Lead Pastor – First Baptist Church of Durham

Lead Pastor – First Baptist Church of Durham

First Baptist Church in Durham, Kansas, is a church committed to serving God, honoring His Word, growing a community of faith, and loving our neighbors. We are seeking a pastor with a passion to teach the Word and lead our congregation in spiritual growth. The ideal candidate will have a deep commitment to the ministry, family, and the Great Commission.

Our Mission:
We are a body of believers striving to grow in relationship with God through fellowship, worship, and the study of His Word. Our desire is to demonstrate the love of Jesus to our neighbors that their hearts might be won to Christ. Recognizing the priority of the Great Commission, we are committed to discipleship, service, evangelism, and missions at home and around the world.

Requirements and Qualifications

Duties & Responsibilities

• Preach weekly sermons that are biblically sound and Christ-centered.
• Prepare sermons by researching and writing about how to present Bible lessons to the congregation to meet their spiritual needs.
• Teach and equip the congregation in biblical knowledge and living out their faith.
• Support and communicate the mission and vision that God gives the church.
• Officiate at special occasions in the lives of the congregation, such weddings, baptisms, and funerals.
• Provide pastoral care for members of the congregation, including visiting the sick, marriage counseling, baptism classes, and offering support during times of crisis.
• Strive to meet all the qualifications of an elder as identified in Scripture (1 Timothy 3 & Titus 1) and be intentional about ongoing personal spiritual development, modeling that for the congregation.
• Follow up with visiting any new attendees.
• Support the church staff by providing vision and guidance.
• Partner with the deacons in leading the church spiritually.
• Oversee all aspects of worship services, including planning, music selection, preaching, and communion.
• Maintain relationships with missions, other faith leaders, and community organizations.
• Help develop and implement programs and events that meet the spiritual needs of the congregation and community.
• Serve as the primary contact for media and public relations.
• Attend business and advisory board meetings to provide a report of activity.
• Mentor, supervise, and support church staff and volunteers.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in theology, religious studies, or related field.
• Extensive knowledge of the Bible and Christian doctrine.
• Experience in a pastoral position preferred.
• Agree with and adhere to Article II Declaration of Faith in the constitution of First Baptist Church of Durham.
• Ability to work well with a team and delegate responsibilities.
• A heart for pastoral care and the ability to provide compassionate and empathetic support to congregation members in times of need.
• Communication skills both verbally and in writing to inform and comfort congregation members.

Special Notes

Article II Declaration of Faith

We affirm our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for our salvation and believe in those great principles for which Baptists have and lived and died, such as:

1. The revelation of God through Jesus Christ as only Savior and Lord. Hebrews 1:1–4
2. The inspired authority of the Scriptures in matters of faith and conduct. 2 Timothy 3:16–17
3. The proclamation of the Gospel throughout all the world. Matthew 28:19–20
4. Regenerated church membership. Acts 2:38–42
5. Believer’s baptism by immersion. Romans 6:3–5, Mark 1:8–10
6. Soul Liberty. 2 Corinthians 3:17
7. We believe marriage is a monogamous, heterosexual union instituted and ordained by God (Genesis 2:18–25, Ephesians 5:22–33). As such, it is to be an exclusive covenant union of one man and one woman for the purpose of a lifetime of mutual commitment and companionship. A civil government’s sanction of a union will be recognized as a legitimate marriage by this church only to the extent that it is consistent with this belief.