What are the responsibilities and job description for the Pastor - First Baptist Church of Greenfield (Greenfield, IL) position at LancasterSearch?
First Baptist Church of Greenfield (Greenfield, IL) – Pastor
The Big Picture
First Baptist Church of Greenfield (https://www.greenfieldfirstbaptist.com/index.html) is searching for a Pastor.
Requirements
Introduction
The Pastor derives his authority from God’s call and shall function as a minister of Jesus Christ through the church. Entrusted with the gospel, equipped and enabled by the Holy Spirit and his professional education, the pastor is accountable to God, to whom he owes primary commitment.
He is also accountable to:
-Greenfield First Baptist Church
-The whole church of Christ, including his denomination As God’s spokesperson, the Pastor will be given the freedom of pulpit “to speak the truth in love,” seeking in all things the mind of Christ and the building of the church in love.
Qualifications:
A definite calling to the ministry and a personal belief in all commonly accepted Biblical principles are also required. The overall ability to lead, motivate and coordinate the fundamental programs of the church is a further job requirement. The Pastor must possess and demonstrate strength in personal integrity, moral conduct, trustworthiness, and strong interpersonal skills as stated in Article II of the Bylaws. However, still recognizing that the pastor is continuing in the process of spiritual growth until we reach heaven.
Responsibilities:
The following is a list of six ministry gifts identified by the church body in which they see the Pastor leading or directing the congregation to further our ministry:
Preaching – Providing ministry through the spoken word by taking time to study, prepare and reflect on the Word and present a message that is relevant and encouraging.
Interpreting the Faith – Communicating a clear and relevant understanding of the Bible for Christian living today.
Evangelism – Having a heart to see people come to Christ.
Leadership – Recognizing and articulating God’s vision and assisting the congregation in its implementation.
Visitation – Having a relational presence with the church members and others in their homes, at work, or in other settings.
Church Growth – Developing the vision for ministry for growing His kingdom here on earth while increasing the membership of the church.
General Assumptions
A. The Pastor will seek to abide in the continuing presence, guidance and leadership of the Holy Spirit.
-The Pastor believes the Bible, both Old and New Testaments, as written is the inspired word of God and as the all-sufficient basis of doctrine in practice.
B. Before receiving his call, the Pastor received and responded to the Lord’s invitation to follow Him as a Christian. The pastor will use all the enabling means of grace to grow as a Christian, and to develop his God-given gifts and his professional capabilities, skills, disciplines and standards.
C. As a person with family relationships and responsibilities, and with civic duties:
-The Pastor will be encouraged to fulfill his responsibilities as a citizen, relating to civic and
community agencies and causes, as far as stewardship of his time allows.
Mission Statement
Because we have been redeemed in the blood of Jesus Christ, and as members of the body of Christ, we are called to believe and love, go and grow, share and care, obey and be active for the kingdom of God on earth. (Colossians 2:13-15)
Vision Statement
Missions-Outreach: We envision GFBC being involved in missions and outreach to the community and beyond.
Prayer: We envision GFBC being involved in prayer on several levels: personal prayer, prayer events, and prayer teams.
Special Gifts: We envision people working in and through GFBC according to their spiritual gifts.
Leadership Development: We envision GFBC developing lay people to minister with a servant attitude.
Worship: We envision GFBC having a worship style to glorify God, reach the lost, and to help develop the believer.
Scripture: We envision GFBC bearing witness to the centrality of God’s Word in ministry.
Caring: We envision GFBC caring for one another like a family with Christ at its head.
Framework
A. The Pastor is called to lead the church as a shepherd. Each person is to be valued as the equal of others, because all faithful service ranks the same with God. Board and committee members serve only to designate lines of responsibility, accountability, and authority.
B. This line of administrative authority assumes that each Board/Committee is responsible for the various areas of ministry and is aware of its responsibility.
C. All grievances go to the Congregational Relations Committee, which reports to the Diaconate.
D. The Pastor, along with the Board of Deacons, shall verify whether persons presenting themselves for church membership meet the qualifications for admission as set forth in the church constitution. The decision will be the result of at least one personal interview, meeting one of the qualifications set forth in the church constitution and/or participation in a discipleship class. The Pastor will work alongside the Board of Deacons in recommending each candidate for membership at a business meeting.
E. The Pastor will work closely with the Congregational Relations Committee and the appropriate boards in planning and organizing programs to meet overall objectives. As stated in the Church ByLaws, the Pastor is to serve in an ex-officio capacity (by virtue of position) on all boards to provide spiritual guidance and encouragement to the ministries of the church. Not being elected or appointed, he does not serve as chairperson of such board. He will also attend the meetings of those boards when appropriate, in a nonvoting position.
F. The Pastor reports to the Diaconate. He is ultimately accountable to Jesus Christ. The Pastor will work closely with, and be supported by, the Board of Deacons. He will be required to attend the monthly meeting ofthe Board of Deacons and have a detailed report ready to deliver at those meetings.
G. A yearly Performance Review will be administered by the Trustees to determine if a merit increase is awarded. A combination of “Quantifiable Achievements” or “Measurable Results” from achieving these goalsalong with the way he demonstrates the qualities/attributes detailed earlier in this Job Description will be used in determining merit increases. The Budget committee will determine if the merit increase is within our budget.
The Office of Pastor
The office of pastor carries with it the following understandings:
A. The Pastor will be allowed by the congregation and its officers freedom of spirit and the freedom to be wrong as well as right in making decisions. Also, the freedom to conscientiously and responsibly speak from the pulpit and in board and ministry meetings as he is led to do by God.
B. The Pastor will be allowed the freedom to schedule and relate, as he determines, to members and nonmembers in counseling for spiritual guidance, teaching, and other pastoral work.
C. The Pastor will maintain a minimum of 40 hours per week. The Pastor shall keep regular core office hours at the church to be available to the congregation, for sermon preparation, counseling, etc. Those core hours are to be a minimum of 12 hours per week. The Pastor will visit the sick, shut-ins, hospitals, and nursing homes. Core office and visiting hours are to be child-free.
Benefits
Compensation and Benefits Compensation Benefits
Ministry related expenses, time off and vacation will all be specifically covered in the employment agreement entered into by the Pastor and GFBC at the time of the pastor’s employment. Personal leave, extended illness policy, holidays, continuing education and moving expenses will also be covered in this agreement. The Diaconate and Trustee boards may review, on an annual basis, the matters contained in the employment agreement with a view toward making such changes as may be mutually desirable and acceptable between the Pastor and the Boards.
The Process
Please look over this job description and the church website. Along with your resume please answer these questions:
Why do you believe that you might be a good fit as the Pastor at FBC?
Describe your experiences in ministry and how you may be qualified to serve as the Pastor of FBC?
In just a few sentences please give a summary of your theology and how that is in line with the doctrine of FBC?
Please send your resume, the answers to these questions and a link to at least one online sermon to Jason@No-FeePastorSearch.com