Pastor Search Committee Grove Avenue Baptist Churh

Job Title: Senior Pastor
Church: Grove Avenue Baptist Church
Affiliation: Southern Baptist Convention (SBC)
Location: Richmond, VA
Employment Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Congregation (with leadership support from Deacons)

Grove Avenue Baptist Church is a Southern Baptist church committed to the inerrancy of Scripture, the Great Commission, and cooperative missions through the Southern Baptist Convention. We affirm the Baptist Faith and Message (2000) and seek a Senior Pastor who will faithfully preach God’s Word, shepherd the congregation, and lead the church in spiritual growth, evangelism, and missions.

The Senior Pastor serves as the spiritual leader and primary preacher of the church, providing biblical teaching, pastoral care, and vision. In accordance with Southern Baptist polity, the Senior Pastor works alongside deacons and church leadership while being accountable to the congregation.

• Preach expository, Christ-centered sermons grounded in Scripture
• Teach and uphold doctrine consistent with the Baptist Faith and Message (2000)
• Lead worship services in partnership with music and ministry leaders
• Provide leadership in ordinances including believer’s baptism by immersion and the Lord’s Supper

• Provide pastoral counseling, prayer, and spiritual guidance
• Perform weddings, funerals, and memorial services
• Care for members during illness, crisis, and life transitions
• Promote unity and biblical reconciliation within the church

• Lead the church in fulfilling the Great Commission through evangelism and discipleship
• Cast vision and provide direction for church ministries
• Equip and mentor staff, deacons, and lay leaders
• Encourage spiritual growth and biblical stewardship

• Work cooperatively with deacons and church committees
• Provide leadership in business meetings as appropriate
• Oversee church staff and ministries
• Participate in budget planning and stewardship initiatives

• Promote local, state, national, and international missions
• Support cooperative missions through the SBC, including Lottie Moon and Annie Armstrong offerings
• Represent the church within the local community
• Encourage outreach and evangelistic efforts

• A clear calling to pastoral ministry
• Agreement with and commitment to the Baptist Faith and Message (2000)
• Ordination as a minister of the Gospel
• Demonstrated experience in preaching, teaching, and pastoral leadership
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills
• M.Div. or equivalent degree

• Master of Divinity (MDiv) or higher from an SBC-affiliated seminary
• 5+ years of pastoral or ministry leadership experience
• Experience leading in a congregational church setting
• M.Div. from an SBC affiliated seminary

• Spiritually mature with a strong personal walk with Christ
• Humble, servant-hearted leader
• Biblically faithful and doctrinally sound
• Relational, compassionate, and approachable
• Committed to evangelism, discipleship, and missions

Salary and benefits commensurate with experience and qualifications. Housing allowance and benefits available in accordance with church policy.

Candidates should submit:

• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Cover letter describing calling, theology, and ministry philosophy.
• Links to 2–3 recent sermons (audio or video)
• Three ministry or professional references
• Three personal or character references
• Written, video, or audio testimony of salvation.

Please send all materials to:

Final date to receive applications:
Open until filled.