The role of associate pastor can often be neglected or misunderstood. In this episode, hear directly from a pastor and his associate about the essential role this position plays in the life of the church.


In this episode, Mission Catalyst Dennis Conner and Chris Autry, pastor of Temple Baptist Church in Fayetteville, join two other pastors — Associate Pastor Andrew Barclift and former Pastor Luke Lunceford (now a mission catalyst with N.C. Baptists) — to discuss the role and value of an associate pastor. Together, the pastors share personal experiences, reflect on the relationship between a lead pastor and an associate, and explore how this essential role serves and supports the flock of God.

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Podcast Highlights:

  • “If there’s anything I can take on that’s going to make (the pastor’s role) more stable and able to fulfill that, that would be my desire. That would be my heart as associate pastor.” (7:56)
  • “He’s truly the second cheerleader of the entire church. Now, of course, there’s particular focuses for each of our roles, but I think that clarity for us has been huge in our working relationship, that we knew from day one what to expect from each other and, most importantly, what the church expects from us.” (12:48)
  • Read the cover story of the September/October edition of the Biblical Recorder (coming soon).
  • For more pastoral ministry resources from N.C. Baptists, visit ncbaptist.org/pastoral.
  • Connect with your Great Commission Catalyst at ncbaptist.org/catalyst.