Discipleship Pastor First Baptist Church, Darlington

Associate Pastor / Discipleship Pastor Position Overview

The Discipleship Pastor will serve as a key member of the pastoral leadership team and elder team at First Baptist Church Darlington. The role focuses on cultivating and continuing a culture of multi‑generational discipleship and helping develop mature followers of Christ who reach others with the gospel locally and globally.

• Meets the biblical qualifications of an elder as outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1‑7, Titus 1:6‑9, 1 Peter 5:1‑4.
• 3‑5 years experience in vocational church or para‑church ministry, or significant volunteer leadership experience within a local church context.
• Formal biblical/theological education preferred.
• Preference for someone who is organized, caring, servant‑minded, and relationally oriented.

Full time, exempt (40‑50 hours per week on average)

$60,000+ based on qualifications

Reports to Senior Pastor

• Organize, lead, and oversee the development of communities of believers who are growing in maturity in Christ and in love for one another.
• Model and promote one‑on‑one discipleship relationships throughout the church.
• Provide counseling and discipleship to those in times of need within and connected to the congregation.
• Identify, evaluate, or create curriculum to be used in community and small group teaching environments.

• Work with younger staff and key volunteers to grow and develop spiritual leadership.
• Develop and train elders and future elders in key leadership and ministry areas.

• Prepare and preach during corporate gatherings of the church approximately 6‑10 times per year (adjustable based on passion and gifting).
• Serve as a member of the elder team, assisting in vision and direction.
• Teach and lead in various contexts beyond Sunday gatherings (e.g., classes, workshops, retreats).
• Assist with weddings, funerals, visitations, hospital calls, and other pastoral care needs.
• Carry out additional pastoral duties as needed in a growing congregation with evolving ministry needs.

• Serve as the administrative leader of the Sunday morning gatherings (when not responsible for preaching). Work with staff and volunteers using Planning Center as our organizational software to make sure all areas are functioning well each Sunday.
• Plan, organize and oversee community outreach events (e.g., Trunk or Treat, Baccalaureate, etc.).
• Lead and oversee various trainings, workshops, and other equipping environments for ministry volunteers and leaders.

Please send a copy of your résumé, cover letter, and audio or video (preferred) teaching sample to