DESCRIPTION:

The Senior Pastor provides spiritual, pastoral, outreach, administrative, and servant leadership to the congregation of Newton County Baptist Church. The Senior Pastor relates to and connects with multiple generations and a diverse congregation within a rural area. In addition, the pastor represents the congregation in denominational or community organizations and activities to learn new ways that the church can support and engage with the surrounding area. Recognizing the importance of spiritual health and one’s personal relationship with God, the Senior Pastor takes time for regular prayer, Bible study, rest, and recreation. Lastly, the Senior Pastor extends God’s grace to others and leads by example as one who is relational, authentic, transparent, and humble.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION:

Worship:

• Conduct worship that enables people to hear the word of God and participate in personal and corporate devotion and relationship with God.
• Plan, in consultation with the Music Director and Staff, all elements of all regular worship services of the Church.
• Prepare and deliver sermons and lessons at all regular worship services of the Church unless on occasion the congregation authorizes another to fulfill this responsibility.
• Prepare and lead all special worship events of the Church, including Christmas, Holy Week, Thanksgiving, as well as weddings and funerals unless otherwise provided for as authorized by the Church.

Spiritual Formation:

• Guide the spiritual formation of the congregation through teaching, preaching, and leadership by example.
• Work with the Staff to ensure that the Church is provided with opportunities to pray and to study the Bible and the Christian Tradition, e.g. Wed. night AWANA and Rooted Student Ministry service, Upwards Basketball, and summer Vacation Bible School.
• Work with the Staff to ensure that the Church is provided with opportunities to be involved in hands-on service opportunities within and beyond the Church.
• Encourage the congregation to give time, talents, and resources in service to God.

Administration:

• Oversee all areas of the congregation’s ministry in consultation with the Deacons, Trustees, and Committees.
• Support, supervise, manage and provide input for the evaluation of church employees in conjunction with the Deacons.
• Build a sense of teamwork among church staff and Committee Chairs. Hold and/or attend regular meetings to coordinate the ministries of the church and facilitate communication.
• Enable Deacons, Church Officers, and Committee Chairs to better perform their duties through training and support.
• Work with the Trustees to see that the facilities and grounds of the church are functional and in good repair.

Outreach:

• Have a heart for rural ministries and an understanding of the challenges of sharing the gospel in a rural setting with many differing views and opinions.
• Make a determined effort to engage new visitors and encourage them to take an active role in the church.
• Provide training opportunities to the congregation for outreach and evangelism.
• Work with Board members and committee members to support various mission opportunities, to encourage the Church in giving to missions, and to involve the Church in personal mission service.

Pastoral Care:

• Visit or contact church members to encourage their involvement or to address their personal needs (especially all homebound church members).
• Provide pastoral care in conjunction with other staff, committees, and deacons through visitation, counseling, and prayer.
• Make appropriate referrals when necessary and quickly respond to crisis situations which arise in the congregation.

Working Conditions:

• The position of Senior Pastor requires great flexibility in hours available for work, including evenings and weekends.
• The pastor should be in the office or readily available a sufficient amount of time for accessibility to members of the congregation and for regular communication with members of the church staff.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Sunday Morning:

• Prepare announcements
• Set up coffee for congregation
• Unlock building
• Turn on lights, audio, and video equipment
• Make sure all restrooms are stocked
• Share upcoming announcements
• Conduct worship service
• Turn off all lights and equipment and lock all doors

During the week:

• Shop for gaps in the Wednesday night meals
• Pick up any items needed from Millers or Pippin
• Worship service message preparation
• Update church Facebook as needed

Wednesday Nights:

• Open church and make sure everything that is needed or has been asked for is ready when AWANA/RSM begins.
• Crowd Control
• Conduct headcount of children and adults
• Assist where needed

As needed:

• Work on church newsletter (sent out 4-6 times a year as needed)
• Update and monitor church website as needed
• Assist board members with any ongoing projects
• Preparations for I HEART Newton County outreach events

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required:

• Devout personal faith in Christ, familiar with the Baptist tradition and able to fully support the polity and mission of Newton County Baptist Church.

Preferred:

• At least five years of experience in a similar ministry position.

The total annual salary package will be $1,300/mo, negotiable depending on the applicant’s experience and education. To submit a resume or request additional information, please email us at (preferred) or mail to Newton County Baptist Church Pastor Search Committee, P.O. Box 6, Vendor, AR 72683.