Senior Pastor

The Senior Pastor, in conjunction with the Body of Pastors, is the primary spiritual leader and
shepherd of Sandy Ridge Baptist Church. The Senior Pastor is responsible for faithfully
preaching and teaching the Word of God, shepherding the congregation, providing spiritual
leadership to the church and its ministries, and equipping the members of the church to fulfill
the Great Commission.
The Senior Pastor shall lead with Biblical integrity, humility, wisdom, compassion,
accountability, and a servant's heart, seeking God's direction in all matters and working
cooperatively with the pastors, with the deacons, staff, ministry leaders, and
congregation.
The Senior Pastor is responsible for providing vision and spiritual direction while empowering
others to serve according to their God-given gifts and responsibilities.
Skills and Qualifications
• Meet the biblical qualifications for a pastor outlined in I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9
• Be a Southern Baptist Pastor in cooperation with the SBC
• Be committed to the authority, sufficiency, and truth of Scripture
• Be committed to the 2000 Baptist Faith & Message and the 14 Articles of the Nashville
Statement, Constitution, and Covenant
• Demonstrate moral and spiritual integrity both publicly and privately
• Maintain a reputation above reproach within the church and community
• Exemplifies Christlike character, integrity, and servant leadership outlined in 1 Peter 5:1-
4 and Galatians 5:22-23
• Planning and organizational skills
• Effective leadership, communication and interpersonal abilities
• Strong Biblical knowledge and theological understanding

Responsibilities
The Senior Pastor of the church shall
• Preach and teach the Gospel and the whole counsel of the Word of God in public
worship services and retreats
• Shepherd the flock of God officially identified as the membership of the church

• Moderate all regular and special members meetings using Robert's Rules of Order
• Administer the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord's Supper
• Provide biblical counseling with church members as necessary
• Extend the right hand of membership to those who profess faith in the Gospel of the
Lord Jesus Christ, have been publicly baptized by immersion and are in agreement with
the church's covenant and articles of faith
• Visit the sick and shut-ins from the flock
• Adhere to the church Constitution, Bylaws, Employee Handbook, approved job
descriptions, and other church policy
• Pray for the congregation and lead the church and staff to pray
• Communicate with visitors to the church
• Ensure the church operates with an annual budget and in accordance with the giving
and resources provided and stewards well what God provides
• When necessary, work with the other pastors and deacons for the purpose of exercising
church discipline, in accordance with Scripture and the governing documents of the
church
• Teach and promote sound doctrine consistent with the 2000 Baptist Faith & Message
• Supervise church staff
• Oversee the church ministries
• Ability to travel for ministry related activities as needed
• Lead in Conducting worship services

Education & Ministry Experience
• Master's degree from an accredited seminary or theological institution in theology,
divinity, pastoral ministry, or a related field is required.
• Additional theological education or doctoral studies are welcomed but not required.
• Minimum of 6 years of prior pastoral ministry experience is required, with
demonstrated experience serving in a local church setting.
• Previous experience serving as a Senior Pastor, Associate Pastor, Teaching Pastor, or in
another substantial pastoral leadership role is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in a biblical preaching, pastoral care, discipleship,
evangelism, leadership development, and church administration is expected.
• Experience leading and working collaboratively with a plurality of pastors, church staff,
deacons, ministry leaders, and volunteers is preferred.