First Baptist Church Polk City 212 Hamolia Ave Polk City, FL [email protected]

First Baptist Church Polk City Pastor Job Description

First Baptist Church of Polk City is seeking a candidate for a full-time salaried Pastor position.

General Qualifications: The general duties and qualifications of the Pastor are those set forth in Scripture for any pastor, as well as those detailed in FBC Polk City's By-Laws. This job description is not intended to provide an exhaustive list of the Pastor's duties and responsibilities, but instead, layout the general framework in which the Pastor is expected to function.

The Pastor shall maintain a lifestyle that reflects the foundational truths of the gospel, builds up fellow believers, and glorifies God. He shall seek to perform the duties and fulfill the requirements set forth in scripture regarding the role of a pastor:

1 Peter 5:2-3 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock;

1 Timothy 3:1-7 This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

1 Timothy 4:11-12 These things command and teach. Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

Titus 1:5-9 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you— if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination. For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.

There are four essential qualities that must be present in a person who desires to be an under-shepherd for Christ, our Great Shepherd in whom all our needs are met. These are:

• Integrity, meaning that God comes first, and above everything. The pastor must prioritize God and remain faithful to Him and his pastoral duties in all that he does. (Proverbs 11:3, 1 John 4:710, Titus 1:5-9)

• Stability, being committed to a task over time and persisting through challenges. The pastor must be steadfast in faith, character, and leadership. (1 Corinthians 10:31, 1 Timothy 5:6, Titus 1:5-9)

• Conviction by having unwavering loyalty to God's word and Spirit regardless of consequences. The pastor must have deep-seated principles that guide their actions and ministry. (James 5:17, Hebrews 9:14, Titus 1:5-9)

• Diligence by being careful and persistent in all work and having sustained efforts. The pastor must be consistent and dedicated in fulfilling efforts of commitment in prayer, studying scriptures, and caring for the congregation. (Matthew 25:22-23, 2 Peter 1:5, Titus 1:5-9) The Pastor shall also be compassionate, approachable, trustworthy, genuine, humble, and promote cohesion between all age groups within the church. He shall lead by example to guide, empower, and trust other FBC Polk City staff and ministry leaders to lead their respective ministries.

Specific Qualifications:

• Show steadfast commitment and loyalty to Christ. (Philippians 1:6, James 1:12, 1 Corinthians 15:58, Romans 15:13, Numbers 30:2, Psalms 37:5)

• Has accepted a pastoral calling, been ordained, and confidential meeting spiritual qualifications for ministry. (1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9, 1 Timothy 5:22)

• Has a heart to see the body come to know Christ better personally and spiritually. (2 Corinthians 13:10, Colossians 1:28)

• Understands when to entrust certain duties and train ministry leaders where needed for these duties. (Acts 6:2-4)

• Shows strong organizational and administrative skills. (1 Timothy 5:17, 2 Corinthians 9:12)

• Has the skills to adapt to the ever-changing needs of the church. (1 Corinthians 9:19-23)

• Demonstrates deep, mature understanding of scripture. (2 Timothy 2:15, 2 Peter 1:8)

Preferred Experience and Education:

• Ministry experience in a church with a body of approximately 150 believers.

• Graduation from a minimum of seminary.

General Responsibilities:

• Prayer – The pastor has an obligation to pray for the congregation, their families, for the various ministry activities, and the leaders involved. The pastor also has a responsibility in terms of his own spiritual development, prayer, devotions, and relationship with God. (James 5:16, Colossians 4:1-2)

• Discipleship and Evangelism – Primary goal of church ministry is to go into all the world with the Gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8) and to develop people as mature Christians who can effectively use their spiritual gifts for the edification of the body. (Ephesians 4:12-13, 2 Timothy 2:2)

• Responsibility to the church – The pastor is accountable to the authority of God as his first and foremost responsibility (Hebrews 13:17) and secondarily he is accountable to the church for all he does. (1 Timothy 5:19)

Primary Responsibilities and Pastoral Duties:

• Ensure that the doctrine being taught is true to God's Word as revealed by the Holy Spirit and is consistent with the Baptist Faith and Message 2000 statement. (1 Peter 5:2, 2 Timothy 4:1-5)

• Participates in visitation and outreach. (1 Corinthians 11:1)

• Direct and oversee the various church ministries. (Acts 20:28, Titus 1:5, 1 Peter 5:2)

• Provide (or direct to) biblical counseling where needed. (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Titus 1:13)

• Increase personal biblical knowledge by attending conferences, taking classes, and praying. (Philippians 3:12-14, Ecclesiastes 12:12-13)

• Submit to the Holy Spirit's leading in preparing and delivering sermons and ensuring that all worship services are worthy of the Master. (1 Corinthians 2:4, Colossians 1:28)

• Preside and provide counseling for weddings, funerals, and similar functions consistent with the church's policy as led by the Holy Spirit

Administrative Duties:

• Act as moderator of the church during business meetings.

• Is the under-shepherd, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, in keeping with the Word of God.

• Seeks counsel from church leaders, such as staff, deacons, and ministry leaders as needed for the daily operation of the church and office. (Hebrews 3:7, 17, 1 Peter 5:5)

• Benevolence – Work together with the Deacons to make decisions on matters regarding the need for aid and/or benevolence. (Acts 4:32-35, 1 Corinthians 12:25)

• Attend scheduled deacon, staff, ministry leader, and committee meetings.

Supervision and Accountability:

• Reports to God first and then (collectively) the Deacons as they represent the church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

** Please note that the responsibilities outlined above are not intended to be all-encompassing or limited solely to the individual in this role. First Baptist Church of Polk City is committed to a team-based approach to ministry, where collaboration and mutual support are essential. Accordingly, the pastor is expected to delegate appropriately and may be assigned additional responsibilities as needs arise, including during times of emergency or unforeseen circumstances.