TELL ME MORE

We design the profile to define who would be a good fit for this position based on seven broad criteria.

The profile assumes the qualifications for a pastor found in 1 Timothy and Titus. Because this church will be planted in a challenging region of the country, the planter will possess many of the characteristics of a missionary.

This plant is a partnership between Northampton Church Planting Network and Hope Church RVA of the EPC. Hope is a large church in Richmond, VA. of about 6,500 people worshiping weekly. You will not plant this church alone. You will have access to:

• Trainers who will help develop your skills
• A pastor who will care for your soul
• A supervisor who will keep you on track until you develop a healthy church

The network also utilizes the training of City to City and The GO Center. City to City fills the philosophical and theological gaps while The GO Center fills the strategical and tactical gaps.

We know, as does the search committee, that there might not be a pastor out there who could check all of the following boxes. If this call intrigues you and you feel that you are lacking in a few areas, then we strongly encourage you to have a conversation with David Zook. He is leading the search. If you show the aptitude, the church planting team is willing to develop your skill.

CHARACTER

The candidate will be:

• Relatable and “with it” in suburban family life: Someone who understands (or has lived) the rhythms of soccer practices, home remodeling projects, family vacations, school involvement, and balancing dual careers/remote work.
• Intellectually engaging and credible: Highly educated residents respond well to thoughtful, Reformed/evangelical teaching that’s biblically robust yet accessible—not simplistic or overly emotional.
• Entrepreneurial yet shepherd-hearted: Visionary enough to cast a holistic, reproducing church vision and gather a launch team, but humble/collaborative enough to avoid solo-hero mode.
• Culturally adaptable and positive: Appreciates quality/luxury without materialism; values family/kids’ activities; tech-comfortable for outreach (online tools, apps for connection); active in community sports/events.

KNOWLEDGE

The candidate will:

• Possess sound theological training in line with ordination requirements.  
• Have profound grasp of who Jesus is and how the gospel addresses heart-level issues.
• Have a firm grasp on the theology of mission and the centrality of The Great Commission and its core activities of outreach, evangelism and discipleship.
• Possess a deep understanding of the affluent, educated, and family-based suburbanites with kids activities and hidden stresses.
• Have a solid understanding on how worldly pressures, materialism, busyness and achievement culture create disillusionment despite success.
• Understand how to identify, gather, and develop a launch team/core group that buys into the vision, owns ministry, and reflects missional character.
• Have an awareness of common church planting phases, challenges (financial, emotional, relational), and the need for dependence on God/prayer.
• Must understand how to care for souls amid high-stress lifestyles, addressing mental health, family pressures, and isolation.

SKILL

The candidate:

• Clearly articulates and repeatedly communicates a compelling, gospel-centered vision.
• Shares the gospel and relates to the unchurched/de-churched.
• Initiates connections at community events, sports fields, front lawns, or third spaces.
• Identifies potential leaders, recruiting diverse people who buy into the vision.
• Equips believers to lead small groups, serve, evangelize, and reproduce.
• Provides gospel-centered support for mental health struggles, family stresses, and disillusionment in a high-pressure demographic.
• Hosts gatherings, modeling authentic community, and deepening connections in a way that feels genuine rather than programmatic.
• Prioritizes amid uncertainty, pivots based on feedback, and leverages resources.
• Delivers sermons that are clear, insightful, and transformative for an educated audience.
• Structures ways for new believers to grow, serve, and lead in community life.

PASSION

The candidate:

• Is passionate for the gospel’s power to transform disillusioned, high-achievement lives.
• Has a deep passion for reaching the unchurched and de-churched in their everyday context.
• Loves building Authentic, gospel-centered community that combats isolation.
• Is a strong advocate to multiply the Kingdom and give glory to God for new works. 

PERSONALITY

The candidate is warm, relational, strategic thinker, and self-starting leader.

• He will inspire and motivate others to fulfill the vision God lays before them.
• He will invite and include others.
• He will be organized and process-driven.
• He will recognize and cultivate the potential in others.
• He will finds ways to get people to work together for a common goal.
• He is enthusiastic and optimistic.
• He enjoys meeting people and building close relationships.
• He can adapt if a plan isn’t working the way it was designed.

THE CANDIDATE’S STORY

The candidate’s life will be marked by relationships and the impact he has on people. He will have a track record of meeting challenges head on and conquering them. His intellectual and curious nature has been a guide for skeptics and his optimistic nature has been inspiring to all. He encourages people in healthy ways as he points them towards the grace and truth of the cross.