Pastor

Principal Function

The pastor is responsible for proclaiming the Gospel of Christ and encouraging the local church body to do so, guiding the spiritual development of the congregation, providing pastoral care to meet the needs of persons in the church and community, and providing administrative leadership for the church.

The church will work with the pastor to identify individuals who can assist with identified areas of need. The pastor will train and equip these individuals to help meet those needs.

Job Classification

 This position is a taxed, salaried position.

 Responsibilities

·         Give basic leadership to the planning of worship and delegate to others the responsibility for detailed planning of services.

·         Provide guidance for planning, organizing, directing, coordinating, and evaluating the total church program.

·         Preach at all worship services that include preaching or arrange for someone else to perform this function.

·         Serve as an evangelist and lead the congregation in developing a strategy to reach the lost in the community and a discipleship program to nurture new believers.

·         Lead the church in a caring ministry for persons in the church and community by enlisting volunteer leaders to assist with ministry opportunities.

·         Lead church members to become involved in missions support through prayer, missions offerings, and personal involvement, when possible, in local, state, national, and international missions activities.

·         Be present at all church business meetings.

·         Give oversight to the administrative matters of the church, selecting capable individuals to provide leadership.

·         Plan for and provide leadership in the observance of church ordinances.

·         Conduct counseling sessions as needed. Refer those in need of counseling to a competent Christian counselor as needed.

·         Conduct funeral services and wedding ceremonies.

·         Work with deacons, church officers, and committees as they perform their assigned responsibilities.

·         Cooperate with associational, state, and denominational leaders in matters of mutual interest and concern; keep the church informed of denominational developments.

·         Spend a reasonable amount of time visiting members in hospitals, nursing homes, and other settings, as well as prospects, delegating these responsibilities to deacons and other church lay leaders as appropriate.

·         Comply with all established church policies and procedures, as well as all applicable federal and state laws.

·         Office hours: The Pastor will be available (either on the church property or with church members) on Wednesday. He will set aside Tuesday and Thursday for church-related activities, both on and off the church property. Other activities, evening meetings, weekend events, etc., will take place as the pastor and church leadership determine feasible.

·         Be reasonably available nights and weekends for emergency pastoral care, delegating these responsibilities to deacons and other lay leaders as appropriate.

·         Be mindful of the need to spend time with his family to enrich and strengthen those relationships.

Requirements: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The position of Pastor requires:

·         A high school diploma.

·         A college degree.

·         A seminary degree.

·         Licensing and ordination by a Baptist church.

·         A personal conviction of calling to the pastoral ministry.

·         Commitment to biblical Christian principles and teachings, both professionally and personally.

·         8 years of experience as pastor of a Baptist church or in a comparable Baptist denomination service position.

·         The ability to speak, read, and write English.

·         Competent speaking skills and the ability to speak confidently before groups.

·         Leadership skills.

·         Capable administrative skills.

·         The ability to listen effectively and communicate clearly, both orally and in writing.

·         Basic ability to use computer software, such as Word, Outlook, and Planning Center.

·         Sufficient good health to discharge duties properly.

·         The ability to walk, stand, and sit, sometimes for prolonged periods.

·         Passing criminal, financial, and sexual misconduct background checks.