Job Description
Church Context
We are a Baptist church averaging approximately 100 in Sunday morning worship. We affirm the authority, sufficiency, and inerrancy of Scripture and understand the office of pastor/elder as defined in the New Testament, particularly in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:5–9. This position is bi-vocational and includes the responsibility of leading a bi-vocational staff and key volunteer leaders. We value relational ministry, sound Biblical teaching, and a true shepherd’s heart.
Biblical Qualifications
The pastor must meet the biblical qualifications for the office as outlined in Scripture (1 Tim. 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9), including but not limited to:
- A clear calling to pastoral ministry and a desire for the work of shepherding God’s people
- Above reproach, demonstrating consistent Christian character in public and private life
- Faithful in marriage and family life; able to manage his household well
- Spiritually mature, self-controlled, hospitable, gentle, and not domineering
- Not given to drunkenness, violence, greed, or quarrelsomeness
- Lover of what is good, upright, holy, and disciplined
- Able to teach sound doctrine and refute error
- Respected by both the church and those outside the church
- In agreement with the Baptist Faith and Message
- A growing personal relationship with Jesus Christ
Position Summary
The Bi-vocational Pastor serves as the primary spiritual leader of the church, responsible for faithfully preaching and teaching the Word of God, providing pastoral care, and offering vision, leadership, and administrative oversight. The pastor will equip the saints for the work of ministry (Eph. 4:11–12), lead a bi-vocational staff, and partner with leaders while balancing ministry responsibilities alongside outside employment. A commitment to shepherding God’s people in partnership with church leadership.
Primary Responsibilities
- Preaching and Teaching
- Serve as the primary preacher for Sunday worship services, faithfully proclaiming the whole counsel of God in alignment with Southern Baptist doctrine
- Prepare biblically sound, Christ-centered sermons that are theologically rich and pastorally applied
- Teach and oversee the church’s teaching ministry, including Bible studies, small groups, and discipleship opportunities – Sunday evenings, Wednesday nights services
- Guard the doctrinal integrity of the church by teaching sound doctrine and addressing theological error with humility and clarity
- Encourage a culture of biblical literacy, prayer, and spiritual growth within the congregation
- Leadership and Administration
- Provide overall leadership and vision for the church in alignment with Scripture and the church’s mission to Know Christ, and Make Him Known
- Lead and coordinate a bi-vocational staff and key volunteer leaders with clarity, encouragement, and accountability
- Work collaboratively with deacons,teams/committees, and ministry leaders
- Oversee planning and coordination of worship services and church calendar
- Provide organizational leadership appropriate to a bi-vocational context, prioritizing time and delegating effectively
- Participate in budget planning, calendar planning, and Deacon’s meetings, and provide general oversight of church operations in partnership with appropriate leaders
- Help develop systems and structures that support sustainable ministry growth and healthy church culture
- Oversee ordinances of the church – baptisms and the Lord’s Supper
- Scheduling and securing revivals, special speakers, January Bible studies, etc
- Pastoral Care
- Shepherd the congregation through prayer, encouragement, and the ministry of the Word
- Provide pastoral counseling, spiritual guidance, and biblical wisdom as appropriate
- Visit and care for members who are sick, homebound, hospitalized, or in crisis
- Officiate weddings, funerals, and other pastoral services as needed
- Cultivate meaningful relationships within the church and model Christlike love
- Equip and empower lay leaders to share in pastoral care, recognizing the limits of bi-vocational ministry
Qualifications
Spiritual and Personal Qualifications
- A clear calling to pastoral ministry
- A growing personal relationship with Jesus Christ
- High moral character and integrity consistent with biblical standards (1 Timothy 3; Titus 1)
- Agreement with the Baptist Faith and Message
Education and Experience
- Formal theological education preferred but not required
- Previous Pastoral or ministry experience preferred
- Willingness to serve in a bi-vocational capacity
Skills and Abilities
- Strong communication and preaching skills
- Ability to lead compassionately in a small-church context
- Good interpersonal and organizational skills
- Ability to balance pastoral duties with outside employment
Time Commitment
This position requires flexible hours. Expectations will be mutually agreed upon, recognizing the pastor’s outside work commitments and the church’s needs.
Compensation
Compensation will be determined by the church based on budget and agreed-upon expectations and may include salary, housing allowance, and ministry-related expenses as approved.
**Submit Cover Letter, Resume, and a list of 3 references with contact information to Lee Marsh via email: leemarsh@apcs.us