Newton, New Jersey United States
First Baptist Church of Newton, NJ
Senior Pastor
Job type: Full-time
Category: Senior/Lead Pastor
Location: Newton, NJ
OVERVIEW
First Baptist Church is one of the oldest biblical churches in the rural, northwest corner of New
Jersey’s Sussex County. Spanning 190 years of history, the church exists today as a testimony of God’s faithfulness and tender care.
First Baptist is a Bible-based, gospel-focused Baptist church of around 63 members with
approximately 76 people in attendance on a Sunday morning. Though in a time of transition
while seeking a new pastor the church remains strong and united, with a solid core of
committed members and attendees. The current leadership (elders, deacons and trustees) is
comprised of good, capable men who are humbly seeking to lead the congregation through this time of transition. The outlook of the church is optimistic as the members have embraced the current situation in the sovereign purposes of God, firmly believing that the Lord has even
better things in store for the next phase of church life.
A strength of our congregation is the maturity of the members. Quite a few in the church have
been Christians for many years, and also have a solid grasp of the Bible and essential Christian doctrines
.
As is true of any church, there are needs within the body. Because it is an older congregation
there is a need for casting a vision to build the next generation of FBC members. The church
leadership is committed to attracting and nurturing younger believers and their families.
DESCRIPTION
The Pastor, along with the other Elders, shall oversee and conduct the worship services and
administer the ordinances of the church. He shall watch over the spiritual interests of the
church and shepherd the flock through preaching, teaching, and counseling, seeking to apply
the Scriptures in both public and private shepherding contexts. He shall lead by word and by
example, with patience and faithfulness, and shall be responsible for the general development
and welfare of the church.
In keeping with 1 Timothy 3:1-7, the Pastor will set his highest priority upon the required
character traits while giving constant attention to the growth and development of his gifts and
abilities as a pastor. He must be a man who is devoted to God, to prayer and the study of His
Word.
POSITION DETAILS
Education: BS/BA degree in Biblical studies or like a major. MDiv from an evangelical seminary preferred.
Experience: A minimum of 5 years in church leadership and preaching experience is preferred.
Accountability: Elder board (as a co-equal) in matters of faith, scripture, and leadership.
To the church membership with regards to church constitutional government.
Direct Reports: Church secretary
Align to: FBC Constitution
Work schedule: Five days on, two days off per week
Remunerations: Salary, parsonage, paid vacation time; health care allowance, professional
development and book stipend, IRA, and travel expenses.
Parsonage: Suitable for a large family – pastor, wife and children to reside in. The house is a
stately, yet modernized late 1800’s Greek Revival style home. It has five bedrooms, three full
baths and a half bath. The master bedroom has a private bath and adjoining sitting room. There is a large kitchen and dining room. In addition, the house features a large study. Utilities and internet service included.
RESPONSIBILITIES
●Develop a short and long term vision for the church and devise a plan for how the
church will carry out that vision.
●Work alongside church leaders to implement the vision and mission of the church
through effective leadership, an exemplary life, biblical exposition, pastoral care, and
gospel-centered discipleship.
●Conduct the Sunday morning and evening (as scheduled) worship services; teach the
adult Sunday school class; conduct the regular weekly prayer meetings and lead in
observance of ordinances (communion and baptisms).
●Prepare and deliver expository, applicatory sermons that are gospel-centered and based
solely on the authoritative Word of God.
●Develop weekly worship service bulletins with sermon titles and appropriate scriptures,
prayers, hymns and praise songs; coordinated with the church secretary to publish.
●Develop and implement ministries; mentor congregants to effectively share the gospel
to grow the existing church through building gospel-centered relationships in our
community.
●Conduct new membership classes for those who desire to become members.
●Visit members and prospective members. Conduct timely hospital visits, nursing home
and in-home visits.
●Demonstrate hospitality
●Conduct counseling sessions; wedding ceremonies; conduct funerals.
●Lead members in building upon the existing church infrastructure, as well as creating
new infrastructure where applicable, to address all facets of proper and desirable church
activities, with a view to attracting new members.
●Cooperatively work with the elder board and provide support and direction to the
deacons, trustees, staff members and committees as they perform their assigned
responsibilities.
●In consultation with the elders, keep the church informed of all pertinent congregational
matters that bear upon the positive spiritual tenor, life and ministry of First Baptist
church.
●Cooperate with regional and state association and denominational leaders of
like-minded local ministries in matters of mutual interest and concern. Represent the
church in civic matters.
●Serve as a member, ex-officio of all boards, organizations and committees of the church.
●Above responsibilities represent the current general requirements of our church but are
not limited to other responsibilities as new and various needs develop.
All interested candidates please email the Pastoral Search Committee at [email protected] for an application.
Handout: Job_Description_FBC-N-7.pdf