Lead Pastor

Lead Pastor – Celebration Place Church of the Nazarene (York, South Carolina)
Celebration Place Church of the Nazarene, located in the growing community of York, South Carolina, is prayerfully seeking a full-time Lead Pastor who will guide the congregation into its next season of mission, discipleship, and community impact. This pastoral leader will join a warm, resilient, and mission-minded church with a strong foundation and a deep desire to reach people of all generations with the hope and holiness of Jesus Christ.

About Celebration Place Church
Celebration Place is a welcoming and community-oriented congregation committed to glorifying God, nurturing spiritual growth, and equipping people to serve both locally and globally. With a Sunday attendance of approximately 35–40 and a membership of around 120, the church blends long-standing families with newer attenders, creating a strong sense of belonging and shared mission.

The church enjoys a stable financial foundation, modern and appealing facilities, and a reputation in the community for hospitality, service, and genuine care for others. Partnerships such as Palmetto Women’s Center and Operation Christmas Child reflect Celebration Place’s heart for outreach.

While the congregation is predominantly older, there is a growing desire to reconnect with younger families, strengthen discipleship ministries, and re-establish a vibrant youth ministry. The church is poised for growth under a pastor who can provide vision, relational leadership, and strategic development.

Key Ministry Opportunities
The next pastor will have the opportunity to:

• Strengthen and expand multi-generational discipleship
• Rebuild youth and children’s ministries and attract younger families
• Provide strategic leadership for outreach and community visibility
• Equip and mobilize lay leaders and volunteers
• Guide the church in establishing clear systems for assimilation and engagement
• Encourage unity, collaboration, and spiritual growth across all ages

Preferred Qualifications
Celebration Place is seeking a pastor who demonstrates:

Experience & Background

• Proven pastoral leadership, ideally in a multi-generational context
• Experience in discipleship, evangelism, community engagement, and team building
• Alignment with the Church of the Nazarene’s doctrine, ethics, and polity
• History of developing volunteers and empowering lay leaders

Skills & Leadership Style

• Visionary and strategic thinking with the ability to lead change well
• Strong relational and interpersonal skills
• Effective biblical preaching and clear communication
• Servant-leader posture that values collaboration and shared ministry
• Adaptability and creativity in reaching an evolving community

Pastoral Competencies

• Preaching and teaching
• Leadership development and mentoring
• Pastoral care and counseling
• Administrative oversight and organizational skills
• Community outreach and partnership building

Personal Qualities

• Authentic Christian character and integrity
• Warm, approachable presence
• Commitment to lifelong learning and spiritual growth
• Resilience, encouragement, and a hopeful spirit

Education

• Ordination in the Church of the Nazarene (or actively pursuing ordination)
• Degree in ministry, theology, or a related discipline preferred

Church Strengths
Celebration Place offers the next pastor:

• A loving, supportive, and faithful congregation
• A healthy financial base and transparent stewardship practices
• A positive reputation in the York community
• Strong commitment to the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition
• Modern facilities and a welcoming atmosphere

How to Apply
Applicants should submit the following:

• A cover letter expressing interest and fit for the position
• A current résumé
• Three ministry references
• (Optional) Links to recent sermons or ministry work

Applications may be submitted through the Nazarene MinistryJobs portal or directly to the South Carolina District Office HERE.

Celebration Place Church of the Nazarene is entering a pivotal season of renewed vision and expanded ministry. The congregation is eager to welcome a pastor who will lead with compassion, clarity, and conviction—someone who will walk alongside this church family as they embody Christ’s love, deepen discipleship, and continue serving the York community with grace and purpose.