Senior Pastor – Woodland Shores Baptist Church

The Senior Pastor serves as the primary spiritual leader and shepherd of the congregation, providing biblical preaching, visionary leadership, pastoral care, and administrative oversight. Rooted in the theological convictions and mission of Woodland Shores Baptist Church, the Senior Pastor equips the church to fulfill its calling to make disciples, serve the community, and glorify Christ in all things.

Requirements and Qualifications

Key Responsiblities

1. Preaching & Teaching

• Provide Christ-centered, biblically faithful preaching each week.
• Oversee teaching ministries/Bible studies that promote spiritual growth.
• Ensure all preaching and teaching align with WSBC doctrinal positions.
• Equip leaders and teachers through mentoring, training, and resource development.

 
2. Vision & Leadership

• Lead the church in discerning and pursuing God’s vision for ministry and mission.
• Collaborate with deacons, staff, and ministry leaders to set strategic goals.
• Support the NextGen director in teaching and training the children at WSBC.
• Model servant leadership and cultivate a culture of unity, prayer, and mission.
• Represent the church within the NAB conference and local community partnerships.

 
3. Pastoral Care

• Provide spiritual guidance, counseling, and support to individuals and families.
• Lead or oversee weddings, funerals, baptisms, and other pastoral functions.
• Visit members in hospitals, care facilities, and homes as needed (Working with Care Ministry).
• Equip the congregation to care for one another through small groups and lay ministry.

 
4. Administration & Oversight

• Supervise church staff, fostering teamwork, accountability, and healthy communication.
• Work with deacons and ministry teams to ensure effective ministry operations.
• Participate in financial planning, stewardship development, and budget oversight.
• Ensure compliance with WSBC policies, bylaws, and NAB standards.

 
5. Community Engagement & Outreach

• Build relationships with community leaders, organizations, and neighboring churches.
• Support the WSBC global and local missionaries with prayer and encouragement.

 

Qualifications

Spiritual & Personal

• A mature, growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
• A life that reflects the character and qualifications of a spiritual leader (1 Tim. 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9).
• A calling to pastoral ministry affirmed by WSBC and the NAB Conference.
• An honest Christ-like love for the people of the church and a desire to form connections.

 
Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree; Master of Divinity or equivalent preferred.
• Ordination or willingness to pursue ordination within the NAB Conference.
• Minimum 3–7 years of pastoral experience, preferably in a lead or senior role.

 
Skills & Competencies

• Strong biblical preaching and teaching abilities.
• Visionary leadership with collaborative decision-making.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Administrative competence and organizational awareness: delegating work when appropriate.
• Ability to shepherd diverse generations and ministry contexts.

 

Working Relationships

• Reports to: Board of Deacons
• Supervises: Pastoral staff, ministry directors, administrative staff
• Collaborates with: Deacons, ministry teams, NAB regional leadership

 

Expected Commitments

• Maintain healthy rhythms of prayer, study, rest, and family life.
• Participate in NAB regional gatherings, conferences, and continuing education.

Special Notes

This is a full-time, salaried position.

The Senior Pastor should be in full compliance with the WSBC Statement of Faith, Church Covenant, and policies.