Lead Teaching Pastor

Non-denominational

WEEKLY ATTENDANCE: 275

Meet Woodcrest Chapel

Woodcrest Chapel, founded in 1987 in Columbia, Missouri, is a non-denominational church dedicated to the assignment of inviting people disconnected from God to find real-life faith, purpose, and hope. Rooted in the pursuit of Jesus, Woodcrest seeks to be a place of hope, help, and healing for all people, defining its core values through Authenticity (real people, real journey), Emotional Health, and intentionally Removing Barriers in language, teaching, and surroundings.. Weekly services are informal, feature engaging worship and teaching, and are designed to be relevant and applicable to daily situations. The leadership operates under a collaborative Co-Pastorate model that promotes shared responsibility, mutual trust, and a non-hierarchical structure that allows staff leadership to operate in their gifts.

About the Lead Teaching Pastor

Woodcrest Chapel is seeking a Lead Teaching Pastor to join our collaborative leadership team. Our Co-Pastor model is grounded in shared pastoral responsibility, mutual trust, and a commitment to leading in partnership.

We believe in a team-based approach to ministry, where authority, vision, and leadership are shared—not centralized. This model requires humility, maturity, and a deep commitment to servant leadership.

Co-Pastorate Model

The Lead Teaching Pastor will serve alongside one or two other pastors in a non-hierarchical leadership model. This role functions not as a subordinate or a senior pastor, but as an equal partner. Together, the Co-Pastors form the pastoral team that serves as the spiritual leaders of the congregation and the head of staff.

Key elements of our model include:

•  Shared authority and responsibility.
•  Consensus-based decision-making.
•  Rotational preaching, pastoral care, and staff leadership.
•  Mutual accountability, open communication, and deep trust.

Leadership Philosophy

• Leadership is intentionally diffused, never centralized.
•  Authority belongs to the team, not an individual.
• The Spirit of God is the true head of the church and staff.
• Differences in gifts and responsibilities are embraced, but equal access to all areas of ministry is.
•  When conflict arises, it is seen as an opportunity for growth, renewal, and restoration.
• Communication must be open, honest, and ongoing within the team.

The Lead Teaching Pastor’s responsibilities include:

Primary

• Preaching & Teaching: The Lead Teaching Pastor will be the primary communicator, preaching approximately 60-70% of the time. They will lead and develop a teaching team that may include current staff members and/or outside guest communicators. They will also drive the content discussion and develop the teaching series in partnership with the Teaching team. They will preach with clarity, theological depth, and relevance.
• Vision & Direction: Work with the Elder Board and fellow Co-Pastors to shape and communicate a clear, Spirit-led vision for the church. This includes intentionally articulating the vision, creatively communicating where the church is headed, and keeping the vision in the forefront to galvanize and mobilize people to move as a unit and take action.
• Discipleship & Next Generation Leadership: Provide leadership and oversight (functioning as an overseer) for the church’s discipleship efforts, specifically including supervisory leadership of the children’s lead, youth lead, and Next Gen ministries with the goal of ensuring that all areas are developing spiritually and helping people grow in their faith.

Shared Responsibilities with the Co-Pastor(s)

• Pastoral Care: Provide compassionate care, visitation, weddings, funerals, and spiritual guidance. These duties are shared and rotated unless a specific pastor is requested.
• Staff Leadership: Co-lead staff meetings on a rotating basis. Collaborate on agenda setting. Supervise assigned staff and ministries.
•  Congregational Engagement: Be visible and active in the life of the congregation. Represent the team in all pastoral functions.
• Administrative Oversight: Share administrative leadership. Take clear ownership of designated areas while maintaining shared awareness.
•  Collaboration with Elders: Partner with the Elder Board in spiritual oversight, conflict resolution, and congregational care.
• Consensus Leadership: Participate in all leadership decisions

What you bring

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

Education and Experience

• A Master’s Degree in Theology, Biblical Studies, or Ministry is required
• A minimum of 10 years of ministry experience in a local church is strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

•  A deep and growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
•  Demonstrated experience in pastoral leadership (preferably in collaborative settings).
•  Strong preaching and teaching abilities.
• Exceptional relational, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
•  A collaborative, humble, and emotionally mature leadership style.
• Commitment to Woodcrest’s mission, values, and theological vision.

Personal Characteristics and Qualifications

• Be a “pastor to the whole,” where each pastor’s actions represent the entire team.
• Lead with honesty, respect, openness, trust, loyalty, and a sense of humor.
•  Participate in rotational leadership, including preaching, staff direction, and sacramental duties.
• Uphold the equality of office, with equal opportunity in leadership and ministry.
• Embrace feedback, reflect personally and communally, and practice shared spiritual discernment.

What it’s like to live in Columbia, MO 

Columbia, Missouri, is a vibrant and welcoming college town that blends the charm of Midwestern hospitality with the energy of a university community. Home to the University of Missouri, it offers a lively atmosphere with plenty of cultural events, local shops, walking trails, and family-friendly activities. The city has a strong sense of community, with many churches, neighborhood gatherings, and seasonal festivals that bring people together. Residents enjoy a balance of small-town warmth and big-city amenities, including great schools, beautiful parks, and a growing food and arts scene. It’s a safe, friendly place where people value connection and community involvement.