Senior Pastor

Position Overview

The Senior Pastor is the shepherd of Jovita Baptist Church. He is responsible to the Lord and to the congregation to faithfully proclaim the Gospel, teach the Word of God, shepherd the flock, and provide spiritual and organizational leadership. The Senior Pastor will guide the church to function as a New Testament body of believers, making and loving lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ in our community and beyond.

Compensation Package

$80,000-100,000 depending on experience (range includes salary and benefits). Salary and benefit allocation to be determined in final negotiation.

Qualifications

A clear testimony of faith in Jesus Christ and a vibrant personal walk with Him.
A heart for God, His Word, His people, and the lost.
Meets the biblical qualifications of an elder/pastor (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9).
Strong preaching and teaching skills, with a commitment to expository, Christ-centered preaching.
Demonstrated leadership and shepherding ability, marked by humility, integrity, and servant leadership.
Ability to disciple others and equip the saints for ministry (Eph. 4:11-12).
Master of Divinity degree preferred, or equivalent theological training and 5+ years of pastoral or other ministry experience.
Alignment with our Statement of Faith (https://www.edgewoodchurchofjoy.com/about-us/our-statement-of-faith.html), Covenant, and the mission and vision of Jovita Baptist Church.

Skills & Personal Qualities

A shepherd’s heart, marked by compassion, approachability, and Christlike love.
Strong communicator, both from the pulpit and in personal relationships.
Organized and dependable, able to oversee both people and processes.
Relational and collaborative, fostering unity in the body.
Passionate about evangelism, discipleship, and equipping the next generation.

Reports To

The Senior Pastor is accountable to the congregation through the Deacon Board/Church Board.

Primary Responsibilities

Preaching & Worship

Faithfully preach and teach the whole counsel of God’s Word.
Plan and lead weekly worship services and ordinances (baptism and the Lord’s Supper).
Ensure Christ-centered, biblically faithful worship gatherings.

Shepherding & Care

Provide pastoral care through prayer, counseling, visitation, and discipleship.
Conduct weddings, funerals, and other pastoral duties.
Lead the church in an effective ministry of reaching the lost, caring for the hurting, and encouraging the body.

Leadership & Vision

Cast and communicate the church’s mission and vision clearly, inspiring the congregation to live it out.
Lead and develop staff, deacons, and ministry leaders – equipping them for service and growth.
Oversee strategic planning, goal setting, and evaluation of church ministries.
Coordinate with ministry partners, especially Edgewood Christ Church, for joint services and outreach events throughout the year.
Partner with Converge Worldwide, Converge Northwest, and community leaders in cooperative ministry efforts.

Administration

Provide administrative leadership for church operations, staff supervision, and budget oversight.
Work with deacons and committees to steward resources faithfully and effectively.
Ensure healthy governance and teamwork within the church family.
Provide oversight to Joy Christian Kindergarten and Preschool, working alongside the Preschool Director to advise and support the ministry.

Expectations

Model a life of prayer, integrity, and holiness.
Be actively engaged in the Edgewood community as an ambassador of Christ.
Encourage a culture of missions and outreach, both locally and globally.
Lead the church to joyfully live out its calling as a gospel-centered, disciple-making, Baptist congregation.