Lead Pastor

Friendly Avenue Baptist Church is an established, conservative, Southern Baptist Church, with a blended worship style and worship ministries. We are seeking a lead pastor who has a heart to see God do a new work of revival and spiritual awakening in us and in our community. The right candidate will be a spiritually gifted and dynamic communicator who will prayerfully shepherd us. We desire to see all people know the joy of entering into a transforming relationship with Jesus Christ. The ideal candidate is discerning in his approach, collaborative in his leadership, and missional in his worldview. A complete description of this Lead Pastor role can be seen on our website at www.friendlyavenue.com/pastor. If interested and qualified, please submit the following to pastorsearch@friendlyavenue.com

• First and Last Name in the Subject Line
• Cover Letter
• Resume
• URL link to Preaching Sample
• 3 References

Job Title: Lead Pastor

Position Status: Full-time

Principal Purpose: To lead, pastor, and counsel the Friendly Avenue Baptist Church congregation and preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Character:

• Possesses a personal and growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Meets the requirements for an overseer/elder found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9.
• Pursues a growing relationship with God through the Word and prayer.
• Models a Christ-like spirit and biblical standard of personal conduct and lifestyle.
• Demonstrates integrity in all areas of life.
• Walks in humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.
• Commits to the Baptist Faith and Message 2000 walk of belief and discipleship.

Education & Experience

• Four (4) year degree from an accredited college or university required.
• A seminary degree from an accredited seminary is expected.
• Minimum five (5) years’ church ministry experience including at least three (3) years of prior pastoral experience in a Southern Baptist Church.

Job Competencies:

• A man called of God and set apart to the ministry of the Gospel message.
• The principal leader, disciple-maker, and spiritual visionary of the church (Acts 20:28; Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4) who is equipped to organize, mobilize, and ultimately revitalize church ministries for Christ.
• Instill and excite in our membership the imperative and power of continual prayer, to draw us closer to the Holy Spirit, and give clarity to our ministries and to support our congregational and community needs (1 Thessalonians 5:17, Ephesians 6:18).
• Demonstrate the heart and mind of the Chief Shepherd and ensures that the church is well led, cared for, and protected (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-4).
• The principal messenger of God’s Word in public worship who ensures that the Church is growing to maturity in Christ (cf. Acts 6:4; Ephesians 4:11; 2 Timothy 4:1-4; Titus 1:9) by actively promoting a vibrant and impactful discipleship ministry.
• Partner with other leaders to empower and equip maturing members for significant service and ministry opportunities by discovering, developing, and deploying their spiritual gifts (Ephesians 4:12; 2 Timothy 2:2). Offers appropriate spiritual guidance and counseling to successfully navigate life circumstances.
• A dynamic communicator; not only of the profound depth and breadth of the Gospel message, but also the relationship between the message and life. As the principal communicator, his voice must be a clear and consistent clarion call for change, compassion, and action in the community and among our members.
• Instill and excite in our membership the call of God upon our lives individually and corporately and rally our members to share that great good news with others in an impactful format that promises hopeful futures.
• Action-oriented and expertly manages continuity, change, and transition. His desire for results parallels his ability to render broad goals into achievable steps. With integrity, he develops the people, the plan, and the strategy to build and progress beyond the present.

Responsibilities: This position includes the following responsibilities, although this is not an all-encompassing list, and these responsibilities are subject to be amended as needs change.

1. Work with ministry team and lay leaders to cast a vision and establish direction for FABC.
2. Equip, educate, and edify the church for witness and service.
3. Teach biblical revelation as the inspired and inerrant Word of God.
4. Oversee staff development to ensure each member reaches their full kingdom potential.
5. Serve the needs of the congregation and community as the voice of FABC on issues locally and globally.
6. Lead the congregation in corporate prayer times and facilitate seasons of personal prayer.
7. Engage in and promote pastoral care ministries such as biblical counseling, visitation, weddings, funerals.
8. Ensure that all ministerial staff have all required resources available to fulfill their duties.
9. Exercise biblical authority and demonstrate a Christian witness in all encounters.
10. Proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ without fear, reservation, or hesitation.
11. Lead the congregation in becoming an externally focused church by assessing and determining the opportunities for ministry and witness to the greater FABC community.
12. Cooperate with local leaders, the local Piedmont Baptist Association, Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, and the Southern Baptist Convention.
13. Support the work of Baptist missions and cooperative programs aligned to FABC core values.

Expectations & Compensation:

• Hours: 40 per week
• Salary: Commensurate with experience and evaluated annually
• Benefits: Disability, Health & Life Insurance; Retirement Plan, Vacation and Holidays, and Professional Expense allowance; Refer to the Employee Handbook for more details.