Job Description and Qualifications
Contact Information:
Send all inquiries to First Baptist Church Attn. Search Committee
• 1033 N Jackson St., Luverne, MN 56156
• Website: fbcluverne.churchtrac.com
• Email: fbcluv@iw.net
Affiliation: Venture Church Network (Baptist)
Category: Full-Time Pastor
Church Size: 103 current members, 115 attending average
Salary/Benefits:
• Salary negotiable based upon experience
• Retirement
• Healthcare allowance
• Rent free parsonage including utilities
• Ministry expenses
• Paid vacation - negotiable based upon experience
Senior/Solo Pastor
First Baptist Church is focused on fulfilling the Great Commission. We are interested in a leader who will shepherd the existing congregation and challenge us to go outside in a variety of ways to bring in those who do not know Christ or those who have had negative experiences in previous churches. We prefer someone who could see themselves immersed in our community and willing to work with us on our weaknesses as a church and as individuals. We are a farm-oriented, small-town community, although our congregation has a variety of backgrounds.
Qualifications
1. Focuses on a Christ-centered, grace-based practice of Christianity (Galatians 2:20; 2 Peter 3:18). Our church motto is: “To know Jesus and to make him known.” While striving for obedience to God’s law is important, we want to avoid a legalistic approach to our faith, being confident of the Holy Spirit’s ability to lead us (Galatians 5:22-25).
2. Demonstrates a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ evidenced in daily life and exhibits the character qualities outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9, and 1 Peter 5:1-4. Personalities vary, but we are looking for someone who demonstrates the character of Christ.
3. Seeks and promotes prayer as a priority, both personally and in the life of the church. Daily, weekly, and yearly prayer emphasis in our pastor’s life is crucial. We want to be gently but firmly challenged in this area as a clear indication of the Spirit’s work (Ephesians 5:20; 6:18).
4. Works at communicating as a pastor/teacher. His role is not primarily as an administrator or a counselor, although we would welcome these gifts as well. (2 Timothy 4:2; Ephesians 4:11, “pastor-teacher”).
5. Our pastor is an ex-officio member of all boards and committees, but he should view himself primarily as an advisor and communicator. He should support a congregation-ruled, pastor/deacon-led pattern of church government. We want to individually run the ministries of our church. We as a congregation have the final say in major church decisions (Acts 6:3-4; Philippians 1:1).
6. Reflects the heart of a spiritual and servant leader. We are interested in a pastor who will act as a shepherd to the congregation and is not self-seeking. We believe that true spiritual power flows through service and sacrifice for others (Mark 10:42-45; John 13:1-17).
7. Attained a college degree with emphasis in the Bible, preference given to someone with a Master of Divinity degree. Heart and mind are important to us (2 Timothy 2:15; Psalm 119:11).
8. Accomplished a minimum of three years of experience in a full-time pastoral position (1 Timothy 3:4-6). We are not part of a larger synod, and there are no other pastoral positions in our church. We would like for our pastor to be set up for success by having some prior knowledge to bring as he takes on the responsibilities of the position.
9. Support and equip the congregation to live missional lives and support church efforts to missions locally and globally (Matthew 28:18-20; Revelation 5:9-10).
10. As a Worship Service Leader, the pastor should support congregational music style and good theology in music selections. We are open to different music styles, but we enjoy hearing one another sing in a variety of ways as opposed to more performance style worship models (Ephesians 5:19; Psalm 150:6).
Responsibilities (Percentages are guidelines.)
1. Preach and teach God’s word in expository fashion in a variety of settings. (50%)
2. Visit the congregation in their homes, workplaces, hospitals, and other locations. (10%)
3. Provide supportive, servant leadership to enable the congregation to administer the church. (5%)
4. Lead and encourage the congregation in both private and public prayer. (5%)
5. Represent the congregation in the community: county ministerial, nursing home services, local paper articles, radio devotions, etc. (5%)
6. Participate and encourage current and new mission commitments: Union Gospel Mission (Sioux Falls) and other local programs, U.S. missions, and foreign missions. (5%)
7. Use his own unique area of interest not listed above: music, evangelism, counseling, etc. (20%)