ST. STEPHEN MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

PASTORAL VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church, founded in 1949 is seeking a full-time pastor, called by God, who will be the spiritual leader of this small congregation. The qualified candidate is responsible to God and the church to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, to teach the Bible, to provide Christian leadership in all areas of the church and to engage in pastoral care for the congregation.

Full-Time Pastor

Posting Date:  March 11, 2024

Closing Date: OCTOBER 14, 2024.  WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICANTS. 

All interested and qualified persons must submit the following information: 

1. A letter of interest which includes a description of how you became a believer of Jesus Christ, and the reason you are called to ministry as a pastor

2. A current resume which includes a summary of relevant ministry professional and educational experiences

3. Copies of ministerial license, ordination certificate & degree(s). 

4. Three (3) recommendation letters (clergy, layperson and personal)

5. A URL link of you preaching a sermon during a worship service.

 NOTE: Any missing information may result in automatic disqualification.

SUBMISSION:

Submit the information listed above by email to ssmbcpastoralsearch@gmail.com or by mail to:

St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church 

Attention: Pastor Search Team

P. O. Box 91128

East Point, GA 30364 

Candidates will be evaluated and if selected will be contacted for an in-person interview with the Pastor Search Team.  Final candidates will be notified and asked to provide additional information later in the selection process.  Final candidates must consent to a reference check, a criminal history background check, a drug screening test, and a credit and financial history review (performed through outside agencies for complete confidentiality).   All information presented will be treated as “Confidential”. For additional information or questions, please submit your request to the Pastor Search Team at ssmbcpastoralsearch@gmail.com.   NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

SENIOR PASTOR JOB DESCRIPTION

Qualifications:

Candidates must be Holy Spirit filled and guided. Candidates’ personal character and financial standing must be above reproach both inside and outside the church. Candidates must possess theological training and must have at least: 

• 1 or more years of significant related ministry experience which includes experience in church administration (e.g. Assistant Pastor or Associate Minister) 

• Candidates must be licensed and ordained with a certificate.

• Obtained or currently obtaining a Master’s degree in Seminary(Theology)/Divinity from an accredited college or university.

Candidates must have a demonstrated ability to prepare and deliver biblically sound, stimulating, inspirational and Spirit-filled sermons; should have a demonstrated aptness for Bible-based teaching; should possess strong interpersonal and leadership skills; and should be approachable and demonstrate inclusiveness for all demographics within the congregation.

The successful candidate should have a vision for growing church membership that is both educated in the Word of God and strong in relationship with Christ, particularly a vision and commitment to increasing the numbers and spiritual development of youth and young adults in the congregation. Candidates must be open to new ideas and must have a proven record as a skilled leader and administrator. The successful candidate will have a commitment to Christian education and a passion to serve people from all walks of life.

Responsibilities of a Pastor:

The Pastor shall be the spiritual and administrative leader of the Church, the Shepherd of the flock.  As general manager, it shall be his or her responsibility to integrate and give guidance to the sacred and secular life of the church.  The following are the primary duties to be performed by the Pastor: 

• Serve as spiritual leader for the congregation

• Preach and teach the gospel by preparing and delivering relevant, Spirit-filled sermons; plan and conduct the worship services, provide alternate minister in place of absence

• Serve as the chief officer of the church, carrying out, with the church officers, the policies and mandates duly approved by the congregation

• Collaborate with deacons, trustees, officers and ministry leaders to administer church business in accordance with the church constitution and by-laws

• Serve as moderator of church business meetings except meetings where the tenure of the Pastor is being discussed

• Recommend all special committees and appoint committee members for approval by the congregation and serve as ex-officio member of all ministries, committees and organizations of the church

• Present to church membership for vote, any recommendations affecting church policy changes, after these have been weighed, considered and approved by the pastor, trustees and deacons in accordance with the church constitution and by-laws

• Develop and implement a strategic plan for healthy church growth, to include among other things, spiritual growth, membership growth with a goal of 10 percent per year, financial growth, and facility growth 

• Supervise, mentor, and prepare written annual evaluations of the paid ministerial staff and perform other duties as may be required.

• Maintain weekly office hours for access to members

The following duties are the ultimate responsibility of the Pastor but may be shared or delegated to others:

• Lead in administering the Holy ordinances of Baptism and Communion

• Lead and teach stimulating Bible studies, classes and seminars

• Provide pastoral ministry to those experiencing illness, bereavement, or incapacitation or other conditions

• Officiate at funerals, weddings, baby dedications, etc 

• Conduct pastoral counseling

• Lead the congregation in planning, conducting and evaluating a comprehensive Christian education, evangelism and mission program.

• Represent the congregation at charitable, civic and ecumenical meetings and keep the congregation informed

• Manage all church staff, including providing yearly evaluations

• Lead the congregation in developing a comprehensive business operations plan for the church

This job description is not intended to list all job duties.  There may be duties not mentioned and changes over time as the church evolves.