disciples themselves.

- Passionate for nurturing children/families including preaching/teaching that is accessible

across the age-span

Personal qualifications:

- A man of godly character and strong personal integrity.

- A servant leader who is relational, approachable, humble and family-oriented.

- A shepherd with God’s heart for the flock.

- Life is aligned with 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9

Responsibilities:

- Be the primary member of the preaching team (supported by the elders).

- Shepherd the church in biblical fidelity and theological soundness.

- Participate in teaching and counseling.

- Officiate weddings and other life events in the church family.

- Generate momentum and activate the church body in the areas of spiritual growth and

outreach.

- Help build and implement a discipleship pathway within the church that includes leadership

development and education.

- Lead and equip the ministry teams; meet regularly with team leadership; coordinate all ministry

efforts towards BE Free’s mission, vision and values.

- Manage the church staff (including oversight, performance reviews).

- Seek to know and love the people of BE Free.

The senior pastor is ultimately responsible/accountable to the elder board. Salary range: $75,000 - $90,000 plus benefits.

BE Free Church is an elder-led, inter-generational, EFCA-affiliated church located on the Connecticut Shoreline. While the church dates back to the 1950s, the last four years have been times of transition and change. With the support of an intentional interim pastor since 2023, the church has undergone a metamorphosis, emerging as a core of committed congregants with a vision for growth and evangelism of the Shoreline. Typical service size ranges from 100-120, with a mixed worship style including contemporary Christian music as well as hymns, public Scripture reading and prayer, and a combination of expository and topical sermons. View our church profile here.