Non-denominational

WEEKLY ATTENDANCE: 821

Meet Heritage Christian Church

Heritage Christian Church is a welcoming, multi-ethnic, elder-led community rooted in Jesus, devoted to worship, discipleship, and mission. With contemporary family services on Sunday mornings and a seasonal, traditional service on Saturday evenings, they offer vibrant ministry for all ages – from infants in Heritage Kids to Middle and High School Students, women’s and men’s groups, retirees in “Journey 60+,” contemplative spaces in the 46:10 Ministry, and more. Their mission extends beyond the pews: the church’s budget supports 38 indigenous missionary families across more than 24 countries, and members are regularly mobilized through prayer initiatives, short-term mission trips, and quarterly Missions Fairs. In all they do, Heritage seeks to move toward God in worship, toward one another in authentic community, and toward the world in gospel-centered mission.

About the Lead Pastor

The Lead Pastor serves as the primary leader responsible for shaping and stewarding the spiritual health, mission, and direction of Heritage Christian Church. This role requires more than oversight; it calls for a leader who can inspire, unify, and mobilize the church toward a vibrant future. Building on a firm grasp of the church’s beliefs, values, and strategy, the Lead Pastor must shepherd and motivate staff, elders, and key leaders to embrace and pursue the mission with clarity and passion.

This leader will not only cast vision but will also translate vision into action by developing strategies, establishing priorities, and guiding teams to accomplish meaningful ministry outcomes. The Lead Pastor must have the ability to cultivate fresh opportunities for ministry, energize people toward bold steps of faith, and create a culture of engagement where the next generation is equipped and empowered.

The role carries responsibility for designing and sustaining effective systems, practices, and policies that enable the church to flourish in both its present ministry and its future growth. Ultimately, the Lead Pastor is called to champion the mission of Heritage Christian Church, guiding God’s people with conviction, courage, and strategic leadership.

The Lead Pastor‘s responsibilities include:

Oversight of HCC Worship Experiences

Responsible for ensuring that all worship experiences are executed with excellence. The Lead Pastor displays excellent communication skills, the ability to make sound decisions, high level networking, and relational strength that enhance each worship experience. These objectives are accomplished by:

• Delivering relevant, engaging and inspiring Biblical messages.
• Work with the Leadership team to plan the sermon series calendar for the fiscal year in advance.
• Partnering with leadership teams to plan and execute worship and other creative elements to compliment the teaching in each ministry environment.
• Offering direction to the creative team with planning, packaging and promoting message series.

Staff Supervision and Development

Responsible for providing leadership to direct reports. The Lead Pastor leads, evaluates and mentors existing direct reports and prioritizes future staffing needs. Includes the following responsibilities:

• Supervising direct reports in day-to-day operational activities.
•  Overseeing the training and development of the team.
•  Assisting direct reports in developing and instituting a plan for their personal day of solitude on an at least quarterly basis.
• Recruiting and empowering volunteers to serve in various capacities.
•  Maintaining a strong network of relevant professionals (educators, pastors and local workers in their field)

Ensuring the Spiritual Health of the Church

Responsible for guiding and monitoring the spiritual formation of the church. Working with all ministry teams to support and further the spiritual formation strategy providing a variety of opportunities for people to engage being formed spiritually. These objectives are accomplished by:

• Working with the spiritual formation team to define, as much as is possible, a clear spiritual formation path so a person can self-identify their next steps toward Christ.
•  Modeling spiritual formation with key staff and lay leaders.
• Providing Biblical teaching and casting vision that challenges people to pursue spiritual growth.
• Empowering staff and lay people to implement the spiritual formation strategy across all ministries.
• Assessing and monitoring the spiritual health of the church and, when necessary, holding staff and lay leaders accountable for the progress in their ministry areas.

Strategic Leadership and Planning

Responsible for clarifying and championing HCC’s vision and values. The Lead Pastor will oversee strategic planning and staff coordination in the execution of the church’s mission and vision. The Lead Pastor will work with the senior leadership team to establish goals and action plans. The Lead Pastor will provide the catalyzing challenges and activities which allow HCC to remain true to its mission and vision. This leadership and input will be provided through many activities including:

• Coordinating and leading staff meetings and engaging other activities designed to clarify and execute HCC’s goals and objectives. Facilitating regular meetings with the staff leadership team.
• Participation in Elder Board meetings.
•  Providing leadership in vision casting and goal setting.
• Monitoring the pulse of the ministry through research and evaluation.
• Partnering with Staff Leads to ensure staffing, facilities, and programs are appropriately and effectively aligned to best meet strategic goals.
• Working with Staff Leads to assign pastoral and administrative duties to Campus Pastors and leadership teams as applicable.
• Overseeing budgets and providing oversight and direction in the large variety of financial functions of the church including: stewardship campaigns, cash flow, contributions, payroll, leases and budget development.

Pastoral Responsibilities

Shepherding the congregation is a shared responsibility among all Pastors. It requires relational investment and a heart to serve. As pastoring is a gift, these should be natural and life giving to the pastor. When it is not, please be shepherded.

• Responsible for providing pastoral care as warranted. This might include praying, counseling, visits, weddings, funerals and more.
• Coordinate care among other pastors, elders and chaplains where appropriate.
• As a care giver, it is essential to identify who provides you with care.

Reproducing the Church

Recognizing that God is positioning HCC to impact people’s lives beyond Westerville, the Lead Pastor will actively pursue opportunities to expand ministries to reach more people for Jesus. This is accomplished by:

• Sensing and responding to the move of the Holy Spirit.
• Continuing to develop a growth strategy that leverages the synergy of existing resources and prepares for expansion in the future.
• Partnering with organizations to equip and invest in ministry initiatives out of HCC.
• Developing resources that help staff and lay leaders increase the impact of their ministry.

Self-Care & Modeling Biblical Priorities

Each HCC employee should engage in a growing personal relationship with Christ. They are responsible for upholding Biblical priorities and core values of HCC. They will model a strong relationship with his or her spouse (if married) and children (if applicable). The employee strives to fulfill his or her purpose in life and ministry while demonstrating integrity in words, relationships and actions.

These objectives are accomplished by:

• Committing to seek God daily.
• Participating in HCC groups on a regular basis.
• Seeking opportunities for growth through relationships with mentors and coaches.
• Setting appropriate boundaries to protect character and integrity.
• Developing personal evangelism opportunities within and outside the church.
• Developing and instituting a plan for a personal day of solitude on at least a quarterly basis, with the heLead Pastor and support of their supervisor.
•  Supporting the ministries of HCC by faithfully and generously giving.
• Adhering to and encompassing the qualities and characteristics required of HCC employees, as defined by the Staff Handbook.
• 
  

What you bring

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Lead Pastor:

Education and Experience

• A master’s degree and/or seminary training is required.
• Master of Divinity is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Mission-Driven & Theologically Grounded – Fully embraces Heritage Christian Church’s mission and values (Worship, Community, Missions, Spiritual Formation) with a strong biblical foundation and skill in expository preaching that acknowledges “the truth is in the tension.”
• Visionary & Unifying Leader – A “big tent” leader who can cast vision, motivate, and champion both staff and congregation, bringing people together and moving them in the same direction.
• Empowering & Collaborative – Understands organizational dynamics, values teamwork, and leads by equipping and empowering others to use their gifts.

Personal Characteristics and Qualifications

• Pastoral Character & Calling – A humble, prayerful servant-leader with a deep love for people and passion for Jesus’ mission, sensing God’s call to serve Heritage Christian Church long-term. Engages warmly, communicates directly with cultural understanding, and embodies integrity, wisdom, honesty, and pastoral care.
• Leadership & Ministry Strengths – A visionary, inspiring preacher and teacher with a proven track record of shepherding large groups and developing strong ministry teams. Well-loved as a leader and motivator, able to unite staff and congregation toward a shared vision while empowering others to use their gifts.

Photo: Robb McCormick Photography www.robbmccormick.com

What it’s like to live in Westerville, OH 

Westerville, Ohio is a safe, family-oriented community just northeast of Columbus, known for excellent schools, vibrant neighborhoods, and a strong sense of civic pride. With more than 40 parks and beautiful spaces like Inniswood Metro Gardens, it offers abundant opportunities for family gatherings, youth activities, and community outreach. Rooted in a rich history—including Otterbein University’s faith-based heritage—Westerville blends small-town warmth with access to big-city resources, making it an ideal place for families to live, grow, and connect in faith together.