What is an executive pastor?

Answer

The position of an “executive pastor” is not explicitly mentioned in Scripture. The primary leadership position in a local church is that of pastor/elder/overseer. These three titles are often used interchangeably, with each word highlighting a specific aspect of the role. The term pastor originates from “shepherd” and emphasizes caring for and feeding the flock. Elder underscores wisdom and respect, while overseer (or bishop) stresses leadership and authority. The qualifications for this role are outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:5–9.

The biblical model suggests having multiple pastors/elders/overseers for each congregation, even if one pastor handles most of the day-to-day tasks like teaching, preaching, and counseling (senior pastor, lead pastor, teaching pastor). In such cases, the other elders are responsible for holding him accountable and providing wisdom and balance to prevent all leadership and authority from being concentrated in one individual.

The specific duties of an executive pastor are not prescribed in Scripture but have evolved over recent decades in Western churches. The role’s responsibilities may differ from one church to another. Nowadays, many churches are quite large, encompassing a Christian school, bookstore, media ministries, camp or conference facilities, and other outreach programs beyond the church premises. These churches often manage extensive properties, employ dozens or even hundreds of staff, and operate on substantial budgets. They must navigate municipal codes, employment regulations, federal guidelines, insurance, and payroll taxes. Regrettably, contemporary churches face significant legal risks related to employee sexual harassment and the abuse of minors, necessitating the establishment of protective measures and policies. Additionally, churches may engage in vital promotional activities to reach out to the community.Through traditional and social media, these matters can significantly impact a church’s ministry. The executive pastor is responsible for overseeing all business, financial, personnel, and legal aspects of the ministry, as mentioned earlier. In the business realm, this role might be referred to as a Chief Operating Officer.

Given that the executive pastor holds spiritual authority within the church and deals with matters requiring wisdom and spiritual discernment, it is crucial for them to meet the biblical qualifications for pastor/elder/overseer. Even if not regularly preaching, they should still be capable of applying the Word of God to various situations and explaining it to those they lead or engage with. Many of the challenging issues churches face today demand wisdom and prayer. Therefore, this position should not be offered solely based on business acumen or legal expertise.