Non-denomoinational

WEEKLY ATTENDANCE: 290

Meet Abernathy United Church

Abernathy United is a vibrant, welcoming church community located in Abernathy, Texas, committed to helping people encounter Jesus and grow in their faith. As a non-denominational church, we bring together people from diverse backgrounds to form one united family centered on the power and grace of Christ.

Our heart is to intentionally disciple believers, equipping individuals and families to deepen their relationship with God and live out their faith in everyday life. Through meaningful worship, authentic relationships, and opportunities to serve, we strive to create a place where everyone can belong and grow.

At Abernathy United, community is at the core of who we are. Whether through small groups, ministries for all ages, or outreach efforts, we are passionate about connecting people and building lasting relationships rooted in faith. We believe the church is more than a Sunday gathering; it’s a family walking together in purpose, love, and truth.

No matter where you are in your journey, you are welcome here.

About the Lead Pastor

Abernathy United is seeking a Lead Pastor to serve as the primary preacher, vision-caster, and shepherd of the church. This leader will faithfully teach the Word of God with clarity and depth, helping both mature believers and those new to faith grow in Christ, while remaining committed to biblically sound doctrine. In partnership with the Elder Board and staff, the Lead Pastor will provide overall leadership and direction, ensuring all ministries align with the church’s mission to be a Gospel-Centered Missional Family of Disciples Making Disciples. This role includes developing leaders, overseeing the Worship Experience pillar, and fostering a culture of discipleship, unity, and care. The ideal candidate is a humble, relational leader who values shared leadership, builds on the church’s existing foundation, and can guide Abernathy United into its next season with clarity, energy, and a heart for people.

The Lead Pastor's responsibilities include:

• Bring steadfast leadership that remains faithful to AU’s mission of being a Gospel-Centered Missional Family of Disciples Making Disciples, as well as maintain the rhythms of being Spirit Led, Word Saturated, and Intentional Disciples.
• Along with the staff team and the Elders, develop strategies necessary to align ministries with AU’s Mission Statement and Discipleship Rhythms.
• Prepare and deliver sermons that are true to Scripture, uncompromising, and relevant.
• Serve as the lead for preaching among a team of preachers.
• Disciple and develop key staff and church leadership.
• Identify and develop new leadership within the church.
• As Lead Shepherd, ensure that the flock is being discipled and cared for in times of joy and sorrow.
• Regularly spend time reading, studying, and meditating on Scripture and in prayer, ensuring the individual soul is being fed and developed.
• At least annually, take time away from regular rhythms to prayerfully consider vision and discipleship objectives at AU.
• Plan and participate in meetings with AU leaders that move the ball in carrying out the vision and overall discipleship objectives of AU.
• Remain visible and accessible to AU leaders and the body. 
• Preaching and Teaching: Fueling all other ministries of the church, sermon planning, preparation, rehearsal, and delivery take 20-25 hours per week.
• Vision and Direction: While others have similar giftings, this position has a unique role and responsibility to consider the big picture of the church 100% of the time. In order to provide effective vision and direction, the leader in this role budgets at least 5 hours a week for prayer and personal development.
• Leadership Development: The Vision and Preaching Pastor is committed to giving his best leaders what they need to successfully lead their ministry areas, including mentoring, regular meetings/coordination, and adequate departmental and personal development budgets. Additionally, he makes himself accessible for non-scheduled conversations as needed. Time is allotted each week to spend with staff, elders, and emerging leaders at AU.
• Pastoral Care: This important role could be quite consuming for this pastoral role; however, the structure of the Elders makes quality pastoral care sustainable for the Vision and Preaching Pastor. The vast majority of pastoral counseling and encouragement happens among AU members of the body inside small groups.

What you bring

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

Education and Experience

• A bachelor's degree is required; a seminary degree is preferred.
• Formal ordination is preferred.
• 5+ years of ministry experience.

Objectives

• Uphold the qualifications for elders as outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9.
• Oversee all ministries and operations of AU, ensuring alignment with the church’s vision and mission.
• Preach and teach the Word of God faithfully and accurately, fostering spiritual development among staff, members, and attendees.
• Provide leadership development and shepherd the church community with pastoral care.
• Cast vision for the church’s future, guiding AU in its mission to glorify God and make disciples.
• Serve as the chief manager of staff and operations directly or through the assistance of other employees and leaders.

What it's like to live in Abernathy, Texas

Abernathy, Texas is a welcoming West Texas community located just 25 miles north of Lubbock, offering the charm of small-town living with easy access to big-city amenities. Known for its close-knit atmosphere, Abernathy is a place where relationships matter, and community runs deep. The town is served by highly regarded public schools, consistently ranked among the top in Texas, making it an excellent place for families.

Residents enjoy the peaceful, grounded lifestyle shaped by the area’s rich agricultural heritage, where there is a strong appreciation for the land and the provision it brings. At the same time, nearby Lubbock provides convenient access to shopping, a growing food scene, entertainment, and travel, with an airport less than 15 miles away.

What truly sets Abernathy apart is its spirit of unity and shared purpose. Through the Abernathy Ministerial Alliance, local churches work together to serve the community and make Christ known, reflecting a genuine commitment to faith and collaboration. As the surrounding region continues to grow, Abernathy remains a place where people are deeply connected to one another, to their faith, and to the mission of impacting the broader area.