Senior Pastor Full Time

About Hebron Baptist Church

Hebron Baptist Church (HBC) of Jones County, Mississippi, is in need of a full-time senior pastor. Founded in 1882 as a rural church in a farming community, our church is mostly traditional in worship style with an average morning worship attendance of 108. Our church is a very loving, Christ-centered, prayerful, body of believers.

HBC understands the importance of ministry and missions, supporting several local ministries monthly as well as the Cooperative Program, and SBC mission offerings.  HBC has also sent mission teams to China and Canada as well as neighboring states.

Our prayer ministry includes 6:00 am prayer meetings for men and ladies as well as a joint prayer service on Wednesday evenings.

We have a strong music program under the leadership of Minister of Music and Associate Pastor Richard Thames who has served HBC since 1987.  Adult choir practice averages 24 and we have a long list of folks willing to serve as soloists.  Our church is exceptionally gifted with musical talent.  Easter and Christmas music programs are always highlights for the church and community.

James Rigdon leads our youth program with Sunday morning and Wednesday evening bible studies.   Our youth are provided with numerous opportunities for spiritual growth through fun activities, trips, conferences, and more.

We also have a strong TEAM KID program on Wednesday evenings as well as adult bible study.  Many children have come to know the Lord through AWANA and TEAM KID. The HBC Bible Drill team’s hard work routinely results in a “Superior” rating in associational and state bible drills. Vacation Bible School is well led and well attended.

HBC is 17 minutes from Laurel (Pop. 17,066) and 40 minutes from Hattiesburg (Pop. 48,455).  West Jones Elementary School is 12 minutes away and West Jones High School is 18 minutes from HBC.  Laurel Christian School and St. John’s Day School are available for a private Christian education in Laurel.

If you are an HGTV fan you may recognize Laurel, our quaint town, from the hit show Hometown featuring Ben and Erin Napier.  Downtown Laurel is growing with new businesses, boutiques, children’s activities and eateries.

HBC understands, in these last days, it is necessary for our long term survival as a functioning and fruitful New Testament church to pursue and follow pastoral leadership faithful to and passionate about the work required by the Great Commission.  If you as a pastor feel the Lord is leading you to a new place of service and that you may be a fit with HBC, please email your resume to [email protected] or mail to 16 Hebron Church Road, Soso, MS 39480.

Qualifications for Senior Pastor

• Preferred Education: Under-graduate degree and a Master’s degree from SBC affiliated seminary or under-graduate degree and enrolled in SBC seminary with a clear plan in place for graduation.
• Preferred Experience: 2-3 years minimum experience as senior pastor or associate pastor. Minimum experience as a youth pastor may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Theology and Doctrine: The candidate fully affirms the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message and believes the Bible is the inspired, inerrant, infallible Word of God.
• Worship Style: The candidate should not be dogmatic about any particular style of worship, but flexible and sensitive to the preferences of the congregation and the staff.
• Self-Discipline:  Given that the candidate will likely be the only full time staff member, the candidate must possess the self-discipline required to carry out his duties and responsibilities without supervision.
• Vocation:  A bi-vocational pastor may be considered under certain circumstances. The demands on the candidate from his job and his family would require very careful consideration.
• Leadership:  The PSC believes that, because we are living in the Last Days (II Tim. 3) and because our culture and our nation are rapidly abandoning the God of the Bible, it is necessary for our long term survival as a functioning and fruitful New Testament church to pursue and follow pastoral leadership faithful to and passionate about the work required by the Great Commission (Mat 28:18-20).

Senior Pastor Responsibilities

General Description of Pastor:  The Pastor is responsible for leading the church body in functioning as a New Testament Church.  The Pastor is responsible for providing spiritual instruction and strategic leadership to the members, staff, and ministries of the church.  The Pastor serves as the administrative officer and supervisor of church staff.

Ministry Purpose:  To proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, to teach the biblical revelation, to engage in pastoral care, provide administrative and spiritual leadership in all areas of church life and function, supervise paid church staff, and conduct the ordinances and functions of worship.

Serving Relationships:  The Pastor serves the Church Body under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  He receives input from and works with the Deacons who serve the congregation.

Responsibilities:

1.  Leads the congregation to engage in effective programs to fulfill the Great Commission with vision, purpose, and priority.
2.  Works with music leadership, plans and conducts worship services, and leads in the observance of ordinances.
3.  Leads and demonstrates effective ways to witness and win the lost to salvation through Jesus Christ.
4.  Visits and ministers to members, prospective members, and extended family and friends in homes, nursing care facilities and hospitals.
5.  Conducts counseling sessions, performs wedding ceremonies, and conducts funeral services.
6. Works with Church Officers, Deacons, and other key leadership to carry out the mission and purpose of the church.
7.  Acts as the moderator in church business meetings.
8.  Cooperates with associational, state, and denominational leaders in matters of mutual interest and concern.
9.  Serves as Overseer/Administrator of paid church staff, supervising and evaluating the tasks assigned to each.
10.  Serves to recommend and advise committees and teams as an ex-officio member.
11.  Oversees, along with Deacons, all church discipline matters and the management of conflict issues in the church.
12. Communicates with the congregation through articles or announcements, written and spoken, using church newsletter, bulletins, email, social media and worship services.
13.  Gives full support biblically to the budget of the church.
14. Adheres to the Church Bylaws and Policies and Procedures adopted by the church.
15. Maintains a vital and wholesome personal relationship with the Lord through daily Bible study and prayer.
16. Maintains proper priorities at home with his wife and children.