Pastor

First Baptist Church of Greenfield (Greenfield, IL) – Pastor

The Pastor derives his authority from God’s call and shall function as a minister of Jesus Christ through the church. Entrusted with the gospel, equipped and enabled by the Holy Spirit and his professional education, the pastor is accountable to God, to whom he owes primary commitment.

He is also accountable to:

• Greenfield First Baptist Church
• The whole church of Christ, including his denomination As God’s spokesperson, the Pastor will be given the freedom of pulpit “to speak the truth in love,” seeking in all things the mind of Christ and the building of the church in love.

A definite calling to the ministry and a personal belief in all commonly accepted Biblical principles are also required. The overall ability to lead, motivate and coordinate the fundamental programs of the church is a further job requirement. The Pastor must possess and demonstrate strength in personal integrity, moral conduct, trustworthiness, and strong interpersonal skills as stated in Article II of the Bylaws.

However, still recognizing that the pastor is continuing in the process of spiritual growth until we reach heaven.

The following is a list of six ministry gifts identified by the church body in which they see the Pastor leading or directing the congregation to further our ministry:

• Preaching – Providing ministry through the spoken word by taking time to study, prepare and reflect on the Word and present a message that is relevant and encouraging.
• Interpreting the Faith – Communicating a clear and relevant understanding of the Bible for Christian living today.
• Evangelism – Having a heart to see people come to Christ.
• Leadership – Recognizing and articulating God’s vision and assisting the congregation in its implementation.
• Visitation – Having a relational presence with the church members and others in their homes, at work, or in other settings.
• Church Growth – Developing the vision for ministry for growing His kingdom here on earth while increasing the membership of the church.

• The Pastor will seek to abide in the continuing presence, guidance and leadership of the Holy Spirit.
• The Pastor believes the Bible, both Old and New Testaments, as written is the inspired word of God and as the all-sufficient basis of doctrine in practice.
• Before receiving his call, the Pastor received and responded to the Lord’s invitation to follow Him as a Christian. The pastor will use all the enabling means of grace to grow as a Christian, and to develop his God-given gifts and his professional capabilities, skills, disciplines and standards.
• As a person with family relationships and responsibilities, and with civic duties:
• The Pastor will be encouraged to fulfill his responsibilities as a citizen, relating to civic and community agencies and causes, as far as stewardship of his time allows.

Because we have been redeemed in the blood of Jesus Christ, and as members of the body of Christ, we are called to believe and love, go and grow, share and care, obey and be active for the kingdom of God on earth. (Colossians 2:13-15)

• Missions‑Outreach:
  We envision GFBC being involved in missions and outreach to the community and beyond.
• Prayer:
  We envision GFBC being involved in prayer on several levels: personal prayer, prayer events, and prayer teams.
• Special Gifts:
  We envision people working in and through GFBC according to their spiritual gifts.
• Leadership Development:
  We envision GFBC developing lay people to minister with a servant attitude.
• Worship:
  We envision GFBC having a worship style to glorify God, reach the lost, and to help develop the believer.
• Scripture:
  We envision GFBC bearing witness to the centrality of God’s Word in ministry.
• Caring:
  We envision GFBC caring for one another like a family with Christ at its head.

• The Pastor is called to lead the church as a shepherd. Each person is to be valued as the equal of others, because all faithful service ranks the same with God. Board and committee members serve only to designate lines of responsibility, accountability, and authority.
• This line of…