Position Title: Lead Pastor

Reports To: Ministry Advisory TeamEmployment Type: Full-Time or Co-Vocational

Position Summary

Summit Church (Petal, Mississippi) is prayerfully seeking a Lead Pastor called by God to lead our church in fulfilling our stated purpose of communicating and reaching people with the message of Jesus Christ. We are a Christ-centered, Bible-believing family known for authenticity, grace, and community. We like to say we are REAL people at a REAL church serving a REAL God.

Our Mission: To impact as many lives as possible with the love of Jesus.Our Purpose: To reach a lost and hurting world with the hope of Jesus Christ, to bring new believers into His kingdom, and to help believers grow to be more like Him. We reach up in passionate worship, reach in through discipleship and care, and reach out through community outreach. This mission shapes Sunday services and weekday ministry.

Key Responsibilities

Preaching and Teaching

• Faithfully preach and teach the Word of God, preferably from ESV or NIV.
• Provide expository and practical messages that apply Biblical truth to everyday life and equip believers.

Leadership and Vision

• Provide the vision, direction, encouragement, and leadership to engage members in teaching, loving, and serving others so people understand and accept the love of Jesus Christ.
• Collaborate with the Ministry Advisory Team and lay leaders to pursue mission-aligned goals.

Administration and Oversight

• Oversee church ministries and day-to-day operations with wise stewardship.
• Lead, equip, and supervise staff and volunteers. Foster a servant-leadership culture where every member serves.

Pastoral Care and Shepherding

• Model Christlike character. Pray with and for people. Provide counseling, visitation, mentoring, and care across generations. Be visible, approachable, and relational.

Community Engagement

• Lead by example in evangelism and local outreach. Encourage participation in missions and service to the community.

Qualifications

• Meets Biblical elder qualifications in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9.
• A man of Godly character, prayerful dependence, emotional maturity, and integrity.
• Strong preacher, leader, and teacher who handles Scripture faithfully.
• Relational and approachable. Demonstrated heart for shepherding and equipping.
• Theologically aligned with Summit's evangelical and baptistic doctrine (BF&M).
• Ministry leadership experience required. Seminary education or equivalent training strongly preferred.
• Willing to live in or near Petal, Mississippi, and engage in community life.

About Summit Church

Multi-generational and Bible-based. Contemporary worship. High value on authenticity, grace, Biblical truth, servant-leadership, prayer, and outreach. We believe every believer is a minister and we equip the body for works of service.

By-Law Alignment Note

In accordance with Summit Bylaws, leadership of the church is vested in the Senior Pastor, who is responsible for leading the church to accomplish its stated purpose and for providing vision, direction, encouragement, and leadership. The Ministry Advisory Team provides counsel and coordination.

How to Apply

Email the following to [email protected]:

1. Cover letter describing calling and fit
2. Resume
3. Three references
4. Links to recent sermons or teaching samples