Candidate Profile

Church Planting Resident

Valley Hope Church 

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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.

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 are drawn to this region and there is a skill(s) you lack, let us know. This position is a residency designed to develop the necessary skills over 18-36 months to plant a church. If you show the aptitude, the church planting team is willing to develop your skill.

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CHARACTER

  • The candidate is warm, highly relational, supportive, and a great listener.
  • The candidate is empathetic and looks to include others.
  • The candidate is outgoing and enthusiastic.
  • What ever their stage in life, the candidate is committed to prioritizing the flourishing of their family.
  • The candidate will be marked with humility and curiosity.
  • The candidate is willing to let people see him/her as he/she is.
  • The candidate will exhibit compassion and mercy to the congregation and community. 
  • The candidate will carry himself with confidence in capabilities. 

KNOWLEDGE

  • The candidate will possess sound theological training in line with ordination requirements.  
  • The candidate will possess the experience and insight of being a shepherd for a diverse area and group of people.
  • The candidate will understand many worldviews and approaches to spirituality. It is a spiritually eclectic region.
  • The candidate has a framework to apply to multi-facets of the gospel based on context.

SKILL

  • The candidate possesses the skill to effectively reach a diverse community.
  • The candidate demonstrates the skill to preach, teach, and apply Scripture.  
  • The candidate knows how to assimilate people into the church. 
  • The candidate knows how to mobilize people based on their gifting, passion, and personality.  
  • The candidate possess the skill to navigate between polar opposite groups.
    • Political: Red and Blue
    • Money: Rich and Poor
    • Age: Empty-nesters and Young-thrifters
    • Stage of Life: Families and Singles
  • The candidate can train people how to share their faith. 
  • The candidate creates an environment where people grow closer and more sensitive to God.  
  • The candidate develops spiritual and missional leaders.  
  • The candidate demonstrates the ability to effectively communicate (written and verbal) to the congregation. 

GIFT MIX

The candidate will possess a knack to:

  • Trust God to work beyond the human capabilities of His people. The planter will encourage others to trust in God in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
  • Lead others to Christ. This gift builds up the body by adding new members to its fellowship.
  • Be sent to plant a church in a hard place and motivate the body to look beyond its walls to carry out the Great Commission.
  • Recognize the true intentions and test the messages and actions of others for the protection and well-being of the body.
  • Discern the work of the Holy Spirit and apply His teachings and actions to the needs of the body.
  • Instruct people in the truths and doctrines of God’s Word for the purpose of building up, unifying, and maturing the body.
  • Make strangers and the uncomfortable feel at ease. Use his/her home to entertain guests. Integrate people into the body.
  • Empathize with the hurting and joyfully offer to walk alongside them and help. Keep others aware of needs.
  • Look out for the spiritual welfare of others and help them grow closer to and more sensitive to God.

We would like to emphasize that this is a mix that works together. They are not separated by silos. Some seasons of the life of the plant will require the planter to place more focus on one or two and less on another’s.

We use Lifeway’s Spiritual Assessment Tools to identify the gift mix.

PASSION

The candidate:

  • Is passionate about all people being created in God’s likeness and image, worthy to be saved, and live life in his abundant grace.
  • Loves the unchurched and dechurched as they are.
  • Looks for challenges, engages, and overcomes them.
  • Loves cultivating a community and connecting people to it.

PERSONALITY

The candidate is warm, relational, empathetic, and steadfast.

  • He will inspire and motivate others to act.
  • 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/she has on people. He will have a track record of meeting challenges head on and conquering them. His/her merciful nature has been a comfort to those hurting and his optimistic nature has been inspiring to all. He/She encourages people in healthy ways as he points them towards the grace and truth of the cross.

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