Pastor Full Time

Job Title: Full-Time Pastor
Location: Oakie Ridge Baptist Church, Chipley, Florida
Denomination: Southern Baptist
Position Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Deacons/Church Leadership Team

Position Overview:

Oakie Ridge, a rural Southern Baptist congregation committed to biblical truth and gospel-centered ministry, is seeking a full-time pastor with a passion for church revitalization and evangelism. The ideal candidate will be a visionary leader called by God to shepherd our church family and re-engage our surrounding community with the message of Jesus Christ. This individual will provide spiritual and pastoral leadership, preach and teach the Word of God, equip members for service, and lead outreach efforts that grow the church both spiritually and numerically.

Key Responsibilities:

Preaching and Teaching:

Faithfully preach and teach the Word of God at all regular worship services and special occasions.
Provide biblically sound instruction that encourages spiritual growth and aligns with the Baptist Faith and Message (1963).

Vision and Leadership:

Lead in developing and implementing a strategy for church revitalization.
Inspire and equip the congregation for outreach and evangelistic efforts in the community.
Work closely with church leadership to evaluate and implement ministries.
Set goals and monitor effectiveness of ministries.

Pastoral Care:

Provide pastoral care and counseling to individuals and families as needed.
Conduct weddings, funerals, baptisms, and Lord’s Supper in accordance with biblical standards and church policies.
Visit the sick, homebound, and members in need.

Evangelism and Outreach:

Develop and lead outreach programs aimed at reaching the unchurched in the community.
Encourage and equip church members to engage in personal evangelism.
Partner with local ministries and SBC organizations to extend the church’s mission.
Personally engage families and individuals in the community to communicate the gospel and offerings of the church.

Discipleship and Ministry Development:

Mentor and disciple new believers and develop leaders within the church.
Support and encourage Sunday School, small groups, and age-specific ministries (children, youth, adults).
Promote missions and support Southern Baptist mission efforts locally and globally.

Administration and Oversight:

Oversee church staff and ministry volunteers with grace, accountability, and encouragement.
Collaborate with servants and committees in guiding the church’s operations.
Maintain regular office hours and communication with members.

Qualifications:

Must meet criteria expressed in 1 Timothy 3:1-7.
A clear and evident call to pastoral ministry.
A committed follower of Jesus Christ with a passion for reaching the lost.
Agreement with the Baptist Faith and Message (1963).
Proven experience in church leadership, with preference given to those experienced in revitalization and rural ministry.
Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
Seminary education preferred (from an SBC-affiliated or like-minded institution) but not required if qualified by experience and calling.
Willingness to become actively involved in the local community and be present in members’ lives.

Compensation:

Compensation package is commensurate with experience and includes salary, parsonage, and other benefits as negotiated.

How to Apply:

Please submit the following:

Resume (pdf preferred)
Personal testimony and call to ministry
Statement of faith
Sermon sample (audio/video or manuscript)
References (pastoral and personal) (pdf preferred)
Send materials to:

Email – [email protected]

Include in subject – “Application for Pastor”

Snail Mail – Attn: Search Committee

Oakie Ridge Baptist Church

2971 Gilbert’s Mill Road

Chipley, FL 32428