Lead Pastor

Job Description

Founded in 1803 and located in the heart of Louisiana’s cultural epicenter, First Baptist Church Opelousas is both rich in history and culture. We are a biblically driven and family-focused body of believers seeking to glorify God through the passionate proclamation of his word and a genuine love for our neighbors.

FBCO is blessed to have an abundance of thriving ministries: Children, Youth, Women, Men, and Senior, as well as a strong support of Local and Foreign Missions.

We are seeking an experienced lead pastor to join our ministry team, continue in our labor of revitalization, and lead our church family in spiritual growth and expository preaching. This man must meet the biblical qualifications outlined in 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1, and 1 Peter 5 and be devoted to prayer and the ministry of the word.

Lead Pastor Key Responsibilities:
Develop and deliver engaging, exegetically derived, expository weekly sermons during worship services.
Devote himself to consistent/meaningful prayer.
Provide spiritual leadership and pastoral care to the congregation, promoting a culture of humility, faith, love, grace, and service.
Plan and lead services in collaboration with the Music Minister as well as the Associate Pastor, while ensuring services are functioning in obedience to Christ and His desires for worship.
Oversee the administration and management of church operations, including budgeting, financial planning, and personnel management in the church office.
Provide pastoral care and counseling for members of the congregation, including but not limited to visiting the sick, counseling those in need, and offering support during times of crises.
Facilitate and encourage spiritual growth and discipleship through the development and implementation of small group ministries, Bible studies, and other educational curricula for all age ranges.
Effectively partner with all ministry directors to ensure each ministry is functioning appropriately.
Develop relationships within the local community, participating in outreach mission activities, and working to address community needs.
Mentor, supervise, and support church staff and volunteers with the aim of training future church leaders.
Perform other pastoral duties, including weddings, funerals, and baptisms.
Oversee and coordinate with Deacons in serving the congregation.
Conduct pastoral interviews for all prospective members.
Diligently pursue continual education.

Lead Pastor Qualifications:
Meet the biblical qualifications outlined in 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1, and 1 Peter 5
A deep commitment to the sufficiency and inerrancy of Scripture and the Gospel of Jesus Christ with a mature and growing devotion to the faith (Biblical theology, Christian apologetics, and Baptist conviction).
Ordination from a church of like faith and practice, and good standing within a recognized Baptist affiliation.
A preferred minimum of 7 years of ministerial experience, showing evidence of effective leadership, ministry development, and community outreach.
Exceptional and dynamic communication skills, with the ability to connect with a diverse congregation, ability to teach, and adapt to various ministry contexts.
Servant leader with a passion for empowering and training future leaders while fostering a collaborative environment.
Must be able to prioritize and faithfully perform/delegate the many tasks of ministry.
A heart for pastoral care and the ability to provide compassionate and empathetic support to congregation members in times of need.
Commitment to Biblical church unity, with the ability to lead the congregation in reconciliatory efforts.

Application Process:
To apply, please submit the following:
A professional and current resume and/or CV.
A statement of faith, describing your personal testimony and theological beliefs, including a brief description of why those beliefs are held.
A link to or recording of a minimum of 3 recent sermons.

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