Bi-vocational Lead Pastor Part Time

The Amazing Grace Baptist Fellowship congregation, which is part of the Southern Baptist Association, is prayerfully seeking an ordained Bi-vocational pastor to lead our church in membership and spiritual growth, using biblical teaching and community outreach. We are a small congregation with approximately 12 people attending on a regular basis. Our church building is located in Portage, Michigan, a “bedroom” community to the greater city of Kalamazoo, Michigan. There are large and well-known employers within Portage and within the city of Kalamazoo (and the county itself).

The Portage Public School System is ranked as #1 “Best School District in the Kalamazoo Area” and offers advanced courses (including Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate classes and diplomas). Students within the Portage Public School System are also eligible for an advanced educational program within the Kalamazoo School District (KAMSI).

Physically, the church building could be described as a small, country-like building with an old-time quaintness. The building is located at a prime location and is situated within a series of clean, clear lakes, waterways, and parks, which are well loved and used by our residents of approximately 50,000. Portage provides recreational sports opportunities of all types, both summer and winter.

Our community is well educated (48% hold a B.S. or higher), and 36% of our residents are between the ages of 25 and 54. Our congregation, however, is predominantly between the ages of 55 – 80 but with a healthy and happy spirit. There is a small children’s Sunday School, with approximately 4 children under the age of 16. There are approximately 40 churches in Portage and at least three other “Baptist” churches.

We are seeking a bi-vocational (part-time) pastor who adheres to biblical doctrine and who can provide vision, energy, leadership and overall direction for growth and discipleship.
Qualifications, responsibilities, and compensation are outlined below.

– Formal education in theology (preferably through seminary).
– Ordained by the Baptist Church (preferably Southern Baptist).
– Belief in the Old and New Testaments as inerrant and as the inspired word of God.
– Willing to abide by the Bible’s principles and precepts.
– Agreement with the Southern Baptist faith and message.
– Mature believer.
– Above reproach.
– Faithful spouse (if married)
– Self-controlled.
– Hospitable, inviting, and energetic.
– Approachable.
– Encouraging and able to teach biblical doctrine.
– Not quarrelsome.
– Able to manage their personal household.
– Able to manage Bi-vocational requirement of outside job and part-time ministry.

– Preaching and teaching: Delivering well prepared, uplifting yet uncompromising Bible-based sermons to grow the congregation’s membership and to encourage discipleship by the current members.
– Interpret the faith and provide a clear and relevant understanding of the Bible for Christian living today.
– Along with the congregation, assist and participate in developing a vision/plan for church growth.
– Serve as ex-officio member of all committees.
– Where possible, lead and organize efforts, along with the congregation, to reach the community to win souls for Jesus Christ.
– Administer the ordinances of baptism, communion, marriage and burial ceremonies.
– Abide by the church constitution and bylaws.
– Assist or perform visitation, hospital calls, hospice calls, and other congregational care, as needed.
– Participate in church management, including church property, church budget, and financial decisions, as needed.

– Salary is approximately $15,000 per year.