Job Overview

The Senior Pastor will serve as the spiritual and administrative leader of the church, providing pastoral care, vision, and guidance in accordance with Biblical principles. The role involves preaching, teaching, and overseeing the church staff and various ministries to ensure they align with our church's mission and vision. The Senior Pastor will report directly to the Chairman of the Leadership Team and work collaboratively with the Leadership Team to make significant decisions.

*This position is open due to the former pastor's recent retirement after over 20 years of service.

Job Description

First Church Ministries

Job Description: Senior Pastor

Church Profile: We are a vibrant, non-denominational, evangelical church committed to spreading the gospel and serving our community through dynamic ministry and impactful outreach. We seek to grow both spiritually and numerically, fostering a welcoming environment where all can find a spiritual home and grow in their faith in Jesus Christ.

Position Summary:

Alignment, Purpose, and Mission:

1. Doctrinal Agreement:
   • The Senior Pastor must affirm and adhere to the church's statement of faith, which aligns closely with the Baptist Faith and Message 2000 or the Gospel Coalition Foundation Documents. This agreement ensures that the teachings and ministry activities align with our core evangelical principles.
2. Worship Practices:
   • The Senior Pastor is expected to uphold and practice the church's worship traditions, including the administration of baptism and communion. A respect for these practices as essential components of our faith expression is required.
3. Mission and Vision Commitment:
   • The Senior Pastor must demonstrate a commitment to facilitate the development of the church's mission and vision, actively promoting and integrating them into all areas of ministry and church life. This includes a dedication to evangelism, discipleship, growth, and community service as central elements of our church's calling.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Preaching and Teaching:
   • Deliver biblically sound, engaging, and relevant sermons.
   • Facilitate teaching and training programs for all age groups to foster spiritual growth.
2. Leadership and Staff Oversight:
   • Provide leadership, direction, and support to church staff and volunteers.
   • Conduct regular staff meetings to ensure alignment with church goals and pastoral vision.
   • Attend monthly Leadership Team meetings and provide updates on any spiritual and physical needs within the congregation, share a vision for outreach and ministry opportunities, and engage in financial planning discussions.
3. Strategic Planning and Church Growth:
   • Collaborate with the Leadership Team to set strategic goals aimed at church growth and community impact.
   • Implement initiatives that promote numerical growth and deepen spiritual commitment within the congregation.
4. Financial Stewardship:
   • Engage with the church's financial health, to include providing input into the budget and capital planning.
   • Ensure resources are used efficiently and transparently, fostering generous giving within the congregation.
   • Complete a monthly financial reconciliation of the church credit card usage in a timely manner.
5. Pastoral Care and Spiritual Guidance:
   • Serve as a spiritual advisor, offering biblical counseling and guidance to individuals and families with the scope of his expertise.
   • Lead by example in personal and community prayer, worship, and faith practices.
   • As the need arises, make recommendations on how benevolent funds can be used to benefit members of the congregation, community projects, and charitable efforts.
6. Community and Public Engagement:
   • Evaluate and recommend financial support of foreign missionaries, likeminded local and national ministries, and local outreach programs and organizations. Follow-up annually with supported organizations to evaluate alignment with the church's mission and values.
   • Represent the church in community events and foster partnerships with local organizations.

Qualifications:

• Exceptional public speaking and the ability to connect with diverse audiences.
• Proven experience in pastoral leadership, preaching, and church administration.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills.
• Excellent proactive communication and interpersonal skills.
• A degree in Theology, Divinity, or a related field from an accredited theological seminary. A master's degree is preferred.

Character and Personal Qualities:

• Exhibit the characteristics of a biblical leader as outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9, which include being above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money, and managing their own family well.
• Display fruits of the Spirit as mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23, such as love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Reporting Relationships:

• Reports to: Chairman of the Leadership Team
• Coordinates with: Leadership Team, Church Staff, Leaders, and Volunteers