Pastor: First Baptist Church of Canton, IL

Part-Time Pastor, First Baptist Church of Canton, Illinois (American Baptist Churches USA)

Location: Canton, IL (Fulton County, about 45 minutes southwest of Peoria, IL)
Position: Part-time Pastor
Compensation: $30,000–$40,000, plus paid vacation, continuing education time, ministry expenses, and retirement contribution
Denomination: American Baptist Churches USA, Great Rivers Region

About the Church

First Baptist Church of Canton was established in 1833 and worships in what is reportedly the oldest church building in town, the same brick structure generations of Canton Baptists have called home. Today we are a congregation of 48 members, with about 40 in worship each Sunday. We describe ourselves as "a family of imperfect people serving a perfect God, working together, striving to deepen our faith and spread the love of Jesus."

Like many congregations, we have walked through a difficult season in recent years. With the help of a gifted interim pastor, we have been doing honest work of healing and are looking ahead with renewed hope. We are seeking a pastor with the experience, steadiness, and shepherding heart to help us continue that journey.

Our Life Together

Sunday begins with Sunday School for all ages at 9:00, fellowship over coffee and donuts, and a 10:30 family worship service that blends hymns and contemporary music, led by a worship team. Worship includes a children's message and monthly communion, and is livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube. Wednesday evenings bring a family meal, adult Bible study, and a children and youth program. Our congregation also participates in the Emotionally Healthy Discipleship course, a women's group, and a daily 7:14 a.m. prayer time for the healing and future of our church.

Our congregation punches well above its size in serving the community. Since 1984 our Food Pantry has grown to be the largest in Fulton County, serving an average of 1,617 people each month, including home deliveries, along with a Pet Pantry. Our Buddy Bag ministry, begun in 2012, sends weekend food home with children in local schools. We host a vibrant Vacation Bible School each July, participate in the Canton Area Ministerial Association, and support local, domestic, and international missions.

The pastor will be supported by a Director of Student Ministry (worship, youth, and children), an office manager, and additional part-time staff. The church is governed by a single leadership council, the Board of Ministries, supported by ministry teams.

What We Are Seeking

We are praying for a pastor who is trustworthy, dependable, prayerful, and people-oriented, and who will:

Preach and teach the Scriptures faithfully and in ways relevant to everyday life; offer compassionate pastoral care in times of joy, crisis, illness, and transition, including weddings, funerals, and baptisms; help cultivate a warm fellowship where people feel accepted and included; encourage members to discover and use their God-given gifts rather than relying on the pastor to do it all; support our Emotionally Healthy Discipleship ministry; work collaboratively with the Board of Ministries and with other pastors in the community; and help us grow in ministry with young adults, young families, and seniors.

Given our recent history, we believe a pastor with church experience and a calm, non-anxious presence will serve us especially well.

Qualifications

A degree from an accredited seminary or divinity school; ordination in good standing with the American Baptist Churches USA, or willingness to obtain it; church ministry experience preferred; strong communication, interpersonal, and collaborative skills; and a deep commitment to Christ and to the mission of American Baptist churches. Candidates from outside the American Baptist family are welcome to apply and will be asked to complete additional materials affirming American Baptist values, including support for women in ministry and ecumenical cooperation.

About Canton

Canton is a close-knit community of about 12,600 with a community college, a strong park district, a hospital and health system, a YMCA, and an endowed public library. Housing is genuinely affordable, and Peoria's amenities are an easy drive away.

To Apply

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Questions can be directed to:

Rev. Dr. Rob Kirbach
Associate Executive Minister, American Baptist Churches of the Great Rivers Region
rob@abcgrr.org (217) 726-7366 x13

Please note: The American Baptist Churches of the Great Rivers Region is assisting First Baptist Church of Canton by receiving applications and helping to identify and screen candidates. All interviews are conducted, and all decisions regarding candidates and the call of a pastor are made, exclusively by the church's Pastoral Search Committee and congregation.