Associate Pastor

Meet Southern Oaks ChurchSouthern Oaks Church is a place where you can experience God in a personal and genuine way. Whether you prefer the reverence of a traditional service or the energy of modern worship, Southern Oaks offers both so you can connect with God in the style that resonates most with you. The heart of the church is to help people recognize God’s presence in their daily lives and to understand how deeply He loves them. If you’re looking for a church that balances meaningful worship with practical, life-giving teaching, Southern Oaks is a great place to start.

You’ll also find that Southern Oaks is committed to creating a welcoming environment. As a first-time guest, you won’t be singled out, pressured to give, or made to feel uncomfortable—instead, you’ll be greeted warmly and given the space to get to know the church at your own pace. Families with children will especially appreciate the kids’ ministry during the contemporary service, as well as the thoughtful touches like a cry room for parents who need it. Every detail reflects a genuine desire to care for people and make them feel at home.

Beyond Sunday mornings, Southern Oaks provides opportunities to build lasting relationships and grow in your faith through Life Groups, service projects, and retreats. These connections allow you to move beyond simply attending church to becoming part of a community that encourages, prays for, and supports one another. If you’re seeking a church family where you can belong, grow spiritually, and make a difference, Southern Oaks offers both the environment and the opportunities to do so.

About the Associate PastorSouthern Oaks Church is seeking a dedicated Associate Pastor to join our team in shepherding and equipping the congregation. This individual will partner with the Lead Pastor in preaching, teaching, pastoral care, and the overall spiritual health of the church, while also bringing strong administrative and organizational skills to help lead the ministries of the church effectively.

This is not a standard associate role; it is a hybrid Pastoral Ministry and Executive Administration. The successful candidate will serve as a “fixer” and a builder, offloading administrative burdens from the Senior Pastor while also sharing the preaching load and developing discipleship pathways.

The Associate Pastor’s responsibilities include:

Preaching & TeachingPreach regularly in Sunday services, bringing biblically sound, Spirit-led, and relevant messages.

Share teaching responsibilities with the Lead Pastor and assist in planning sermon series.

Teach in smaller group settings, Bible studies, and discipleship classes as needed.

Pastoral Care & MinistryProvide spiritual care through counseling, hospital visits, prayer ministry, weddings, and funerals.

Shepherd individuals and families, fostering discipleship and spiritual maturity.

Support the development and growth of Life Groups, ensuring people find connection and community.

Encourage, mentor, and equip leaders and volunteers across various ministries.

Leadership & AdministrationPartner with the Lead Pastor and elders to implement the mission, vision, and values of Southern Oaks Church.

Help oversee day-to-day church operations and ensure effective coordination across ministries.

Provide leadership in areas such as staff development, strategic planning, and resource management.

Develop and implement systems that strengthen communication, accountability, and ministry effectiveness.

Community & OutreachRepresent Southern Oaks in the community with a heart for outreach and engagement.

Encourage and organize opportunities for service and mission within Kerrville and beyond.

Model and promote a lifestyle of evangelism, service, and generosity.What you bring

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Associate Pastor:

Education and ExperienceA bachelor’s degree in theology, ministry, or related field is requiredA seminary degree is strongly preferred

10 plus years of church experience is required

Experience overseeing staff is preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Strong personal relationship with Jesus Christ and commitment to Southern Oaks Church’s mission and beliefs.

Demonstrated ability to preach biblically sound, relevant, and engaging messages.

Gifted in pastoral care and relational ministry.

Strong administrative, organizational, and communication skills.

Personal Characteristics and QualificationsHumble, servant-hearted leader with integrity.

Team player who collaborates well with staff, elders, and volunteers.

Spiritually mature, prayerful, and dependable.

Able to balance relational ministry with administrative responsibility.What it’s like to live in Kerrville, TXLiving in Kerrville, Texas, means enjoying the beauty of the Texas Hill Country every single day. Surrounded by rolling hills, the Guadalupe River, and an abundance of outdoor spaces, the town is a haven for those who love nature. Residents can take advantage of hiking, fishing, and kayaking, or simply relax by the river. The mild climate and scenic landscapes make Kerrville an attractive place for retirees, families, and anyone seeking a slower, more peaceful pace of life.

Kerrville also has a vibrant cultural scene that adds depth to its small-town charm. Known for its strong arts community, the city hosts events like the Kerrville Folk Festival, which draws music lovers from across the country. There are art galleries, theaters, and museums that showcase local talent and history, along with community events that bring people together. Whether you’re exploring the downtown shops, enjoying a concert, or taking part in local festivals, there’s always something enriching to do.

At the same time, Kerrville provides the conveniences and connections people need. The town has quality schools, a well-regarded healthcare system, and a welcoming community spirit. It’s close enough to larger cities like San Antonio—just over an hour away—for access to major shopping, airports, and additional amenities, while still offering the safety and friendliness of a smaller town. For many, Kerrville strikes the perfect balance between natural beauty, cultural richness, and practical livability.