Associate Pastor (Lead Pastor Transition)

Fulton Alliance Church – Fulton, NY
Northeastern District – The Christian & Missionary Alliance
Website: fultonalliance.org

Position Overview

Fulton Alliance Church is seeking an Associate Pastor who might be able to transition into the Lead Pastor role within 1–2 years. This intentional overlap is designed to provide a healthy leadership transition, allowing the candidate to build relationships, understand the congregation, and lead effectively into the future.

The ideal candidate is a strong expositional preacher, a shepherd leader, and a developer of people who is passionate about equipping believers to live on mission.

Church History: The Fulton Alliance Church's origins trace back to Mrs. Rhoda Burton's Victorian home, where she spent two decades praying for an Alliance church in Fulton. Her prayers were answered on February 13, 1955, with the inaugural service led by Rev. George Richter.

Following Rev. Richter, several pastors guided the congregation. In 1973, during Rev. John Fogal's tenure, the church constructed a new facility. This building was expanded three times to accommodate the growing congregation, which averaged 500 attendees on Sundays.

Under Rev. Glen Thomas' leadership, the Church exchanged buildings with the Fulton United Methodist Church, moving to its current facility. This new space offered ample room for continued growth and ministry.

Since then, Pastors John Soper, Mark Haynes, and Jeff Spurling have led the church. Currently, Pastor Steve Nehlsen serves as the lead pastor, supported by a strong elder team and staff. The church is actively seeking to bring in an associate who, at some point, might assume the lead pastoral role to ensure the church's ongoing progress.

Church Profile

• Average Attendance: 300+
• Setting: Small city (Central New York)
• Ministry Strengths: Strong children’s and youth ministries; deep commitment to missions; young families; biblical preaching, welcoming community.
• Vision: We will encourage everyone in our community to encounter Jesus daily by:
• Growing Diligently
• Loving Compassionately
• Serving Faithfully

Community Overview

Fulton is located in central New York near Lake Ontario, the Adirondacks, and the Finger Lakes region. The area offers natural beauty and a close-knit community environment, with signs of economic renewal and opportunity for ministry impact.

Primary Responsibilities

• Preach and teach God’s Word with clarity and application
• Disciple and mentor leaders who will multiply disciples
• Provide pastoral care, counseling, and shepherding to the congregation
• Support and advance the mission, vision, and values of the church
• Engage the local community with Gospel-centered outreach
• Promote and lead a strong culture of missions (local and global)

Qualifications

• Clear calling to pastoral ministry
• Strong expository preaching and teaching ability
• Proven leadership and disciple-making experience
• Demonstrated pastoral care and relational skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with elders, staff, and ministry leaders

Education & Credentials

• Bachelor’s degree required (theological training preferred)
• Licensed with The Christian & Missionary Alliance (or willing to obtain licensure)

Experience

• Preferred: 10+ years of pastoral ministry experience
• Demonstrated effectiveness in church leadership and ministry development

Compensation

• Full-time salary (commensurate with experience)
• Health coverage
• Housing and utilities (parsonage)
• Equity fund

To Apply

Please submit:

• Resume
• Statement of faith
• Links to recent sermons

To be considered for this position, please complete the application to include your testimony, resume and other background information related to the position.

If the district office has reviewed your application and they think you may be a potential match for the position, the hiring manager will reach out to you for next steps.

This position requires licensing with The Christian & Missionary Alliance. To learn more about The Alliance and requirements for licensing, please visit our website

Please do not contact the church directly.