Senior Pastor

SBC Executive Committee; Irvington (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Irvington Baptist Church in Virginia seeks a Senior Pastor to lead spiritual direction and administration for a traditional Baptist congregation. The role centers on preaching, pastoral care, and strategic oversight of ministry programs within a historic Northern Neck community.

The Senior Pastor will guide worship, Bible study, outreach, and staff collaboration while modeling servant leadership, integrity, and a life of prayer and study.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree is required.
• A Seminary degree is strongly preferred.
• 8–10 years of pastoral experience.
• Currently an ordained minister.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and deliver Christ-centered sermons weekly.
• Conduct Wednesday Bible study.
• Provide spiritual guidance and counselling to members.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Pastoral care

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Seminary degree

Ordination

Job description

Meet Irvington Baptist Church

Established in 1891, Irvington Baptist Church is a cornerstone of the historic Northern Neck community in Virginia. Its origins trace back to “brush arbor” prayer meetings held along the banks of Carter Creek in the mid-1800s before the congregation moved into the town proper. Originally dedicated as Carter Creek Baptist Church, it was renamed in 1895 to match the town’s new name. Today, the church remains a prominent fixture on King Carter Drive, maintaining a traditional sanctuary. While rooted in history, the church building has been expanded over the decades to include modern classrooms, and other facilities like a fellowship hall with a full kitchen. With the Pastor at the helm, the Church operates using a solid committee structure committed to spiritual enrichment, youth development, missions, fiscal responsibility, and facility management.

The congregation describes itself as a traditional Baptist family with a deep commitment to “the Spoken Word, prayer, and music.” It is particularly well-regarded for its robust youth programming, claiming the largest Baptist youth group in Lancaster County. Beyond Sunday services, the church maintains an active weekly schedule that includes multiple Bible study sessions and prayer meetings, fostering a culture of lifelong learning and spiritual growth for everyone from toddlers to retirees. The Church doors are open to all who wish to worship.

Irvington Baptist serves as a vital civic and social hub for the town of Irvington and the broader community. The church facilities frequently host community events and serve as an official polling site for local and national elections. Through its mission-minded groups, such as the Irvington Baptist In‑Touch Sisters (IBITS), the church partners with numerous local charities, health clinics, and food banks. This blend of historical preservation and active community service allows the church to remain a “Sunday place for everyday Christians” while addressing the modern needs of the region.

About the Senior Pastor

The Senior Pastor serves as the spiritual leader of the church and is responsible for spiritual leadership, pastoral care, and overall administration, in accordance with Irvington Baptist Church. The Senior Pastor’s overall responsibility, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, is to lead members and attenders to a closer and deeper relationship with God, and as such, this role requires a deep commitment to faith, effective preaching, strong leadership, and a passion for guiding the congregation in spiritual growth.

The Senior Pastor’s responsibilities include:

Spiritual Leadership

• Prepare and deliver Christ-centered, Bible-based sermons each week, on Sundays and
• A Bible study on Wednesdays.

Pastoral Care

• Provide spiritual guidance and counselling to congregation members, in collaboration with ministerial staff and lay leadership.
• Actively participate in visitation to members in hospitals, nursing homes, and private residences. Offer support and prayer during these visits to provide comfort and spiritual care.
• Promote and foster a sense of community within the congregation and encourage outreach efforts to the wider community.

Administrative Duties

• Regularly attend staff and committee meetings.
• Collaborate with lay leadership to manage the church budget and financial resources.
• Ensure compliance with church policies and procedures.

What you bring

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Senior Pastor:

Education and Experience

• A bachelor’s Degree is required.
• A Seminary degree is strongly preferred.
• 8 – 10 years of pastoral experience.
• Currently an ordained minister.

Personal Characteristics and Qualifications

• Passion for people and reaching out to people who don’t attend church.
• A heart for empowering the ministry potential of the core members.
• Gifted to communicate to different generations through God’s Word
• A leader that is able to listen and connect with staff and congregation. Able to unify.
• Servant‑leadership, exemplifying the humility and attitude of Christ. This person works hard!
• Consistent personal habits of prayer, Bible study/meditation, and financial giving.
• Dedication to his family, exhibiting wisdom in balancing family and ministry.
• Demonstrates the qualities of integrity, responsibility, and teachability as a gracious and loving pastor.
• A demonstrated high level of integrity, guided by a sound set of ethical principles.
• High relational skills and a love for people inside and outside the church.

What it’s like to live in the Northern Neck of Virginia

Chartered in 1651, Lancaster County is the southernmost county of the Northern Neck of Virginia. In addition to forests and farmland, the county consists of the towns of Kilmarnock, Irvington, White Stone, and Lively, all within a 15-minute drive of each other. Much of the county runs along the Rappahannock and Corrotoman rivers, and out to the Chesapeake Bay. The area is abundant with waterfront properties and businesses. While it is considered a small‑town environment, the county enjoys a robust infrastructure, with a modern hospital, a just‑opened state‑of‑the‑art high school, movie theaters and amusement activities, fine and casual dining, a robust historical and cultural scene, and vast water activities. There are three grocery stores, several hardware and home products stores, multiple banks, general and specialty medical offices, all in close proximity.

The area is a destination for people from Richmond, Williamsburg, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and the Washington, D.C. metro areas who long for a respite from city life, all within a two‑hour drive. Likewise, the locals can quickly reach these metropolitan areas for expanded culture, shopping, and specialty medical care. With several top‑tier hotels and inns, waterfront rental homes, farmer’s markets, parks, boutique and antique shopping, the County population soars during the warmer months. Irvington Baptist Church welcomes these visitors and enjoys many continued relationships year after year.

From a practical standpoint, the Northern Neck provides a high quality of life with a significantly lower cost of living and lower property taxes compared to the bustling hubs of Northern Virginia or Richmond. It has become an increasingly popular destination for remote workers and retirees who seek serenity without isolation; the region is just a short drive from major metropolitan amenities while remaining a “place apart.” With its mild four‑season climate, abundant fresh seafood, and tight‑knit community spirit, the Northern Neck offers a peaceful, rural retreat that feels both timeless and perfectly suited for modern, balanced living.