Senior Pastor

SBC Executive Committee; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing allowance

Benefits

Job summary

Grove Avenue Baptist Church in Richmond, VA, seeks a Senior Pastor who will serve as spiritual leader, primary preacher, and shepherd to the congregation. The role reports to the Congregation with leadership support from Deacons and aligns with SBC beliefs.

The Senior Pastor will preach expository sermons, provide pastoral care, lead in evangelism and missions, cast vision for ministries, mentor staff, and oversee church operations in partnership with lay leaders.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Preach expository, Christ-centered sermons grounded in Scripture.
• Lead worship and uphold the Baptist Faith and Message (2000).
• Provide pastoral counseling, weddings, funerals, and pastoral care.
• Lead the church in evangelism, discipleship, and missions.
• Oversee church staff, ministries, and budget planning.

Skills

Pastoral leadership

Preaching/Teaching

Leadership skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

M.Div. or equivalent degree

MDiv from SBC-affiliated seminary

Job description

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)

About Our Church
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.

Position Summary
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.

Key Responsibilities

Preaching & Teaching

• 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

Pastoral Care & Shepherding

• 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

Leadership & Vision

• 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

Church Administration & Governance

• 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

Missions & Community Engagement

• 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

Qualifications

Required

• 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

Preferred

• 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

Personal Characteristics

• 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

Compensation & Benefits

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

Application deadline: Open until filled.