Non-Denominational

WEEKLY ATTENDANCE: 1,300

Meet Waymaker Church

Waymaker.Church is a vibrant, faith-driven community committed to helping people move from where they are to where God wants them to be. Known for its culture of authenticity, excellence, and intentional growth, Waymaker values creating meaningful connections and empowering individuals to live out their purpose. The church fosters an environment of creativity, collaboration, and genuine care, making it a place where both staff and attendees can grow spiritually, personally, and professionally.

About the Lead Pastor

The Lead Pastor provides visionary leadership and spiritual direction for Waymaker.Church, guiding the church toward its mission of helping people move from where they are to where God wants them to be. This role carries the primary responsibility for shepherding the church body, leading and developing staff, and maintaining unity and alignment across all ministry areas. The Lead Pastor serves as both the spiritual leader and chief executive of the organization, ensuring the church remains faithful to its biblical foundation while thriving in its strategic and organizational effectiveness.

The Lead Pastor’s responsibilities include:

• Vision and Strategy: Cast and execute Spirit-directed vision with clarity and conviction.
• Preaching and Teaching: Communicate God’s Word with conviction, relevance, and doctrinal integrity.
• Team Development: Equip and mentor staff and volunteers in spiritual and personal growth.
• Pastoral Care: Provide wise, compassionate care and foster healthy relationships.
• Missional Leadership: Mobilize the church for local and global disciple-making.

Core Qualities

• Relational shepherd with emotional and spiritual maturity.
• Committed to multi-generational ministry and small group culture.
• Spirit-led visionary who models transformation and worship.
• Bold, generous leader who builds and sends disciples.
• Faith-filled disciple with a Kingdom perspective.

Doctrinal Alignment

• Trinitarian gospel-centered theology.

• Authority of Scripture.

• Biblical ethics and compassionate truth.

• Eternal hope and missional urgency.

What you bring

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

Education and Experience

• College Degree preferred. 
• 2+ years of ministry experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Relational shepherd with emotional and spiritual maturity; committed to multi-generational ministry and small group culture; bold, generous leader who builds and sends disciples; faith-filled disciple with a Kingdom perspective.
• Deep commitment to the Word of God, Spirit of God, and people of God, equipping others to live and share the Gospel locally and globally.
• Ability to understand and build on Waymaker’s unique culture and ethos, marked by humility, conviction, authenticity, and creativity.
• Visionary and strategic leader who prioritizes transformation, growth, and mission over maintenance or brand-building.
• Engaging, biblically grounded communicator who teaches with clarity, warmth, and authenticity.
• Community-minded and outward-focused, with a heart for reaching the lost and sending people into mission.
• Developer of leaders, committed to equipping staff and raising up the next generation through initiatives like Waymaker Institute.
• Emotionally and spiritually healthy; secure in identity, courageous in leadership, and open to feedback and accountability.
• Collaborative and relational, honoring the callings of others and cultivating a fun, life-giving staff culture.
• Values feedback and growth, leading by example in a culture of reflection, prayer, and Spirit-led decision-making.
• Guardian of culture—champions Waymaker’s identity while building on its foundation with humility and innovation.
• People-oriented shepherd, prioritizing the health of the church body, families, and staff care over programs or image.
• Demonstrates financial stewardship and operational wisdom; capable of scaling staff structures and leading through transition.
• High emotional intelligence (EQ) and relational presence—authentic, approachable, and hospitable within the community.
• Leads other strong leaders well, galvanizing and uniting teams around shared vision and values.
• Courageous under pressure; able to navigate criticism or pushback with grace and conviction.
• Storyteller at heart, communicates with clarity, appropriate humor, and biblical grounding.
• Committed to the authentic pursuit of Jesus, consistent both on and off stage, modeling spiritual and personal integrity.

Personal Characteristics and Qualifications

• Proven pastoral leadership experience
• Strong preaching and communication skills
• Theological training
• Alignment with Waymaker Church’s values and statement of faith

What it’s like to live in Forest, VA 

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Forest, Virginia, offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and modern convenience. It’s a welcoming community known for its scenic beauty, family-friendly atmosphere, and strong sense of connection. With easy access to nearby Lynchburg, residents enjoy great schools, local restaurants, outdoor recreation, and a slower pace of life that still provides plenty of opportunity for growth and engagement. From hiking and lake days to coffee shops and community events, Forest is a place where faith, family, and friendship thrive—an ideal setting to put down roots and be part of something meaningful.