SBC

WEEKLY ATTENDANCE: 1,676

Meet Chets Creek Church

The Chets Creek story began on April 19, 1998, with our first public worship service at Chets Creek Elementary School. A small group of people felt led to begin a church in the Beach Haven area of Jacksonville. Our dream was to be a church where everyone felt welcome and wanted, a church where all people could connect with others in true community. The dream was to be a church where people discover something real, relevant, and refreshing because we have found God to be real, relevant, and refreshing in our lives. Our dream was to be a church that felt like home, all barriers removed, a comfortable place to discover God’s plans for our lives. We strive to be that church.

A group of 30 core leaders with 51 guests began what has now become Chets Creek Church. From the beginning, we decided to let the mission drive this church. As easy as it is to fall into the church rut of, “What can this church do for me?”…we chose to ask this question, “What does God want this church to do for Him?” The vision of Chets Creek is to be a church for the unchurched, the unconvinced, the unconnected – a place where people can discover at their own speed who God is and what He can do for their lives. We are committed to breaking down barriers that hinder people from discovering God’s great love for them.

With a steadfast commitment to its vision, Chets Creek has expanded to three locations in the greater Jacksonville area. Founder and Senior Pastor Spike Hogan is retiring in 2026 after 27 years of faithful ministry and has been working with the senior leadership of Chets Creek to ensure a smooth leadership transition.

About the Senior Pastor

Purpose Statement

The Senior Pastor serves as the primary spiritual leader of the church, responsible for preaching and teaching God’s Word, casting vision, shepherding the congregation, and equipping the body for ministry. He provides overall leadership to the staff and works with lay leaders to guide the church in fulfilling its mission.

Scope

The Senior Lead Pastor provides leadership for the entirety of Chets Creek Church, its campuses, staff, and ministries. He is the primary vision caster and communicator for the church. 

The Senior Pastor’s responsibilities include:

Leadership and Vision

• Seek God’s direction and cast a vision for the church’s future.
• Lead the church in fulfilling the Great Commission locally and globally.
• Partner with staff/key leaders in strategic planning

Preaching and Teaching

• Serve as the primary preacher for worship services.
• Work with the campus pastors in developing sermon series, calendars, and preaching emphases.
• Plan with the Worship Team for effective and meaningful services.

Staff Oversight 

• Provide direct leadership to the Executive Pastor, Business Administrator, and Campus Pastors.
• Mentor and develop future leaders for ministry.  

Shepherding and Pastoral 

• Model Christlike character and servant leadership.
• Work with the other Pastors and staff to provide pastoral care (counseling, weddings, funerals, crisis support, hospital visitations, etc.).
• Equip and mobilize the congregation for ministry and discipleship.

Represent the church

• Represent the church in the community and denomination
• Communicate regularly with the Advisory Team and the Board of Directors and seek their input.  

What you bring

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

Education and Experience

• A Master’s Degree in Ministry, Biblical Studies, or Theology is required
• A minimum of 10 years of ministry experience is required, preferably in a large church environment. At least 5 years of experience as a Senior Pastor or Campus Pastor.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proven ability to preach biblically rooted expository sermons, with clear application to everyday life that connects with both the unchurched and mature believers
• Proven ability to cast vision and develop leaders

Personal Characteristics and Qualifications

• Demonstrates the qualities of biblical leadership as seen in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1
• Is a humble, authentic, and highly relational leader who enjoys being with people
• A highly relational leader is characterized by their ability to connect with individuals on a personal level, showing genuine care and understanding for their team members. They prioritize building trust and fostering strong relationships, often focusing on collaboration and open communication to drive success within the organization.
• They have a deep faith in Jesus that is clearly lived out in their daily life. 
• A pastor who takes ministry seriously but not themselves 
• A man of high integrity and authenticity
• Possesses high relational and emotional intelligence 
• Approaches ministry from a Kingdom-first mindset

What it’s like to live in Jacksonville, FL 

Jacksonville, FL, is a vibrant and growing community of just over 1 million people, offering an exceptional quality of life that makes it a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Nestled in Northeast Florida, our city enjoys sunshine year-round, beautiful beaches, and the peace of mind that comes from being in a location rarely affected by hurricanes. Families here benefit from outstanding educational opportunities, including Chets Creek Elementary School—right next door to our church—and Stanton College Preparatory, one of the top public high schools in the state, along with two local universities. Beyond ministry, Jacksonville offers a rich variety of leisure and cultural activities. Enjoy NFL games with the Jacksonville Jaguars, fresh local seafood, major shopping and dining at the Town Center, and easy access to Orlando and its world-famous theme parks, just 2.5 hours away. Jacksonville is not just a city—it’s a welcoming community where families can grow, faith can flourish, and life can be truly enjoyed.