Senior Pastor

Full-time Senior Pastor

The Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church, Damascus, VA must meet the spiritual, personal, and character qualifications outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:6–9, and exhibit the fruit of the Spirit described in Galatians 5:22–23.

The Senior Pastor shall affirm the doctrinal beliefs of the Southern Baptist Convention as stated in the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message and lead First Baptist Church Damascus in maintaining its support of the Southern Baptist Convention, the Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia, and the Lebanon Baptist Association.

Serving as the church’s chief under-shepherd and overseer, the Senior Pastor will provide biblical leadership by preaching and teaching God’s Word, ministering to the spiritual needs of the congregation, and nurturing and guiding the church body.

The Senior Pastor will lead the church in fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20) and the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:35–40; Mark 12:28–34; Luke 10:27).

• Christ-centered, Bible-based, prayer-driven, born‑again Christian
• Ordained minister of the Gospel required, and of Southern Baptist churches preferred
• College degree in Pastoral Ministries, Divinity, Christian Education, (or an equivalent degree) from an accredited seminary preferred
• Demonstrate a commitment to expository preaching
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills
• Five years of documented church leadership experience preferred

• Proclaim the Word of God in a regular pulpit ministry
• Spend significant time in prayer and Bible study
• Oversee pastoral staff
• Provide leadership and vision for the church, defining strategic goals as the key leader
• Direct plans for ministry and church growth
• Motivate, equip, and nurture the congregation through example, preaching and teaching of God’s Word and spiritual counseling
• Facilitate the contact/visitation of hospitalized, sick, home‑bound, or grieving church members
• Officiate at weddings and funerals
• Participate in evangelism efforts through preaching and giving invitations during worship services, revival or other special services, visitation, and other outreach activities
• Provide counseling within the parameter of expertise, and make referrals to competent individuals/agencies when needed
• Maintain and implement a plan for regular contact with church members
• Moderate all business meetings of the church
• Work with various standing and special committees in accomplishing their respective duties
• Lead in observance of the ordinances of the church
• Cooperate with local, state, and denominational leaders in matters of mutual interest and concern; keep the church informed of denominational developments; represent the church in denominational and civic matters

• Deacon ministry will conduct annual evaluation and review of the compensation package
• Starting salary commensurate with education and documented ministry experience
• Housing provided
• Pastor is allowed three (3) weeks’ vacation, one (1) revival/camp, and two (2) weeks sick leave per year