The Job
Rutherford Bible Chapel isn't simply filling a pastoral vacancy. The church is stepping into a new season of ministry and is looking for the right leader to help steward the momentum God is already creating.
As the longtime pastor transitions toward retirement, Rutherford is welcoming new families, seeing renewed energy in its student ministry, investing deeply in spiritual formation, and preparing to develop the next generation of leaders. This is an opportunity for someone who loves opening God's Word, building relationships, and equipping ordinary people to become extraordinary disciple-makers.
The Teaching & Discipleship Pastor will teach regularly, shepherd people through every season of life, strengthen small groups, develop emerging leaders, and help cultivate a church where discipleship becomes more than a ministry program. It becomes the culture.
Just as importantly, Rutherford is looking for someone who can faithfully exegete both Scripture and culture, helping people understand not only what God's Word says but how it transforms everyday life in an increasingly complex world. This is a role for a pastor who enjoys building, multiplying, and investing in people for years to come.
The Location
Rutherford offers something that is increasingly difficult to find: a genuine small-town community with one of the world's greatest cities just minutes away. Located in Bergen County, residents enjoy outstanding schools, walkable neighborhoods, excellent restaurants, and a vibrant downtown while maintaining quick access to New York City by train. Many church members work in Manhattan while raising their families in the safety and community of Rutherford.
Whether enjoying a weekend at the Jersey Shore, hiking in the Poconos or Adirondacks, or exploring everything New York City has to offer, Rutherford provides an exceptional place to live, raise a family, and invest in long-term ministry.
The Church
Founded in 1896, Rutherford Bible Chapel has faithfully proclaimed the Gospel for well over a century. While its roots trace back to the Open Plymouth Brethren movement, the church has grown into a thriving non-denominational congregation committed to biblical teaching, authentic community, and life-changing discipleship.
What makes this opportunity especially compelling is the season the church is experiencing today.
Rather than simply maintaining existing ministries, Rutherford is building for the future. A yearlong spiritual formation partnership with Fuller Theological Seminary has equipped elders and ministry leaders with a renewed passion for spiritual growth, leading directly to a second leadership cohort. Volunteers have stepped into greater responsibility during the senior pastor's retirement transition. Student ministries are flourishing. New families and first-time guests continue to arrive, with five to ten new people visiting on many Sundays.
The church's vision is clear: build an expanding community of people growing in their love for and obedience to Jesus. Their next Teaching & Discipleship Pastor will play a significant role in helping that vision become reality by developing leaders, strengthening discipleship pathways, and raising up what the church describes as "spiritual entrepreneurs" who will discover new opportunities to reach people with the Gospel.
The Worship Experience
Sunday mornings at Rutherford Bible Chapel feel authentic, welcoming, and centered on Christ. Worship blends contemporary music with familiar hymns, creating an atmosphere that is both engaging and deeply rooted in Scripture. Biblical teaching is substantial, Communion remains a meaningful part of gathered worship, and a prayer team is available each week to minister to those seeking encouragement or healing.
Families worship together before children and students transition into age-appropriate environments, reinforcing the church's commitment to being one multigenerational family growing together in Christ.
Apply Now
Rutherford Bible Chapel is not looking for someone to simply maintain what already exists. They are looking for a pastor who will help shape what comes next. If you are energized by developing disciple-makers, equipping leaders, investing deeply in relationships, and helping people faithfully navigate today's culture through the timeless truth of God's Word, this may be the opportunity God has been preparing for you.
If you sense the Lord leading you toward a ministry where biblical teaching, authentic community, leadership development, and Kingdom impact intersect, we encourage you to prayerfully consider Rutherford Bible Chapel. Your next season of ministry could begin here.
P.S. If this job isn't exactly what you're looking for, feel free to check the job board of open positions.
