First Baptist Church of Pleasant Hill is prayerfully seeking to fill the position of Lead Pastor. The lead pastor will be responsible for the spiritual welfare and oversight of the church as well as the advancement of our vision to see all people saved and lives being transformed by the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The ideal candidate is led by God in all facets of his life. He loves the Lord, family, and community. He is also a gifted preacher with strong communication and leadership skills, a visionary who is good at providing direction, and has a passion for outreach, discipleship, and the overall growth of believers.

Church and Location Overview

First Baptist Church of Pleasant Hill is a Southern Baptist Church located in Pleasant Hill, Illinois. This is a rural community in Pike County, which is situated on the west-central side of the state. Larger communities are within a thirty minute to one hour commute, including some in Missouri, and St. Louis is approximately 70 miles south of our location. Pleasant Hill has approximately 1,000 residents. We have our own school district, and there are a few local businesses to serve any immediate needs, such as a post office, grocery store, gas stations, mechanic shops, and a hardware store.

The church has an average weekly attendance of 105, and Sunday worship services are streamed online. We offer a wide variety of study/group options for the congregation, with an average weekly attendance of 133. There are also several active ministries as well as mission opportunities both within and outside the community.

Earlier this year, our lead pastor of 18 years resigned from his position to fully pursue an opportunity to plant a new church in a community where there was no Southern Baptist congregation. We are a sending church in this endeavor.

Position Overview

The lead pastor will work in conjunction with the deacons, ministerial staff, ministry leaders, and other staff members to oversee the body of believers who compose its congregation and membership, to carry out the Great Commission of our Lord Jesus Christ as recorded in Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15, and Acts 1:8, and to develop Christian fellowship and spiritual growth in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. The lead pastor is to be a man of character who seeks to grow in personal holiness through his own devotional study of Scripture and engages in Christian discipleship. He should also meet the Biblical qualifications for pastor as presented in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9, be confident as well as effective in his pastoral skills and abilities, and possess the character needed for successful leadership of a multigenerational church which is poised for expansion and obedience to the Great Commission.

Position Responsibilities and Duties

The lead pastor at First Baptist Church of Pleasant Hill will be responsible for the following responsibilities and duties:

• Preach 45-48 Sundays per year.
• Plan and conduct worship services, including the preparation and delivery of sermons that are based on Biblically sound doctrine, and leading in the observance of church ordinances for Baptisms and The Lord's Supper.
• Serve as the ex-officio head of all church organizations.
• Thoughtfully collaborate and work with the deacons, ministerial staff, church officers, and team leaders in the areas of worship, ministry, administration, and leadership, as well as other assigned responsibilities and business.
• Cooperatively manage paid church staff by providing guidance and leadership.
• Serve as moderator at church business meetings.
• Develop staff and other leaders for fruitful ministry in the church.
• Lead and encourage the church in the planning, conducting, and evaluating of all ministries to promote growth and expansion.
• Lead and equip the congregation in evangelism, witnessing, fellowship, and in ministering to the needs of persons in the church and community.
• Provide discipleship and teaching to the congregation as well as others through Bible studies, trainings, conferences, etc.
• Provide share of pastoral care, which includes but is not limited to:
  • visiting with members and prospective members.
  • making visits to homes, hospitals, and nursing homes.
  • conducting individual, marriage, or family counseling.
  • contacting those who are experiencing loss, crisis, or have spiritual needs.
  • communicating prayer requests or needs.
  • performing marriage ceremonies
  • officiating funeral services.
• Cooperate with associational, state, and denominational leaders in matters of mutual interest and concern, keep the church informed of denominational developments, and represent the church in civic matters.
• Adhere to the Baptist Faith and Message (June 14, 2000) and the Church Constitution and Bylaws.
• Engage in other duties as assigned.

Essential Knowledge, Experience, and Ability Qualifications

• Wisdom and maturity that accompanies a Christian man who meets the Biblical qualifications of pastoral leadership.
• Personal holiness and pastoral disposition.
• Effective and experienced as a leader of leaders.
• Ordained to Gospel Ministry.
• Affirmation of the Baptist Faith and Message (2000).
• Engages well in preaching, teaching, and writing and has good communication skills.
• Previous experience and education are preferred, but not required.

Expectations and Compensation

• Full-time position. The duties and responsibilities of this position will likely result in 40+ hours of work per week, of which 9 to 12 hours are expected to be conducted at the church.
• Two weeks of vacation with full pay and permitted allowance for revivals, missions, etc.
• Salary range $50,000 – $68,000, based on experience and education, with the availability of $5,200 in additional yearly allowances for mileage, phone, and conference stipends.

How To Apply

Send a resume and cover letter to [email protected].

Your cover letter should include any personal information you wish to provide, that is not already included in your resume, as well as a short explanation of why you feel you would be a good addition to the church and community.

Resumes will be accepted until November 22, 2024.