Senior Pastor - Glide Memorial Church (San Fransisco)

Job Description: 

The Senior Minister at Glide Memorial Church (GMC) will lead the church in its Christian practice, welcoming individuals of all backgrounds and beliefs. This leadership will be grounded in principles of liberation, unconditional love, systemic change, and transformation.

The Minister will nurture the spiritual well-being of GMC's congregation and community through initiatives focused on recovery, justice, connection, inclusion, transformation, and celebration. The goal is for GMC to be a sacred spiritual community for all who wish to express their connection to Spirit and community.

The Senior Minister will provide visionary leadership to advance the Church’s mission, vision, values, and statement of faith. In collaboration with the GMC Board and GLIDE Foundation business partners, this role will lead the Church’s priorities through ministry management, pastoral care, strategic visioning, administration, stewardship, financial oversight, and community engagement.

Ministry Management, Preaching, and Teaching

• Inspire and encourage the congregation through preaching, teaching, and personal examples of faith and transformation.

• Deliver inspiring scriptural sermons and messages that resonate with all backgrounds and beliefs, promoting justice, compassion, unconditional love, acceptance, and activism.

• Lead the ministry team, Church staff, Glide Ensemble, and volunteers to ensure cohesive and spiritually meaningful Sunday Celebration services.

• Collaborate with the GMC ministerial team, Usher Team, and GLIDE Operations to ensure safety, security, and welcome during services and events.

Pastoral Care and Spiritual Leadership

• Ministerial Duties: Oversee and engage in premarital counseling, weddings, baptisms, and funerals.

• Spiritual Guidance: Provide counseling and support during times of personal struggle or sickness.

• Visitation: Conduct hospital, nursing home, and home visits to offer spiritual support.

• Sunday Celebrations & Events: Provide leadership for the planning and production of Sunday Celebrations and special events.

Strategic Vision, Planning, and Execution

• Assess and evaluate the performance of Church ministries and programs.

• Develop an annual strategic plan that:

  • Aligns with the Church’s mission, vision, and values.

  • Establishes key objectives and two-year goals.

  • Defines Key Performance Measures (KPMs) and provides data to the Board and staff.

• Translate strategic plans into actionable annual operating plans.

• Ensure staff goals align with Church-wide priorities.

Administrative Leadership

• Lead and guide Church staff and volunteers through regular meetings and support.

• Oversee the planning, production, and delivery of Sunday Celebrations and other Church/Ensemble events, including livestreams.

• Lead Church communications, including:

  • Posting Sunday services on social media.

  • Maintaining an engaging website.

  • Designing and distributing the Church newsletter.

• Implement processes to respond to prayer or pastoral care requests.

• Supervise staff recruitment, training, and development.

• Oversee the recruitment and appointment of new ministers.

Stewardship and Fundraising Leadership

• Collaborate with the Stewardship & Fundraising Committee on giving initiatives.

• Lead Capital, Sustainer, and other stewardship campaigns.

• Oversee administration of donations and financial gifts received through events, online, and mail.

Financial Leadership

• Lead financial and budgeting initiatives for the Church.

• Collaborate with the Finance Committee, Board, and GLIDE CFO on budgeting and cost-saving strategies.

Community Engagement and Outreach

• Lead and assess Church community engagement and outreach programs.

• Partner with Congregational Life leaders to plan and promote community events.

• Inspire and guide the congregation to greater service and support.

• Cultivate and expand Church membership, maintaining accurate records.

• Engage actively with the Tenderloin neighborhood and local partners.

• Represent GMC at community and Bay Area events as the Church’s public face.

Desired Competencies of the Minister

Spiritual Leadership

• Deep faith in God and commitment to spiritual growth.

• Excellent biblical knowledge and ability to connect Scripture to contemporary life.

• Empathy, compassion, humility, and care for people.

• Dedication to GMC’s legacy of radical love and justice.

• Commitment to community partnerships that uplift the Tenderloin and beyond.

Professional Leadership

• Strong leadership and management skills.

• Clear, empathetic communication across media and audiences.

• Strategic thinking and system-building ability.

• Authenticity, humility, and adaptability.

• Commitment to continuous personal and professional growth.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ordained Minister

• Minimum of 7 years of ministry experience within a Church setting

• Minimum of 5 years in senior leadership within a Church, business, or non-profit

• Master’s degree from a seminary or divinity school

• Additional degree in business, administration, management, law, or organizational leadership (preferred)

Work Environment

• GLIDE’s buildings are located in the Tenderloin neighborhood.

• GLIDE maintains an open door policy to the community.

Physical Requirements:

• Reasonable accommodations available for individuals with disabilities.

• Ability to work on a computer and communicate effectively.

• Sit or stand comfortably and navigate office spaces via elevator or stairs.

Compensation

$200,000 – $225,000 per year
Full-time, Exempt position

About GLIDE

GLIDE is a nationally recognized center for social justice, dedicated to fighting systemic injustices, creating pathways out of poverty and crisis, and transforming lives. Through its integrated services, advocacy initiatives, and inclusive community, GLIDE empowers individuals, families, and children to achieve stability and thrive.

GLIDE is on the forefront of addressing issues like poverty, housing and homelessness, and racial and social justice. Its mission is to create a radically inclusive, just, and loving community mobilized to alleviate suffering and break cycles of marginalization.

Glide Memorial Church is a radically inclusive, open, and affirming community where all people and beliefs are welcomed. Grounded in liberation, unconditional love, and transformation, we nurture spiritual connection through recovery, service, justice, and celebration.

Together with our partners, we work to dismantle racism and oppression, embodying an extravagant welcome and a steadfast call to love at the frontlines of social activism.

How to Apply:

To apply, email Alexei Laushkin at alexei@stratprinllc.org.