Pastor Full Time

POSTING FOR QUARTZSITE SOUTHERN BAPTIST CHURCH The Quartzsite Southern Baptist Church (QSBC) in Quartzsite, Arizona, is seeking a full-time pastor. Quartzsite is a town of 3,000 in southwestern Arizona, located on I-10 near the California state line. The climate is hot and dry in the summer, with temperatures mild and enjoyable in the winter. The surrounding landscape is Arizona’s Sonoran Desert and is backed up to mountains. Many people find this region to be beautiful and picturesque. Quartzsite is centrally located in the north/south corridor between Yuma and Lake Havasu City (1½-hour drive) and the east/west corridor between Phoenix and Palm Springs (2-hour drive). In addition, Las Vegas to the northwest and Tucson to the southeast are only 4-hour drives. Recreation in western Arizona focuses primarily on Colorado River water sports and off-road driving on more than 650 miles of the Arizona Peace Trail. About 80-160 people attend the church depending on the time of year. The winter population swells to more than 500,000 as “snowbirds” come from northern states to enjoy the beautiful climate. With the temporary residents, the church’s attendance rises accordingly. Many snowbirds who return to Quartzsite each year are active in the church. The worship style is traditional. The Quartzsite worship music is top notch. Ministries include mid-week Bible study, men’s and women’s ministries, a youth group, and a singles group. During the peak season in January, the church conducts a revival that includes a concert, art show featuring local artists, and a car show. Church members (with the help of Campers on Mission) are also involved with street witnessing at city-wide events during the revival. QSBC is also affiliated with a church school of 25-30 students. Quartzsite Southern Christian Academy will enter its third year in the fall of 2024. The school is run by a board of directors and school staff. While the church pastor needs to support the school and participate in its spiritual activities, the pastor is not charged with any portion of the school administration or teaching. QSBC is offering a pastoral package that includes $65,000 in salary (DOE), plus $5,600 for retirement and $5,700 for health insurance. A 4-bedroom/2-bath parsonage is located on the church property, and paid utilities are provided as well. There is also a small mileage reimbursement and monthly cell phone allowance available. Due to IRS law designating pastors as self-employed regarding social security benefits, the pastor is responsible for the entirety of his social security tax (SECA). The church does not contribute to the pastor’s social security tax in any way. Applicants must have a demonstrable Baptist background regarding education and ministry history. In addition, they must adhere to the Baptist Faith and Message and be active in their Baptist church, association, and state convention. Prospective candidates for the pastor position are required to authorize a comprehensive background check that will be conducted by the church. Applicants must include in their resume: • Links to at least two recent messages delivered by the applicant. • Five references that provide the individual’s email address and phone number. These references must include: o A pastor colleague o A church member (if available) o A close friend o Two other references of the applicant’s choice. The application window will close June 15 or sooner if the position is filled. Contacts with the leading 3-5 candidates will begin by mid-May. Please send a short cover letter and resume with the above criteria to: Sharon Hall, Chairperson Pastoral Search Committee [email protected]