The 6 Core Responsibilities of a Senior Pastor You Need to Know

“I can’t do it all. I just can’t seem to get out in front enough to lead.”

These were honest comments from a senior pastor in Oklahoma.

Another senior pastor said, “It seems like I’m running in circles. This doesn’t feel like first chair, it feels like when the music stops I don’t know what chair I’m supposed to sit in!”

This is not uncommon.

So, what are the primary responsibilities of a senior pastor?

The Six Core Responsibilites

There are certainly differences based on things like your unique personality, your gifts and talents, and the community you are located in.

There are also six core responsibilities that are true for all senior pastors:

1. Listen to God

You are chief intercessor. Your whole church prays, but you lead the way. There should be few in the church who pray with more zeal and more consistently than you do.

You set the pace. It’s not that your prayers are more spiritual or that God listens to you more, but there is something deeply sacred about the office of senior pastor. It’s not a power thing, but it matters who prays. It’s about calling.

2. Shape the Culture

Is the culture of your church healthy or toxic? Is it positive, full of faith, and risk-taking, or is it inward, unclear and shifting?

Basically your culture describes who you are, what you value and how you get things done.

My good friend Sam Chand says that your culture is more powerful than your vision, programs, staff and resources. I believe he is right. If you would like a great resource, check out Sam’s book, Cracking Your Church’s Culture Code.

3. Communicate Biblical Truth

You engage supernatural power every time you speak the Word of God. This power is life-giving and life-changing.

Style of communication isn’t near as important as your level of preparation, spiritual passion and connection with your people.

If you are a gifted communicator, lean into your craft with even more preparation! The same is true for those of you who aren’t as gifted: Prepare all the more. If speaking isn’t your sweet spot, go shorter rather than longer. Wrap it up in 25 minutes. Your church will immediately think you got better.

4. Cast Clear Vision

In order to lead the people forward, you must have vision. A clear sense of direction is needed to inspire momentum. Can you answer these questions?

1. Where are you going?
2. How will you get there?

You don’t need to have all the answers, but you need to know the next step. Casting vision is not limited to the Sunday morning stage. In fact, it’s more often that you are casting vision one-to-one and in small groups of people. Vision leaks, so this process must be repeated over and over again.