We are looking to transition an important leadership team member. Our Associate Pastor, David Minard, has faithfully served BGCC over the last ten years. Last fall, he shared with the Council that his time was coming to a close at BGCC, and he has decided to step down from staff. Dave’s heart has always been to serve this church, and we have spent the past several months prayerfully working together to ensure a smooth and healthy transition.
As Council members, we are responsible for seeking God’s will for BGCC’s future, selecting and guiding the associate pastor, and ensuring our church remains faithful to its mission and values. With that responsibility, we approached this process with prayer, discernment, and rigor. We have sought to understand what BGCC’s needs are in this next season, aiming to find someone who is a teacher, shepherd, and leader; spiritually, relationally, and emotionally healthy; and theologically aligned with our mission. We as Council members along with Lead Pastor Jim Erwin are committed to a healthy transition process in the coming months. Dave will continue to serve as Associate Pastor through September of 2025, advising and guiding during the transition. Dave served at BGCC during a challenging time in our church’s history, helping move the church in a digital presence during COVID. He has played an essential role in bringing stability and ensuring a strong foundation for the future. We thank Dave and his family for how they have served, and we will have time to celebrate the Minard’s before Dave’s official transition off staff. BGCC has always been a church that trusts God for the future and embraces the next chapter with faith. As we recently celebrated BGCC’s 150th anniversary, we are grateful for what has been and are expectant for what is ahead. If you are interested in joining the BGCC team. We are excited to talk with you. Below you will find a brief job description and role to play in the exciting future.
The BGCC Council Board
Associate Pastor
I. Church Background Information Bethel Gilead Community Church is an independent, evangelical church located near Bronson, Michigan. The senior pastor, Jim Erwin, was previously a missionary in Argentina and has pastored at Bethel Gilead Community Church for over 25 years. The church enjoys a membership of approximately 200 people of diverse ages and backgrounds. Our mission statement reads: “We honor God through regularly assembling together to worship Him as Lord, study and obey His word, and attend to the needs of His people. When we leave, we go out commissioned as Christ’s representatives to a needy world.” and our congregational motto is “Every Member a Minister”.
II. Personal Profile An Associate Pastor must have a vital relationship with Christ, a strong and balanced marriage and family life, and a consistent and positive testimony in the community. He needs to be passionate about the discipleship and spiritual growth of all age groups – children, youth and adults. He should be gifted in the areas of shepherding, teaching, leadership and administration. He should have some degree of previous ministry experience and formal education in the areas of Theology, Christian Education and Biblical leadership. The Associate Pastor is accountable to the Senior Pastor, the Church Council and the greater congregation.
III. Job Summary The Associate Pastor oversees the vision and administration of the educational ministries of the congregation, including Sunday School, small groups, children’s church, the Youth Ministry, Spiritual Retreats, Summer Day Camp and the various ministry teams. He helps recruit and train leaders, develop and implement curriculum and accomplish objectives related to evangelism, discipleship and general church health (growth).
The Associate Pastor will organize and lead the Christian Education team, meet regularly with the Senior Pastor, attend all church council meetings and participate in the ongoing spiritual life and social activities of the church.
In the absence of the Senior Pastor, the Associate Pastor will fill the pulpit, carry out visitations and counseling and serve the greater church body as needed.