Job Overview

We are searching for a lead pastor to serve our very loving and missions-minded congregation located in Dalton, Georgia. We desire to have someone who can faithfully embody the role of shepherd to our flock, with a strong interest in pastoral care and outreach to the lost souls in our community. Our current lead pastor, Rod Walls, recently resigned effective June 2026. We are praying the Lord will provide his successor by that time to avoid a time-gap between lead pastors.

Job Description

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

We prefer a candidate who possesses a sound, Bible-based, theologically Reformed education, attested to by an advanced degree earned at a reputable, recognized institution (or is in pursuit of such a degree).

PERSONAL PROFILE:

Whether the candidate is older or younger, is married or unmarried, or has younger or older children, or has children at all, is less important than that he possesses the personal, intellectual, leadership, and spiritual qualities required to preach and to teach the Gospel and to effectively shepherd the flock.

PREACHING CHARACTERISTICS:

We desire to have a pastor who can speak effectively to those who are relatively new to the faith, as well as those who are further along in their spiritual development. Preaching should be Bible-based. We prefer expository preaching through the books of the Bible. Sermons should clearly demonstrate how Scripture can be applied to the daily struggles of life.

AN EMPHASIS ON PASTORAL CARE:

Visiting the sick and/or shut-ins and being available to meet with congregants who are in need of counseling are essential to pastoral care. Those interested in the position who are not willing to serve God's flock in this manner need not apply! We also desire a pastor who is approachable and is able to relate to people of all ages.

GOALS FOR CHURCH GROWTH:

We do not expect our pastor to "grow the church," since that is God's doing (1 Cor 3:6-7). But we are searching for a pastor who is strongly gifted in outreach and can help our membership grow by concentrating on recruiting young families with children. Special attention should be given to visitors and prospective members.

LEADERSHIP STYLE:

Our new pastor must be a servant both in the home and of the congregation! He will need to display a "team player" leadership style. Heavy-handed and domineering pastors need not apply. Most importantly, he must be filled with the Holy Spirit!

CHARACTER TRAITS/STRENGTHS:

A transparent, honest man who doesn't take himself too seriously.

Able to balance an inward focus on the flock and an outward focus on evangelism and outreach in the broader community.

A compassionate, empathetic shepherd for our flock.

A man with effective communication skills, both when speaking to an audience and interacting with individuals.

A man who deeply loves his wife and children (assuming he has a family) and whose wife supports him in pastoral ministry.

THEOLOGICAL CONVICTIONS:

(1) Must affirm the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith.

Article 3 of CRBC's Constitution states: "Acknowledging the absolute supremacy and authority of the holy Scriptures as the Word of God and thus the only rule of both faith and practice, CRBC holds substantially to the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith (henceforth referred to as the LBCF) as the historic expression of our faith. We do not require absolute subscription to the LBCF. We believe a confession should function as a guardrail, not as a straitjacket. We believe this approach allows for a great deal of doctrinal diversity together with robust doctrinal confession."

With that in mind, CRBC does have a couple of exceptions to affirming the 1689. For example, we do not hold to strict Sabbatarianism nor do we believe the Pope is the antichrist.

(2) Must be aligned with the vision, mission, and theological affirmations/denials of Grace Reformed Network:

https://www.gracereformednetwork.org/membership-requirements