Denomination: Non-Denomination

Location: Chilliwack, British Columbia

The Role: Executive Pastor

Meet Southside Church:

Southside Church in Chilliwack, BC, is a vibrant and growing community dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of its members and the broader community. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, Southside Church offers a variety of programs and services designed to meet the diverse spiritual, emotional, and practical needs of its congregation. The church emphasizes contemporary worship, dynamic preaching, and a strong commitment to community outreach, striving to embody the teachings of Jesus Christ in everyday life. Whether through Sunday services, small groups, or community events, Southside Church provides numerous opportunities for individuals to connect, grow, and serve together.

In addition to its local efforts, Southside Church is actively involved in global missions, supporting various initiatives that address poverty, education, and health care around the world. The church's emphasis on compassion and social justice is evident in its numerous volunteer opportunities, encouraging members to engage in acts of service both locally and globally. With a focus on fostering genuine relationships and spiritual growth, Southside Church continues to be a beacon of hope and love in Chilliwack, making a lasting difference in the lives of many.

About the Executive Pastor:

The Executive Pastor candidate will serve alongside the Senior Pastor to accomplish the mission and vision of Southside Church. The candidate will be able to create, implement, and manage systems and processes along with personnel, to bring the vision of the Senior Pastor from ideation to activation. 

We believe God has called us to unique vision at a key moment in the history of Chilliwack. We are called to engage the city in innovative and courageous ways, and make disciples that can live faithfully to Jesus, while blessing and resisting the culture around us. We are called to develop, equip, and unleash disciples and leaders in their local congregation and the city to where we are sent. This candidate will have responsibilities overseeing, managing and bringing this vision to life.

The Executive Pastor's Responsibilities Include: 

• Responsible for strategic planning and staff coordination in the execution of the church’s mission and vision.
• Oversee staff working through the Senior Pastor.
• Implement systems and processes that allow for the staff to efficiently and effectively accomplish their jobs.
• Implement the vision of the Senior Pastor.
• Oversee the operations staff and ensure that operations are effective, up to date and compliant to all legal and ethical standards.
• Oversee the evaluation of staff, ensuring that they are accountable to their ministry and faith goals, pursuing spiritual emotional and relational health, and committed to continued leadership development.
• Oversee the budget while interacting with each ministry lead to help maintain healthy spending. 
• Manage HR processes, (e.g., ensure insurance and labor law compliance are up-to-date, manage employee’s hours, compensation, and benefits, maintain structure and cadence of performance reviews, update employee handbook as needed).
• Perform other duties as requested by the Lead Pastor for large-scale projects such as leadership and management for capital campaigns, facilities projects, etc.

What You Bring: 

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Executive Pastor:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree, required
• Seminary degree, preferred
• MBA, preferred
• Minimum of 7 - 10 years related experience in leading at high levels in a growing church/organization (1,000 people or more in weekend attendance)
•  Experience directly overseeing growth (i.e. the launch of a multi-site, major capital campaign, etc.)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, time-sensitive, and dynamic environment
• Experience evaluating, improving, and training on new systems and processes
• People person; able to work with and connect with many different types of people from all walks and backgrounds
• Have a high emotional IQ, which is needed in working in diverse environments and with people who have strong opinions
• Have a strategic mind and a winsome personality that can craft a way forward and call others to buy in and follow
• Able to manage managers, and create teams and a culture that reflects our values
• Need to be called to the number two position and have a gift set that reflects that
• Ability to anticipate change and react efficiently and expeditiously

Personal Characteristics & Qualifications

• Demonstrated heart for ministry and pattern of character and integrity
• Humble, hungry and smart
• Strives for excellence
• Clear communicator
• Understands teamwork
• High leadership capacity

What it's Like to Live in Chilliwack, British Columbia: 

Chilliwack, BC, offers an appealing blend of natural beauty, small-town charm, and modern amenities, making it an ideal place to live. Nestled in the stunning Fraser Valley, Chilliwack is surrounded by breathtaking mountains, rivers, and fertile farmlands, providing residents with endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. From hiking and mountain biking to fishing and kayaking, nature enthusiasts can enjoy a wide range of activities right at their doorstep. The area's picturesque landscapes also make it a peaceful and serene place to call home, far from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The community spirit in Chilliwack is another compelling reason to settle here. Known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, Chilliwack offers a strong sense of belonging and connection among its residents. The town hosts numerous community events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Chilliwack Fair and the Rotary Christmas Parade, fostering a vibrant and inclusive social scene. Excellent local amenities, including schools, healthcare facilities, and recreational centers, ensure that families, retirees, and young professionals alike have access to the services they need. The local economy is also robust, with diverse employment opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, retail, and the growing tourism sector.

Moreover, Chilliwack's strategic location provides the best of both worlds: a tranquil rural setting with easy access to urban conveniences. Just over an hour's drive from Vancouver, residents can effortlessly enjoy the cultural, educational, and economic opportunities of a major metropolitan area without sacrificing the benefits of a close-knit community and a lower cost of living. This proximity to a major city makes Chilliwack an attractive option for those looking to balance work and leisure, offering a high quality of life with the convenience of nearby urban amenities. Whether you're drawn by the natural beauty, the strong community spirit, or the strategic location, Chilliwack, BC, is a place where you can truly thrive.