Bi-Vocational Preaching Teaching Elder Part Time

Job Description/Expectations for the Preaching Teaching Elder/Pastor of Warsaw Baptist Church

The Preaching-Teaching Elder must be a minister within our denomination. He must be theologically sound, holding to the Gospel of Jesus Christ as revealed in the Bible. As we are a Baptist church and a member of the Southern Baptist Convention, our pastor must affirm the Baptist Faith and Message 2000, and adhere to Warsaw Baptist Church’s Constitution and Bylaws.

While no-one expects perfection, the qualifications of an Elder are clearly spelled out in 1Timothy 3:1-7. The pastor’s heart to achieve and sustain these qualifications should be evident in his day-to-day life. As stated in 1Timothy 4:6-16, his preaching and teaching should always be focused on and driven by the Gospel and not religious dogma.

The Bi-vocational Preaching Teaching Elder’s primary responsibilities are that of visionary leader and teacher of God’s Word. Consistent with the New Testament concept of spiritual gifts, he, like any member of the body, should seek to minister primarily within his area of giftedness. As part of the Elder Body he will, except in rare circumstances, serve as the “first among equals”, casting and assisting in the implementation of the vision God provides for Warsaw Baptist Church.

1 Timothy 3:1-7

1 The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife,2 sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.

1 Timothy 4:6-17

6 If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 10 For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. 11 Command and teach these things. 12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them,3 so that all may see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.