Senior Pastor - First Baptist Church of Penfield, NY

Job Description

Job Description

About the Church

The First Baptist Church of Penfield is an American Baptist Churches USA congregation established in 1804 that welcomes all to worship. The church is a gathering of people who are diverse in theology and political opinions, but who are all seeking to know God in a deeper and more meaningful way.

About the Ministry

The Senior Pastor serves as the spiritual leader and shepherd of the congregation, providing relatable biblical preaching, pastoral care, leadership, discipleship, and administrative oversight. The pastor is responsible for leading the church in fulfilling its mission of glorifying God, making disciples of Jesus Christ, and serving the local community. This position requires a compassionate shepherd, gifted communicator, effective leader, and faithful servant committed to the principles and practices of an American Baptist Churches USA congregation.

The Ideal Candidate

• Spiritual maturity and integrity.

• A heart for pastoral care and shepherding.

• Strong biblical teaching and preaching abilities.

• Compassion, humility, and servant leadership.

• Administrative competence and organizational skills.

• A commitment to evangelism, discipleship, and community engagement.

• The ability to foster unity, encourage volunteer leadership, and equip members for ministry.

Key Responsibilities

Worship Leadership

• Plan, prepare, preach, and lead the Sunday morning worship service in accordance with the church Constitution.

• In coordination with the Teaching/Worship Team and Music Director, plan and lead all special worship services, including but not limited to Christmas Eve, Maundy Thursday, Easter, and other seasonal services.

Pastoral Care

• Provide spiritual leadership and pastoral care to members of the congregation through regular visitation, prayer, counseling, encouragement, and support.

• Visit or contact members who are homebound, hospitalized, in nursing homes, receiving hospice care, or otherwise unable to attend worship on a regular basis.

• Work collaboratively with the Board of Deacons to coordinate pastoral visitation and share updates regarding member care as appropriate.

• Officiate weddings, child dedications, baptisms, funerals, and memorial services for church members upon request.

Christian Education and Discipleship

• Attend and actively participate in Teaching/Worship Team meetings to coordinate weekly worship services and educational ministries.

• Lead and oversee Christian education opportunities for adults, youth, and children.

• Work with church leadership to develop programs and activities that encourage spiritual growth, discipleship, and Christian service.

Leadership and Administration

• Provide leadership for the daily operations of the church office and supervise church staff, including the Administrative Assistant and Custodian.

• Establish and maintain regular office hours of at least sixteen (16) hours each work week to provide accessibility to members, visitors, and the community while supervising church operations.

• Serve as an ex-officio, non-voting member of church teams and committees as requested by the congregation or church leadership.

• Participate in staff evaluations, including those of building personnel, the Music Director/Organist, and office personnel, in conjunction with the Trustees.

Church Governance and Accountability

• Meet regularly with the Pastoral Relations Team (Monthly during the first six months of employment; thereafter, at least quarterly, or more frequently as mutually agreed.)

• Work cooperatively with the Coordinating Council and all ministry teams to advance the mission and vision of the church.

Community Engagement and Outreach

• Build and maintain positive relationships within the local community by participating in civic organizations, community groups, and outreach opportunities (such as Rotary and similar organizations).

• Encourage and participate in church outreach, mission, fellowship, and evangelistic ministries, including but not limited to Vacation Bible School, Bible studies, church picnics, community meals, food and clothing drives, Flapjack Saturdays, Fireside Chats, and other congregational events.

• Serve as an ambassador for the church by promoting its ministries and fostering meaningful community partnerships.

Qualifications

• A growing and mature personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

• Understanding of and adherence to American Baptist Churches USA policy and practice with a commitment to the church's Constitution and Bylaws.

• Demonstrated gifts in biblical preaching, teaching, pastoral care, leadership, and administration.

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.

• Ability to lead collaboratively with church staff, ministry leaders, deacons, and church teams.

• Ordination by a recognized American Baptist Churches USA or association is preferred.

• Previous pastoral ministry experience is required. Minimum of 5 years.

• Experience with church revitalization is a plus.