Garfield Baptist Church is seeking a Full-Time Pastor. The optimal applicant is a preacher who loves the Lord and is called by the Holy Spirit to lead and expand our church.

Job Description Qualifications and Responsibilities: 1. The Pastor will be a man called of God and set apart to the gospel ministry, in theological agreement with the "Baptist Faith and Message" (2000 revision), and committed to living and serving in a manner consistent with the standards outlined in Scripture. The Senior Pastor must be a man who exemplifies a godly character, is compassionate toward others, and demonstrates a high level of competence.

a. The Pastor will be called by the Holy Spirit and confirmed by a body of believers through ordination. (Acts 20:28; Titus 1:5; 1 Timothy 3:1)

b. The Pastor will equip, educate, and edify the church as mandated in Ephesians 4:11-13.

c. The Pastor will conform himself to the ministry expectations outlined in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13.

d. The pastor will lead and serve in accord with the expectations outlined in 1 Peter 5:1-3.

e. The Pastor will exercise biblical authority and carry out a Christian witness as outlined in Hebrews 13:17 and as directed in 2 Timothy 4:1-5.

f. The Senior Pastor will be qualified to minister in the church as required in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9.

2. The Pastor is responsible to the church to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, teach the Bible, engage in pastoral care ministries, and provide oversight of all areas of church life and the ministerial staff.

3. The Pastor will be called to lead the church to understand, embrace, and accomplish its mission to make disciples both locally and globally.

4. The responsibilities of the Pastor may be outlined in terms of his primary biblical roles as follows:

a. Elder/Overseer: the principal leader and vision caster of the church (cf. Acts 20:28; Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4).

b. Evangelist: models the practice of personal evangelism and ensures that the church is challenged and equipped to be obedient to the Great Commission (cf. 2 Timothy 4:5; Matthew 28:19).

c. Shepherd: models the heart of the Chief Shepherd and ensures that the church is well led, cared for, and protected (cf. Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-4).

d. Preacher/Teacher: the principal communicator of God's Word in public worship and ensures that the Church is growing to maturity in Christ (cf. Acts 6:4; Ephesians 4:11; 2 Timothy 4:1-4; Titus 1:9).

e. Equipper: partners with other leaders to empower and equip maturing members for significant service and ministry by discovering, developing, and deploying their spiritual gifts (cf. Ephesians 4:12; 2 Timothy 2:2).

5. The Pastor will participate in the planning of worship services and events. He will equip staff and lay leaders to coordinate those services and events successfully.

6. The Pastor will oversee and lead outreach and pastoral care efforts, including biblical counseling, performing weddings, and conducting funeral services.

7. The Pastor will oversee staff development and ensure that ministerial staff have the resources necessary to fulfill their duties and responsibilities. 8. The Pastor will cooperate with the associational, state, and denominational leaders in matters of mutual interest and support the work of Southern Baptist missions and the cooperative program.

9. The Pastor will work with the church leadership and ministerial staff to set forth vision, direction, and relevance to the community for the accomplishment of our mission.

10. The Pastor, among all the responsibilities, places importance on sermon preparation, counseling, visiting prospective members, leadership/administration, personal Bible study and prayer, Personal Soul-winning, maintain awareness of current events, visit members such as those homebound, sick and in crisis, addend denominational meetings, promote church ministies/programs, and continued professional development.

Physical Demand/Working Conditions: This is an intense and demanding position based on full responsibility for the church's operations. The Pastor handles details, complex concepts, and problems, balances multiple tasks simultaneously, and makes appropriately considered decisions. He plans and implements programs, meets deadlines, and maintains a flexible work schedule to meet the demands of executive management. His hours may be long and irregular. Please apply by sending your cover letter and resume via E-Mail.