Central Baptist Church is a close-knit faith community on a small island in the smallest state in the nation. We are seeking a part-time pastor and invite those interested to apply. (Boatmanship is not a requirement: we are connected to the mainland by bridges.)

The congregation of Central Baptist Church (CBC) comprises members and participants from many different denominations and traditions, and our emphasis on soul liberty allows for individuals to understand God in their own way. While the successful candidate should be familiar with American Baptist traditions, we are open to interest from applicants with existing ordination in other denominations.

CBC was founded in 1867 to serve both as a place of worship and as a unifying influence within the community. A half-century later, we remain committed to these dual purposes despite declining numbers as our congregation ages. Today, we are a faith community numbering 72, with an average weekly worship service attendance of 40. We may be aging, but we are not stuck in our ways, We seek a part-time pastor who is creative and willing to experiment with new ideas.

Position Responsibilities and Requirements Worship:

• Plan, in consultation with the Music Director, all elements of worship services.
• Deliver engaging sermons that are meaningful for the wide variety of religious backgrounds in our congregation.
  • Sermons should not only draw upon the scripture lessons but interpret them in ways that apply broadly to the world we live in, and specifically to our daily lives.
• Lead communion service once a month.
• Lead all special worship services, including Holy Week and Christmas Eve.

Pastoral Care:

• Collaborate with the Deacons to provide pastoral care through visitation, counseling, and prayer.

Outreach:

• Promote CBC with assistance from our church family to help grow the congregation.
• Communicate and collaborate with the two other Jamestown ministries, St. Mark Church and St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church.
• Participate in and encourage the church’s support of local and global causes.

Administration:

• Possess a working and functional knowledge (or ability to learn) of useful congregational technology, including, but not limited to, email, shared folders, social media, web page management, and Zoom.
• Supervise and work in close communication with the church secretary.
• Serve as the church’s spiritual and administrative leader.
• Participate in regular committee meetings to coordinate the ministries of the church and facilitate communication.
• Write the Pastor’s column in the CBC Courier, the monthly church newsletter.

Qualifications:

• A graduate degree from an accredited seminary or divinity school. Experience in a ministry position is preferred but not required.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to plan and prioritize tasks, demonstrate strong organizational skills, and be able to keep personal member information confidential.
• An open mind and heart toward diversity of all types.

Work Conditions and Compensation:

• Keep office hours that are sufficient to ensure regular communication with the church secretary and accessibility to members of the congregation.
• Vacation of four weeks per year.
• 5 weekly units of time at $125-150 per unit, depending on level of experience. (A unit is defined as a morning, afternoon or evening. Preparation and delivery of Sunday service = 2 units.)