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FBC Topeka, KS is an American Baptist Church looking for their next senior/lead pastor.  This is a multi-staff church in the state capitol of Kansas.  This church is consistently seen as one of the leading churches in the city.

First Baptist Church of Topeka, Topeka, KS

Lead Pastor Position Description

The mission statement of First Baptist Church of Topeka is “Sharing Christ; Nurturing People”. The Lead Pastor is expected to embrace this statement in all activities of church life and to build a sense of fellowship among all age groups within the congregation.  He/she shall have a pastoral ordination recognized by American Baptist Churches USA.

The Lead Pastor is accountable with Staff-Congregation Relations Committee and the Board of Ministries for cooperative and effective ministries and relationships.

The Lead Pastor is accountable for:

Worship Services

• Preaching.
• Worship Leadership.
• Administration of Ordinances.
• Officiant at Weddings and Funerals.

Teaching Role

• Teaching (Bible Study, Membership Classes etc.).
• Training Leaders.
• Evangelistic, Ethical or Discipleship Concerns and Issues.
• Premarital Counseling.

Pastoral Care

• Visitation (Evangelism, Homes, Hospital, Nursing Homes).
• Minister to Bereaved.

Administration

The Lead Pastor is responsible for the administration of the total church program, though many of the administrative duties will be delegated to staff and/or volunteer leadership. The Lead Pastor shall:

• Assist officers, boards and committees with long range and short-term planning and execution of their tasks by consulting, advising, coordinating and evaluating.
• Provide office administration through staff or volunteers for assignments such as central record keeping of minutes, membership records, etc. for all board committees andchurch business meetings as well as reports of church officers.
• The Lead Pastor functions as leader of all staff and ministry teams and will be held accountable for effective staff relationships and for delegating ministries performed by staff or ministry teams. The Lead Pastor should enable each staff member or ministry team to utilize their gifts in the ministry of the church. All staff will report to the Lead Pastor.

Denominational and Inter-denominational Activities

• Participate in national and regional ABC Ministers Council, pledge to its Code of Ethics, and actively pursue those ideals.
• Participate in and cooperate with clusters or associations within the region, state, city and national programs, events and activities.
• Cooperate with other local churches in appropriate ecumenical efforts and witness. Be involved in other community agencies and programs.
• Support denominational programming and institutions.

Personal Growth

• Appropriate time for personal reading, research and meditation.
• Encourage Continuing Education annually.
• Attend denominational and interdenominational conferences and conventions regularly and encourage other staff persons and members of the congregation to do likewise.
• Upon the completion of seven years of ministry with First Baptist Church, the Lead Pastor shall be entitled to a three-month sabbatical leave for personal relaxation, study and reflection.
  • The Lead Pastor will agree to work a minimum of 1 full calendar year post sabbatical or will be responsible for repayment of salary and expenses expanded by First Baptist Church during the sabbatical.

Evaluation

There will be an annual review with staff persons and Staff-Congregations Relations Committee. Such appraisal on the part of the pastor, as well as the church leader group, can increase effectiveness as well as improve communications. Positions are likely to be rewritten when there are changes in staff. Evaluation can be a positive and growing experience with emphasis on the positive qualities of leadership, the achieving of objectives, and the determination of new objectives. Unreached objectives or weaknesses in leadership can be discussed in love and with plans for improvement.