Senior Pastor

Whether you're a church, school, nonprofit, or values-based business with a greater purpose, Vanderbloemen can help you hire the right executives to lead your organization. Vanderbloemen / Senior Pastor – First Baptist Church of Eagle River SBC

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Meet First Baptist Church of Eagle River First Baptist Church of Eagle River (FBCER) is a community of believers with a rich history of faithfulness in the Chugach-Eagle River area. Established originally as Trinity Baptist Mission in 1957, the church has grown alongside the community, serving as a beacon of gospel hope for nearly 70 years. FBCER describes itself as a smaller congregation with a big heart for the lost. This is a church where people are not just numbers; they are family. The culture is warm, relational, and deeply committed to the authority of Scripture. Whether through Sunday morning worship, Wednesday night discipleship, AWANA, or community outreach, the body at FBCER is focused on making disciples. Ideally situated in a community that serves as a gateway to the Alaskan wilderness while being only minutes from Anchorage, the church attracts a diverse mix of families, long-time Alaskan residents, and military personnel from the nearby Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER). About the Senior Pastor The Senior Pastor will serve as the primary spiritual leader and under-shepherd of First Baptist Church of Eagle River. He will be a man of God who loves the Word, loves people, and is committed to the specific challenges and joys of ministry in Alaskan culture. He will work in partnership with the Elders to shepherd the flock, providing vision and oversight to the church’s ministries. The Senior Pastor’s responsibilities include: Preaching & Teaching: Serve as the primary preacher for Sunday services, faithfully expositing the Scriptures and applying them to daily life. Shepherding: Provide pastoral care, counseling, and spiritual direction to the congregation; visit the sick and shut-ins, and officiate weddings and funerals. Leadership & Vision: collaborative work with the Elders to cast vision for the church’s future, ensuring alignment with the mission to “Glorify God in all we do.” Equipping: Train and mobilize members for the work of the ministry (“Every Member a Minister”). Administration: Oversee the day-to-day operations of the church staff and office, ensuring faithful stewardship of church resources. Community Engagement: Represent the church in the Eagle River community. What you bring The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Senior Pastor: The ideal candidate for the Senior Pastor position will be a humble servant-leader who meets the biblical qualifications for an Elder found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9. Education and Experience Education: A Master of Divinity (M.Div) from an accredited seminary is preferred; a Bachelor’s degree in a theological field with significant experience will be considered. Experience: 5+ years of pastoral experience is preferred, ideally with experience in a Senior Pastor or Associate Pastor role. Ordination: Must be an ordained minister of the Gospel of Christ. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Expository Preaching: A strong ability to preach the Word of God clearly, accurately, and passionately. Disciple-Making: A proven track record for mentoring disciples Relational Intelligence: The ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds—from military families to long-time Alaskans. Adaptability: Willingness to embrace the unique lifestyle and climate of Alaska. Personal Characteristics and Qualifications Godly Character: A man of integrity, above reproach, who models a personal pursuit of holiness. Prayer Warrior: A man who prioritizes prayer in his personal life and leadership. Family Man: If married, he manages his own household well and has a supportive wife who is committed to the ministry partnership. Teacher’s Heart: A desire to not just lead, but to feed the flock through sound doctrine. What it’s like to live in Eagle River, AK Eagle River is a unique and breathtaking community located within the Municipality of Anchorage, situated between the Chugach Mountains and the Knik Arm. It offers the perfect blend of small-town feel with big-city access. The Great Outdoors: Known as the gateway to Chugach State Park , Eagle River is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Residents enjoy world-class hiking, fishing, skiing, and wildlife viewing right in their backyard. The famous Mt. Baldy and Mile High trails are local favorites. Community Life: Eagle River has a distinct identity separate from Anchorage. It is a tight-knit community with excellent options for education, local coffee shops, and annual events like the Bear Paw Festival. It is widely considered one of the most desirable places to raise a family in Alaska. Strategic Location: Located just 15–20 minutes north of downtown Anchorage and roughly 10 minutes from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) , Eagle River is a hub for commuters and military families. This provides the church with a strategic opportunity to minister to a transient but hungry population. The Alaskan Spirit: Living here requires a spirit of adventure and resilience. The winters are long and dark, but the summers are filled with endless daylight (“the Midnight Sun”). The people of Eagle River are independent, neighborly, and deeply appreciative of the beauty God has created around them. #J-18808-Ljbffr VANDERBLOEMEN