Job Board

Senior Pastor – Maranatha Church of God (Portland, OR)

Full-Time | Portland, Oregon

Meet Maranatha Church of God
Maranatha Church of God is a historic congregation that has long embraced a diverse and multicultural community. While shaped by its African-American heritage, the church values welcoming people from every background and seeks to restore the rich diversity it has experienced in years past.

Located in Portland, Oregon, Maranatha has faithfully served for decades through heartfelt worship, biblical teaching, and a strong community presence. The church is entering a new season of revitalization. It is prayerfully seeking a Christ-centered, relational, and visionary Senior Pastor to lead them into a vibrant future of spiritual growth, generational engagement, and renewed ministry development.

Church Overview Snapshot
Location: Northeast Portland, Oregon
Average Attendance: Approximately 60 (with a legacy of 1,100+ in prior decades)
Worship Style: Blended (gospel, contemporary, and traditional elements)
Facilities: Sanctuary, classrooms, fellowship areas, and office space
Staff: Part-time secretary; external bookkeeper
Governance: Board of Directors, Board of Elders, Deacons, ministry leaders
Community: Historically diverse neighborhood with significant opportunity for outreach
Our Strengths as a Church
A faithful, committed core of long-time members
A legacy of cultural and generational diversity
Leadership teams eager for revitalization and growth
A strong foundation of prayer, worship, and biblical teaching
A heart for community engagement and outreach
Congregational readiness to rebuild ministries and welcome new families
About the Senior Pastor
The Senior Pastor will be the primary spiritual leader of Maranatha Church of God—preaching the Word of God, shepherding the congregation, and guiding the church into renewed health and vitality. The ideal candidate will be biblically grounded, culturally intelligent, emotionally mature, and relationally warm.

They will be a strong preacher and teacher, an empathetic shepherd, and a strategic leader who can engage multiple generations. The pastor should embrace Maranatha’s heritage while cultivating a vibrant, diverse, multicultural church community.

Responsibilities
Preaching, Teaching, and Spiritual Leadership
Serve as the primary preacher, delivering biblically rooted and practical messages
Oversee Bible studies, discipleship groups, prayer meetings, and teaching environments
Equip the congregation for ministry in alignment with Ephesians 4:11–12
Maintain a consistent rhythm of prayer, study, and spiritual growth
Provide spiritual insight and vision for the direction of ministries
Pastoral Care and Congregational Support
Offer pastoral counseling to individuals and families
Provide home, hospital, and crisis visitations
Officiate weddings, funerals, and other pastoral ceremonies
Ensure members feel known, supported, and spiritually encouraged
Support the development of a loving, unified church family
Leadership, Vision, and Ministry Revitalization
Cast and communicate a compelling long-term vision for the church
Lead Maranatha from maintenance mode into a mission-driven ministry
Rebuild or strengthen ministries, including: youth, children, women, small groups, outreach, and leadership development
Develop, equip, and mentor lay leaders and ministry volunteers
Encourage participation in ministry and service across the congregation
Foster a culture of unity, growth, and spiritual development
Administrative and Organizational Leadership
Provide coaching, accountability, and periodic evaluations for paid staff
Oversee and support volunteer ministry leaders
Collaborate with the Board of Directors on governance, policies, and annual budgeting
Work with the Board of Elders on spiritual matters impacting the church
Ensure proper administration of church bylaws and operational policies
Use administrative tools and technology effectively for planning and communication
Worship at Maranatha
Maranatha embraces a blended worship style that reflects its heart and heritage, including gospel-inspired music, contemporary praise, traditional hymns, and an expressive worship atmosphere. The next pastor should feel comfortable in a worship environment that values both historic depth and creative expression.

Vision and Priorities for the Next Season
First-Year Priorities
Build relationships across all generations
Strengthen preaching and worship planning rhythms
Revitalize youth and children’s ministries
Re-establish small groups and discipleship pathways
Foster unity, hope, and renewed spiritual energy
Increase community visibility and outreach impact
Three- to Five-Year Vision
Move toward 400 active members
Restore multicultural and multigenerational diversity
Rebuild ministries across all age groups
Strengthen leadership development pipelines
Increase baptisms, salvations, and spiritual formation
Renew Maranatha as a thriving hub in its community
What You Bring
Spiritual and Personal Qualifications
A mature, growing relationship with Jesus Christ
A life characterized by humility, integrity, prayer, and emotional health
Spirit-led discernment and wisdom in leadership and decision-making
Education and Experience
A Bachelor’s degree is preferred
A Master of Divinity (MDiv) is highly valued
A minimum of five years of preaching experience in a pastoral or ministry leadership role
Demonstrated leadership in a faith-based or church organization
Experience shepherding congregations and guiding organizational or spiritual growth
Multicultural ministry experience (African-American context preferred)
Leadership and Ministry Skills
Strong preaching and teaching ability
Ability to connect with all ages and backgrounds
Visionary, strategic, and capable of leading revitalization
Experience mentoring and equipping leaders and volunteers
Competence in administration, planning, and church governance
Comfort leading with a limited administrative staff
Ability to use modern communication and organization tools
Compensation and Benefits
Total compensation: $92,000, including salary, housing allowance, and medical benefits.

Additional details will be provided during the interview process.

What It’s Like to Live in Portland, OR
Portland is a culturally rich, diverse, and creative city surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes. Residents enjoy mild summers, four-season beauty, the nearby mountains and rivers, and the Oregon Coast. The city also offers a vibrant food scene, diverse neighborhoods, and opportunities for impactful community-based ministry.

Portland provides a meaningful setting for ministry, blending urban culture with natural beauty.

Think You’re a Great Fit for This Role?
To apply, please go to https://recruiterflow.com/christiancareer/jobs/1828

(Please note that the Christian Career Center is managing the recruiting process for this position.)