Senior Pastor

Job Title: Senior Pastor

Location: Stepney Baptist Church, Monroe CT

Church Affiliation: Stepney Baptist is affiliated with ABCUSA, and its Connecticut chapter called ABCConn which is based in Hartford.  

Position Type: Full-Time

Reports To: Church Leadership Council/Congregation

Overview: After 18 years of faithful service, our Senior Pastor and his wife have moved out of state to be closer to family and embark on God’s next chapter for them.   

Stepney Baptist Church is seeking a dedicated, compassionate, and spiritually gifted individual to serve as a Senior Pastor. The Pastor will be responsible for leading the congregation, providing spiritual guidance, preaching, teaching, and nurturing the community's faith. He will inspire, build relationships, and help foster a vibrant and growing church family. The pastor is ultimately a builder, and a humble shepherd over the Lord's church at Stepney Baptist.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Preaching & Teaching:
• Prepare and deliver biblically sound and inspiring sermons weekly.
• Teach Bible studies and adult classes as able.
• Provide spiritual direction and biblical counsel to individuals and families.
2. Worship Leadership:
• Oversee the planning and execution of Sunday worship services.
• Lead the congregation in meaningful worship, in collaboration with music ministry teams.
• Communicate with Sunday morning team to make sure technology is in place and slides are prepared for sermon time.
3. Pastoral Care:
• Provide pastoral care through hospital visits, home visits, limited counseling, and prayer. Know when to refer congregants for professional help.
• Offer spiritual guidance during life events such as weddings, funerals, baptisms, and child dedications.
• Support and counsel church members in times of crisis, grief, addiction, or spiritual struggle.
4. Leadership Development:
• Develop and equip church leaders, including Leadership Council Members, Various ministry leaders (Children’s Ministry, Food Pantry, Deacons, etc)
• Provide mentorship, training, and spiritual guidance to leaders within the church.
• Encourage active participation and involvement in church ministries.
5. Community Outreach & Evangelism:
• Foster a heart for outreach, community involvement, and evangelism.
• Promote and support local mission efforts and outreach programs like Royal Family Kids, outreach to town, etc.
• Encourage and equip members to live out their faith in the community.
6. Administrative Responsibilities:
• Collaborate with church leadership to set goals, plan events, and implement church initiatives.
• Assist in managing church operations, including overseeing volunteers and ministry teams.
• Attend leadership meetings to help shape the vision and direction of the church.
• Oversee office and admin volunteers.
7. Spiritual Growth:
• Model Christ-like living in personal and professional life.
• Encourage a culture of prayer, Bible study, and spiritual growth among the congregation.
• If married and a parent, having a reasonably intact family.
• Lead and participate in church-wide spiritual events, retreats, and activities.
8. Financial Oversight & Stewardship:
• Support the financial management of the church to ensure the gospel mission of the church can continue unimpeded. 
• Assist in budget planning and overseeing financial accountability in collaboration with the church leadership council.

Qualifications:

• Full adherence to our Statement of Faith
• A strong and vibrant faith in Jesus Christ and a passion for the ministry of the church.
• Seminary degree in theology from an accredited theological seminary (Master of Divinity preferred).
• Candidate may hold credentials with other denominations, but will agree to pursue ordination and credentialing with ABCUSA, through the Hartford ABCConn office.     
• At least 3 years of pastoral ministry preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to connect with individuals and families from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong biblical knowledge and commitment to the unquestioned authority of Scripture.
• Ability to lead, motivate, and disciple effectively.
• Experience in providing counseling and pastoral care.
• A servant-hearted attitude with a willingness to work collaboratively with others.

Personal Characteristics:

• Deep personal integrity and a commitment to living out biblical principles.
• A heart for people, with the ability to care for and serve the church family.
• Visionary leadership with the ability to cast a compelling vision and implement strategies.
• Adaptability and flexibility in a dynamic church environment.
• A passion for outreach and growing God’s kingdom.
• Approachable in nature to congregants and townspeople alike.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Competitive salary, based on experience and qualifications.
• Negotiable Benefits (health, retirement) 
• Paid vacation and personal time.
• Professional development opportunities.

To Apply:

Interested candidates who meet the essential requirements for this position should submit a resume, statement of faith, and references to Glenn Sahlin, Search Committee Chair, at glenn.sahlin@gmail.com.