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Alice Drive Baptist Church is seeking a new Lead Pastor to lead our congregation into its next season of spiritual growth and community impact. After 30 years of dedicated leadership, Pastor Clay Smith has announced his retirement, following God’s call to enter a new phase of life. We are prayerfully seeking the person God is calling to be our next leader.
We are a thriving multisite church nestled in the charming city of Sumter, South Carolina. Conveniently located in the heart of the state, our community offers easy access to South Carolina’s stunning beaches, serene lakes, and picturesque mountains—perfect for family day trips. Sumter is an ideal place to call home and a wonderful environment to raise a family.
OUR MISSION
We exist to help as many people as possible take their next step toward Jesus Christ.
OUR VALUES & VISION
We believe people matter to God, so we want to help them know Jesus.
We believe church is a place of grace, so we want to help people know community.
We believe that everyone should live like Jesus, so we want to help people grow character.
We believe everyone has a purpose, so we want to help people go share.
Key Roles of the Next Lead Pastor
LEAD TEACHING PASTOR
This individual must provide biblically sound, theologically grounded sermons that are relevant, thought-provoking, and spiritually impactful. He should also mentor and coach other communicators.
ENGAGING LEADER
He must inspire and motivate the congregation to take their next step toward Jesus, helping them know Jesus, know community, grow character, and go share. He should lead the church with bold vision and a collaborative spirit.
CHIEF SHEPHERD
He must live out the values of the church. He must demonstrate that all people matter to God, that church is a place of grace, that everyone needs to be like Jesus, and that everyone has a purpose. He should demonstrate a pastoral heart that feeds, guides,
and loves the congregation.
DEVELOPER OF OTHERS
He must cultivate the gifts of staff and congregation members,empowering them to serve and lead in alignment with the church's mission.
Key Qualifications/Preferences
Our Lead Pastor must meet both biblical and professional qualifications. Our governing documents state that the Lead Pastor should be called by God, spiritually mature, and demonstrate strong leadership skills. He should possess a deep theological understanding and be spiritually gifted for the role.
BIBLICALLY SOUND
Must adhere to the qualifications outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-7.
EDUCATION
Master of Divinity or equivalent required.
EXPERIENCE
At least 8 years of pastoral leadership experience, with multi-staff experience required and multisite experience preferred.
CULTURAL FIT
Must embrace the unique culture of Alice Drive and our diverse, multicultural community.
LEADERSHIP
Strong interpersonal skills, visionary thinking, and a passion for helping others grow in their faith.
FAMILY LIFE
A balanced family life and a vibrant personal relationship with God are essential.
Again, see the attached profile for full details. Next Pastor Profile
If you're interested in the role of our next Lead Pastor, please send your complete resume, work history, and a letter of no more than three pages explaining why you feel you best fit our desired profile by January 15, 2025 to: pastorsearch@adbc.org
The mission of Alice Drive Baptist Church is to help as many people as possible take their next step toward Jesus Christ.
We are a pioneering church in our region in multi-site, leadership development, and serving our community. If you join our team, you will become part of a high trust, high expectation team committed to helping people know Jesus, know community, grow character and go share.
