Senior Pastor

Magnolia’s First Baptist Church

Senior Pastor

Job Summary, Qualifications, Duties and Responsibilities

1. JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Pastor is responsible for providing leadership to the staff and congregation of Magnolia’s First Baptist Church (M1BC) to function as a New Testament church consistent with God’s Word and the direction of the Holy Spirit.  The Senior Pastor will lead in worship and ensure the effective ministries and activities of M1BC through personal Bible study, prayer, biblically sound preaching and teaching, discipleship, and exemplifying Christ-like character.  The Senior Pastor will give leadership to the congregation, the ministries and organizations, and the church staff in performing their tasks.

1. QUALIFICATIONS

The Senior Pastor shall:

• Be a follower of Jesus Christ and have a personal relationship with Him by faith consistent with Ephesians 2:8-9, John 3:16 and Romans 10:9-10, 13.
• Be qualified to minister in the church and live up to the scriptural standards set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9.
• Be called by the Holy Spirit and confirmed by a body of believers through ordination (John 15:16; Acts 13:1-3).
• Be a graduate of an accredited seminary or divinity school (2 Timothy 2:15).
• Be experienced in serving in a pastoral ministry position including leadership and management of church staff (2 Timothy 4:1-2, 5).
• Embrace M1BC’s Mission and Beliefs and more specifically M1BC’s Constitution and By-Laws Revised March 30, 2016 which incorporates the Baptist Faith and Message as adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention in 2000.

1. PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide spiritual leadership and vision for the church, defining strategic goals as the key leader.
• Boldly preach and teach the Word of God as led by the Holy Spirit.
  • Be the principal communicator of God’s Word in public worship;
  • Guard the significant time necessary for prayer and study to fulfill this responsibility:
  • Ensure church members are being equipped, discipled and growing to maturity in Christ through preaching and teaching in a regular pulpit ministry;
  • Preach expository sermons that open the Word of God, expound its truths, and apply those truths in our lives; and
  • Coordinate pulpit supply for church services when absent or unavailable.
• Lead the congregation to grow God’s Kingdom by reaching the lost and unchurched, and living out the Great Commission.
• Ensure the church maintains a focus on providing a variety of programs and initiatives that engage and involve members of every generation to accomplish its mission of evangelizing and making disciples both locally and beyond.
• Oversee and provide leadership to the administrative and pastoral staff including providing regular guidance, evaluations, and feedback for each of their ministry roles.
• Lead and provide oversight in the planning of worship services, and in the planning, organizing, directing, and evaluating of all church ministries, outreach, and programs.
• Establish a shared vision and purpose for the church and translate broad goals into achievable steps.
• Lead by example in stewardship matters by supporting the work of the church through tithes, offerings, and regular teaching about stewardship.
• Work and consult with the Deacon body and various standing and special committees in accomplishing their respective duties.
• Ensure the church is advancing its mission and ministries in a fiscally responsible manner.
• Ensure M1BC has an effective visitation and outreach ministry.
• Lead in observance of the ordinances of the church.
• Serve as (or designate) moderator for church business meetings.
• Address any conflict in a biblical manner to ensure unity in the church and to produce healthy and loving relationships among the church staff and within the church body.
• Provide counseling within the parameter of expertise, and make referrals when needed.
• Conduct or provide for performing wedding ceremonies and funerals.
• Cooperate and participate with local, state, and denominational leaders in matters of mutual interest and concern; keep the church informed of denominational developments; represent the church in denominational and civic matters.
• Lead the church in support of the work of Southern Baptist missions and the Cooperative Program.
• Uphold and affirm the stated doctrine, values, and mission of M1BC.

1. PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Possess the following attributes:

• Maintain spiritual priorities in life by putting Christ first, family second, and ministry third.
• Be purpose-driven and pursue spiritual, personal, and leadership growth and development.
• Be authentically identified as a Christ-follower in all aspects of life.
• Have good communication skills; maintain and demonstrate integrity, passion, vision, and fiscal responsibility in personal life and ministry; be an encourager and teacher that demonstrates patience and perseverance.