What is your ideal job description?

This question often pops up early interviews.  I've had enough experiences to refine my answer, so here are the top five components I am looking for in a job. 

A. Spiritual Formation

The non-negotiable for me is discipleship. If I am not promoting the spiritual formation of others than I am not being true to my calling or my training. I prefer group discipleship (augmented with individual attention), because it maximizes time and allows for multiple voices. This area also includes building discipleship into the fabric of the church, managing related structures and guiding curriculum. There is lots of coffee involved here.

B. Leadership Development
The starting point for spiritual formation is the leadership. My heart here is for me to pass on my training and experience to those who will never have the chance to go to seminary or work full-time in pastoral ministry. It involves recruiting new leaders and training people in faith, ministry skills and gifts. Plus, I have a lot more free time when I have a church full of people who can do my job.

C. Teaching
I hope to be involved with both preaching and teaching. I would love to be the third member of a rotating preaching team. I also want hands on time in adult education, which allows opportunity to further explore a topic or a passage. My teaching has a strong formational element; I would rather leave people with a discipline than an application. Teaching satisfies my inner nerd.

D. Groups
For community relationships to be healthy, small and medium-sized groups must be in place. Given the right nurture and encouragements, these groups become the platform for growth and transformation. I like to be involved in organizational structuring, leadership training, and content options.

E. Community Life
A big part of pastoral ministry is walking with people through the important spiritual events in life. These include baptisms, weddings, baby dedications, confirmations, funerals, divorce, going through counseling, retreats, graduations, rededications, and so on. An essential part of who I am is being with people in these moments.