What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Pastor position at New Salem Baptist Church?
Pastoral Job Description for New Salem Baptist Church (Urban Setting)
Position: Lead Pastor
Location: Philadelphia, Pa
Reports to: Church Board/Deacons
Position Overview
The Lead Pastor of New Salem Baptist Church will serve as the spiritual leader, guiding the congregation in faith, growth, and community engagement. This role requires a dynamic leader who can preach, teach, and shepherd a diverse congregation while fostering strong relationships within the church and the broader urban community. The pastor should be committed to social justice, outreach, and holistic ministry in an urban context.
Key Responsibilities
1. Preaching & Teaching
-Deliver biblically sound, relevant, and engaging sermons that speak to the spiritual and practical needs of an urban congregation.
-Lead Bible studies, discipleship programs, and theological discussions to encourage spiritual growth.
-Integrate culturally responsive and inclusive messages that reflect the realities of the community.
2. Pastoral Care & Counseling
-Provide spiritual guidance, emotional support, and crisis intervention for individuals/families.
-Offer pastoral counseling and referrals for professional support when necessary.
-Conduct weddings, funerals, baptisms, and other religious ceremonies for members.
3. Community Engagement & Outreach
-Build strong relationships with local organizations, schools, and community leaders to address social issues such as but not limited to poverty, violence, and housing insecurity.
-Develop and support outreach programs that meet the needs of the surrounding community.
-Advocate for social justice and equity within the City of Philadelphia, representing the church in civic and interfaith initiatives.
4. Leadership & Administration
-Oversee church staff, volunteers, and ministry teams to ensure effective church operations.
-Work with the church board to develop and implement a vision for growth and sustainability.
-Manage the church budget, fundraising efforts, and stewardship initiatives in collaboration with trustees and/or financial leaders.
5. Worship & Discipleship Development
-Collaborate with the worship team to create meaningful and inclusive worship experiences.
-Develop leadership training programs to equip members for service and ministry roles.
-Support youth and family ministries, fostering intergenerational faith development.
Qualifications & Skills
-Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or equivalent theological education (preferred).
-Licensed and Ordained in ministry
-3-5 years pastoral or ministry leadership experience in a churchsetting.
-2 years under a seasoned Pastor.
-Strong preaching, teaching, and communication skills.
-Passion for community engagement, social justice, and outreach.
-Ability to build relationships across generations, diverse and socioeconomic backgrounds.
-Ability to address complex spiritual, emotional, and social challenges.
-Administrative and leadership skills to manage church operations effectively.
-Commitment to your own personal, spiritual growth and ethical leadership.
Preferred Attributes
-Experience in nonprofit management, grant writing, or community organizing.
-Familiarity with urban ministry strategies and trauma-informed pastoral care.
-Ability to adapt to changing spiritual and community dynamics.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $5.00 - $10.00 per hour
Expected hours: 10 per week
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Preferred)
Experience:
- Church leadership: 3 years (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Philadelphia, PA 19121 (Preferred)
Ability to Relocate:
- Philadelphia, PA 19121: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $5 - $10