Associate Pastor of Family Life Full Time

River West Christian Church

“Inviting our Neighbours into the Family of God!”

Position: Associate Pastor of Family Life

Start Date: Approximately June 1 – August 1, 2025

Application Deadline: March 15, 2025

Hours: Approx. 40-45 hours per week

Compensation: In line with ABMB Salary Grid

Who We Are Looking For

We are seeking an Associate Pastor to primarily oversee Family Ministries (Children, Youth & Families) & Small Groups. This individual should have strong organizational skills and the ability to empower and lead teams effectively.

Who We Are

River West Christian Church (RWCC) is a growing, culturally diverse, and multi-generational Mennonite Brethren community-based church in far west Edmonton. Passionate about living the Jesus way as the family of God, we are dedicated to seeing our community transformed by the gospel.

What We Are Looking For

Character

• A clear testimony of faith in Jesus and a mature, growing relationship with Him.
• A life reflective of the Jesus way, marked by integrity, maturity, and humility.
• Proven ability to build and maintain high-trust relationships with colleagues, leaders, and the wider community.
• Demonstrates truthfulness, kindness, accountability, and openness in all interactions.  Takes responsibility for mistakes, corrects and rights wrongs, acknowledges and gives credit to others and shares information openly and willingly.

Calling

• A passion for following Jesus and helping others know and love Him.
• A heart for the local church and a desire to see people welcomed and connected.
• A commitment to shepherding the congregation toward Jesus Christ.

Competence

• A collaborative team player who empowers others to lead in various areas of ministry.
• An effective leader with strong organizational skills and the ability to lead others in the pursuit of common goals.
• Committed to ongoing learning and continuous improvement in all areas of the position.
• Sets clear expectations, addresses difficult issues, takes responsibility for holding themself and others accountable.

Chemistry

• A focus on equipping and building a team of passionate, prepared volunteers. 
• A collaborative team player who communicates openly, listens well, handles constructive criticism with grace, and likes to laugh and have fun.
• Agrees to work within and support an egalitarian MB Evangelical/Anabaptist theological framework.
   

Key Responsibilities

Small Groups Development and Support

• Recruit, train, and support small group leaders.
• Assist small groups with curriculum selection and problem-solving.
• Communicate regularly with the congregation about small group opportunities.
• Design and implement strategies to enhance the church’s small group programs.

Family Ministries Leadership

• Directly leads RW Youth Ministry Programs

– Grades 7 to 12 – approximately 15-25 students per week.

– Recruits, supports, and trains volunteer leaders and assistants. 

– Assists volunteers in planning and delivering RW youth programs. 

– Communicates with the congregation about youth ministry programs, events, and updates. 

• Support and provide oversight for children’s ministry in partnership with the volunteer Ministry Team Lead. 

– Ages 0–Grade 6, approx. 50–65 students weekly, 40 volunteers & Ministry Lead.

• Empower families through events, training, and support.

General Pastoral Duties

• Provide leadership & communication during worship services as needed and when available.
• Collaborate with the Lead Pastor to plan and lead special services and events such as Christmas Eve, Good Friday, Church in the Park, Fast & Feast Weekend.
• Preach 2–6 times per year, depending on gifting and responsibilities.
• Participate in weekly staff meetings and other church functions.
   

Qualifications

Position qualifications:

• Hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field (e.g., Youth Ministry, Pastoral Ministry, Theology).
• Have formal theological training or be willing to complete mutually agreed-upon training.
• Minimum of five years of church ministry or similar experience; demonstrated experience leading others including team leads and teams.

Additional position requirements:

• Have an understanding and agrees to work within and support an egalitarian Evangelical-Anabaptist theological and ecclesiological framework.
• Be able to support our MB Confession of Faith.
• Align with River West’s mission, vision, and guiding priorities (see our website for more details).
• Be willing to undergo the ABMB pastoral credentialing process within 24 months of employment (failure to do so will result in termination of employment unless an extension is granted).
• Be willing to abide by the ABMB Pastoral covenant.
• Be able to pass a Vulnerable Sector Police Information Check conducted by the Edmonton Police Service prior to hiring date.
• Become a Covenant Community member of RWCC and regularly attend Sunday services.
   

Additional Details

• River West Christian Church welcomes applications from all qualified persons in support of our MB Confession of Faith.
• Compensation and benefits align with the MB Salary Grid.
• Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Interviews will commence March 17.

To Apply

Submit your resume, references, and a cover letter to [email protected].

Learn more about us at www.riverwestchurch.org.

Application Deadline: March 15, 2025, or until the position is filled.

River West Christian Church

19815 – 45 Ave.

Edmonton, AB  T6M 0M4

780-487-2275