Senior Pastor

Position Title:

Senior Pastor
Accountable to:
God, Board of Deacons/appointed or elected leadership team and membership
Reporting to this position:
All Ministerial and Support Staff

The Senior Pastor serves as the senior spiritual leader of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, providing biblical preaching and teaching, pastoral care, and leadership that equips the congregation for ministry. The Pastor offers administrative oversight of staff and ministry operations, ensuring the church’s work is carried out with excellence and order (1 Corinthians 14:40).

• Displays a clear testimony of faith in Jesus Christ.
• Is an individual called of God and confirmed by a body of believers through ordination (Acts 20:28).
• Demonstrates spiritual and moral character, and committed to living and serving in a manner in compliance with the constitution of MPBC and the biblical leadership qualifications of an overseer as outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-7.
• Has earned a bachelor’s degree; a Master of Divinity or equivalent theological degree is preferred. Candidates should possess a minimum of five (5) years of experience in pastoral ministry and/or ministry leadership. Equivalent combinations of education and ministerial experience will be considered. In addition to formal preparation, the Pastor must demonstrate ministry-centered competencies that reflect effective spiritual leadership.

• a. Biblical Preaching and Teaching – Demonstrates the ability to rightly divide the Word of God, communicate Scripture clearly and faithfully, and equip the congregation for spiritual growth and discipleship.
• b. Spiritual Formation and Discipleship Leadership – Provides intentional leadership in developing systems and opportunities that nurture spiritual maturity, prayer, Bible study, and Christian formation among members.
• c. Pastoral Care and Conflict Navigation – Shows compassion, wisdom, and emotional maturity in providing pastoral care, addressing conflict, and guiding the congregation through challenging seasons.
• d. Organizational Leadership and Staff Development – Provides effective oversight of church staff and ministry leaders, encourages teamwork, and ensures that ministries function in alignment with the church’s mission and vision.
• e. Community Engagement and Outreach – Demonstrates commitment to evangelism, community involvement, and building relationships that extend the church’s witness beyond its walls.
• f. Youth Engagement and Development – Demonstrates commitment to developing and supporting youth leaders by equipping volunteers, empowering young people, and building sustainable ministries that prepare the next generation for Christian service and leadership.

• a. Proclaiming the gospel – Is responsible for proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ, teaching sound biblical doctrine, engaging in pastoral care, and providing spiritual oversight of all areas of church life and ministry. Models reverent, Spirit‑led worship that encourages congregational participation, spiritual growth and a life that reflect the Christ, with commitment to the body of Mt Pleasant.
• b. Planning and coordination – Leads the planning and coordination of worship services, special services, and ministry events, equipping staff and lay leaders to serve effectively.
• c. Equipping, educating, and edifying – Equips, educates, and edifies the congregation in accordance with Ephesians 4:11–13, fostering spiritual maturity and discipleship.

• Elder/Overseer – Provides spiritual oversight and vision (Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9).
• Evangelist – Models evangelism and discipleship (2 Timothy 4:5; Matthew 28:19-20).
• Shepherd – Provides care and protection (1 Peter 5:1–4).
• Preacher/Teacher – Proclaims God’s Word faithfully (1 Timothy 4-13).
• Equipper – Develops ministry leaders (Ephesians 4:12; 2 Timothy 2:2).

Serves as ex‑officio (voting and participating) member of all boards and committees of the Church. Oversees staff development and ensures that the ministerial staff has the resources necessary to fulfill their duties and responsibilities. Works collaboratively and participates with associational, state, and…