1. PURPOSE OF THE POLICY

This policy establishes biblical, pastoral, and administrative standards for the appointment, roles, authority, accountability, and conduct of Local Church Pastors and Assistant Pastors. It seeks to ensure faithful shepherding of God’s people, sound doctrine, effective ministry, and orderly church governance.

“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care.”
— 1 Peter 5:2

2. BIBLICAL AND THEOLOGICAL FOUNDATION

2.1 The office of Pastor is biblically synonymous with elder and overseer, entrusted with shepherding, teaching, and oversight of the local church.

Acts 20:17, 28; Ephesians 4:11; Titus 1:5–9

2.2 Pastoral ministry is a calling, not merely an occupation, and must be exercised with humility, integrity, and faithfulness to Scripture.

1 Timothy 3:1; Jeremiah 3:15

3. DEFINITIONS

3.1 Local Church Pastor

The Local Church Pastor is a teaching elder appointed to provide primary pastoral leadership, preaching, spiritual oversight, and ministry coordination under the authority of the Elders Council.

3.2 Assistant Pastor

An Assistant Pastor is an ordained or authorised minister appointed to assist the Local Church Pastor and Elders Council in preaching, teaching, pastoral care, and ministry administration.

4. AUTHORITY AND GOVERNANCE

4.1 The Pastor and Assistant Pastors serve under the spiritual authority of the Elders Council.

4.2 No Pastor or Assistant Pastor shall exercise unilateral authority over the church.

4.3 Pastoral authority is delegated, accountable, and collaborative, not personal or absolute.

Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 5:3

5. QUALIFICATIONS

All Pastors and Assistant Pastors must meet the biblical qualifications for elders as set out in:

  • 1 Timothy 3:1–7

  • Titus 1:5–9

In summary, they must:

  • Be above reproach and morally upright

  • Be spiritually mature and doctrinally sound

  • Demonstrate godly family leadership

  • Be able to teach and shepherd effectively

  • Have a good reputation within and outside the church

6. APPOINTMENT PROCESS

6.1 Pastors and Assistant Pastors shall be appointed through:

  • Prayerful identification by the Elders Council

  • Doctrinal and character assessment

  • Interview and ministry evaluation

  • Congregational affirmation, where required

  • Formal commissioning through prayer and laying on of hands

Acts 13:2–3; 1 Timothy 4:14

6.2 Appointment letters or contracts shall specify:

  • Role and responsibilities

  • Term of service

  • Remuneration (if applicable)

  • Accountability structures

7. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

7.1 Local Church Pastor

The Local Church Pastor shall:

  • Preach and teach the Word of God faithfully

  • Provide spiritual leadership and vision

  • Shepherd the congregation through prayer and pastoral care

  • Equip believers for ministry

  • Supervise Assistant Pastors and ministry staff

  • Implement decisions of the Elders Council

  • Represent the church in authorised capacities

2 Timothy 4:2; Ephesians 4:12

7.2 Assistant Pastors

Assistant Pastors shall:

  • Support the Local Church Pastor and Elders Council

  • Preach and teach as assigned

  • Provide pastoral care and counselling

  • Lead or support designated ministry areas

  • Participate in leadership meetings as required

Assistant Pastors do not act independently of pastoral oversight.

8. TERMS OF SERVICE AND REVIEW

8.1 Pastors and Assistant Pastors may serve:

  • On an open-ended basis, subject to periodic review

8.2 Annual or biennial performance and spiritual reviews shall be conducted by the Elders Council.

9. REMUNERATION AND SUPPORT

9.1 Where Pastors or Assistant Pastors are remunerated:

  • Support shall be fair and transparent

  • Determined by the Elders Council

  • Aligned with church resources and policies

1 Timothy 5:17–18

9.2 Pastors shall not exploit their office for personal gain.

10. CONDUCT, ETHICS, AND ACCOUNTABILITY

10.1 Pastors and Assistant Pastors shall adhere to:

  • The Church’s Statement of Faith

  • Code of Conduct

  • Child protection and safeguarding policies

10.2 Accusations against Pastors shall follow biblical due process.

1 Timothy 5:19–20

10.3 Pastors are accountable:

  • Spiritually and administratively to the Elders Council

  • Morally to God and the Church

11. DISCIPLINE, SUSPENSION, AND REMOVAL

11.1 Grounds for discipline include:

  • Doctrinal error

  • Moral failure

  • Abuse of authority

  • Persistent neglect of duty

11.2 Discipline shall follow:

  • Biblical correction (Matthew 18)

  • Due process

  • Aim of repentance and restoration

11.3 Removal shall be:

  • By decision of the Elders Council

  • Communicated appropriately to the congregation

12. RESIGNATION AND TRANSITION

12.1 Pastors or Assistant Pastors may resign by written notice.

12.2 Adequate notice periods should be observed where possible.

12.3 The Elders Council shall oversee leadership transition to ensure continuity and pastoral care.

13. RELATIONSHIP TO CONGREGATION

13.1 Pastors serve the congregation with humility and love.

13.2 They shall encourage congregational participation, discipleship, and unity.

Colossians 1:28

14. AMENDMENT OF THIS POLICY

This policy may be amended by:

  • The Urgent Mission Council

  • Elders Council and Congregational approval where required by the Church Constitution

All amendments must remain consistent with Scripture.

15. CONCLUSION

Pastors and Assistant Pastors are entrusted with a sacred responsibility—to shepherd God’s people faithfully, proclaim the Word boldly, and model Christlike leadership.

“Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock.”
— Acts 20:28