What Happenned to the Associate Pastor?

Status
Not open for further replies.

Backwoods Presbyterian

Puritanboard Amanuensis
One thing I have noticed during my search for a call is that there used to be a position at medium-sized churches called the "Associate Pastor". The "Associate Pastor" was actually just like it sounds. He allowed the "Senior Minister" to devote more time to study and pray and sermon preparation while he tended more closely to the flock. This breed of Pastor has seemed to have gone extinct, replaced by the "Youth Pastor" or "Minister to Families".

The only "Associate Pastor" positions that are not explicitly (or implicitly, it always amazes me how sometimes advertisements for openings try to conceal the fact it really is a Youth Pastor position) for youths has been reserved for the "emeritus Pastor" or "Ph.D Pastor".

Have anyone seen this lost breed of Associate Pastor?


(While the above is a bit tongue-in-cheek I am asking a serious question. What happened to the Associate Pastor?)
 
Yes, we have one at our church. He is a real blessing to our congregation, and me.
 
We have one at our church as well. Since our church was formed from the joining of two other churches one of the TE's stepped down and became the associate.

I have been looking at the PCA Ministry Opportunities site and have to agree with your observations. I've been looking at associate pastor positions and they are essentially youth pastor positions. There do appear to be few positions. However I believe this has more to do with churches being able to fill those positions without much need to advertise. Just seems that with so many churches I hear that need someone and so many men I know who are looking that there is a bit of disconnect going on. Well the one thing is it seems most want the candidate to be a 30yo, Ph.D., married with 3.5 kids, who has 25 years of pastoral experience.... :lol:
 
I suppose you could say that my fellow intern and myself do the work of an associate pastor. We visit the sick and homebound, assist in corporate worship, fill the pulpit when the pastor is on vacation and when he schedules us to preach, teach Sunday School classes, we basically do everything an assistant or associate pastor does except adminster the sacraments. Maybe smaller churches that can't afford two pastors use interns to fill this role. For us, it has been a great learning experience being with our mentor pastor. Have you done an internship yet?
 
I think that this board does not represent the average situation regarding church staffs. I find it rare to actually see an true Associate Pastor in most churches that would have normally utilised that position in the past. We have so 'specialised' the ministry, developing a niche for almost every conceivable type of person or perceived need, that they now 'require' specialists in that particular type of ministry. This situation has also arisen from a more market driven approach to ecclesiology. Having a 'Youth Pastor', 'Seniors Pastor', 'Family Pastor', or some other sells the church to those looking to have some that meets their needs.

Far too often churches have forgotten that what man and his families need is to hear the gospel preached, have elders who will serve and lead them well preparing them for works of ministry, and be given opportunities to do those works of ministry. Instead, even in Reformed churches, we minister to the niche. This will destroy us.
 
I think that this board does not represent the average situation regarding church staffs. I find it rare to actually see an true Associate Pastor in most churches that would have normally utilised that position in the past. We have so 'specialised' the ministry, developing a niche for almost every conceivable type of person or perceived need, that they now 'require' specialists in that particular type of ministry. This situation has also arisen from a more market driven approach to ecclesiology. Having a 'Youth Pastor', 'Seniors Pastor', 'Family Pastor', or some other sells the church to those looking to have some that meets their needs.

Far too often churches have forgotten that what man and his families need is to hear the gospel preached, have elders who will serve and lead them well preparing them for works of ministry, and be given opportunities to do those works of ministry. Instead, even in Reformed churches, we minister to the niche. This will destroy us.

So very true my friend. We are repulsed at "needs-based" homiletics but yet have a needs-based ecclesiology.
 
There are a number of associates in the RPCNA. Besides the 'normal' duties of the associate, most of ours are involved in some type of church planting (in various stages- from home Bible study in an adjacent community- or supplying pulpit in church plant). I think it is a good use of resources, personally. I wish we had the $$ to have an associate.

Plus, R Scott Clark is an associate pastor, I believe. :) Just sayin'.
 
The term has particular meaning in the PCA. Many churches have a Senior Pastor and Associate Pastor, some have one or several Assistant Pastors. Our medium sized church has one of each, ordinarily at a given time.

Associate Pastors are ordained by the Presbytery and called by the congregation. They are members of the Presbytery, and accountable to it for morals and doctrine. They are not "members" in the administrative sense, of the congregation.

Assistant Pastors are called by the Session. They are members of the congregation, and accountable to Session, immediately for morals and discipline.
 
The term has particular meaning in the PCA. Many churches have a Senior Pastor and Associate Pastor, some have one or several Assistant Pastors. Our medium sized church has one of each, ordinarily at a given time.

Associate Pastors are ordained by the Presbytery and called by the congregation. They are members of the Presbytery, and accountable to it for morals and doctrine. They are not "members" in the administrative sense, of the congregation.

Assistant Pastors are called by the Session. They are members of the congregation, and accountable to Session, immediately for morals and discipline.

It's my recollection that Assistants are also members of the Presbytery. BCO 13-1. 'The Presbytery consists of all the teaching elders and churches within its bounds that have been accepted by the Presbytery. '

They are not members of the session, but can serve as substitute moderators thereof. BCO 12-1 and 12-4.

The call of an assistant has to be approved by the Presbytery BCO 22-3
 
When you posted a question concerning the "Associate Pastor," I thought, "Burgher or Anti-Burgher?" ;)
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top