Role Profile
The Senior Pastor is the spiritual leader of the church, and is responsible to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, to teach the biblical revelation, to engage in pastoral care, and to provide administrative leadership in all areas of church life and function.
The position of Senior Pastor requires a flexible work schedule, with availability to work evenings and weekends. The Senior Pastor should be in the office a sufficient amount of time for accessibility to members of the congregation and for regular communication with members of the church staff. The Senior Pastor must maintain a strong professional image reflective of the church mission and must demonstrate appropriate theological, doctrinal and administrative skills to adequately fulfill the requirements of the position.
Responsibilities of the Senior Pastor are subject to review and adjustment in conjunction with the Executive Board. The following constitute the primary responsibilities of the Senior Pastor:
Key Responsibilities
1. Be a faithful student of the Bible and preacher/teacher, to present well-organized, Bible-based sermons and lessons that edify, challenge, and encourage the church as well as promote the passionate worship of God.
2. Disciple the congregation through Bible study with the aim to develop their Christian maturity and depth of biblical understanding with life applications. Plan, schedule, and promote other Bible study opportunities, such as revivals and Bible conferences, to promote spiritual growth.
3. Ensure that the church maintains a focus on providing a variety of programs and initiatives that engage and involve members of every generation.
4. Oversee and provide guidance on programs that equip members for discipleship.
5. Provide guidance and oversight to church committees and other teams in a manner that helps them to thrive independently. Be available for and lead in training as needed.
6. Serve as chairman of the Executive Board and guide the Executive Board to define, communicate, and evaluate the church’s goals, mission, vision, and strategy.
7. Support the church’s youth and children’s ministry programs that prepare our youth and children for independent Christian adult living, foster a fellowship of believers, and promote Bible-based life choices.
8. Provide leadership and vision for the church and the congregation in efforts to grow God’s Kingdom.
9. Work with church members and attendees to help them identify how they can utilize their gifts and serve the Lord within the church and in missions.
10. Plan and promote periods of evangelistic emphasis for the unsaved and renewal for the Christians, through preaching and giving invitations during worship services, revival or other special services, visitation and other outreach efforts.
11. Administer the believer’s baptism, Communion, funerals, weddings, child dedications.
12. Provide congregational care, in conjunction with the Deacon Board, and coordinate timely visits to hospitals, nursing homes, and shut-ins.
13. Cooperate with local, associational, state and other Christian leaders in matters of mutual interest and concern, and represent the church in local civic matters.
14. Provide support, supervision and direction to all Affinity Missionary Baptist Church employees, in conjunction with the Human Resource Team and the Executive Board, and exercise the authority to administer corrective action to church staff when necessary.
15. Guide and advise members with compassion while adhering to bold truths of the gospel in daily world challenges focusing on God’s Kingdom.
16. Provide counseling to church members in planned life-events (e.g., pre-marital counseling) and moments of personal struggle or crisis. This may include directing members to additional resources beyond Affinity Missionary Baptist Church.
Qualifications & Experience
1. Graduate of an accredited seminary.
2. Licensed and ordained American Baptist minister.
3. At least three years of experience in a lead pastoral role. Five years preferred.
4. Experience in managing staff (primary supervisor and administrator of staff).
5. Demonstrated effectiveness in communicating through multiple media platforms with church members.
6. Successful experience sharing leadership responsibility with staff, deacons, trustees, committee chairs, teachers and others.
7. Experience with reviewing and managing financial statements and development of a budget.
8. Participation in association and state denominational organizations, and experience encouraging church members to engage in active participation.
9. Experience supporting mission involvement at the local, state, national and international levels.
Qualified candidates should submit the required application documents, noted below, to the Pastoral Search Committee – ATTN: Deacon Kevin Smith – via email to ambc.searchteam@gmail.com.
– Completed Application** – please use link below to download and complete your application
– Cover Letter
– Reason(s) for applying for the Senior Pastor position
– A statement of doctrinal beliefs
– Resume
– Copy of Ministerial License
– Copy of Ordination Certificate
– Unofficial Transcripts
– Two Sermons and One Instance of Teaching (e.g., Sunday school lesson) within the past calendar year (If the sermon or teaching is available via the internet, please provide the title, the social media platform and the internet address.)
– Three reference letters (please do not use family members as references.)
**Instructions to Complete Application
- Download the PDF Application:
- Fill out the application and save the PDF file to your computer once completed
Only applicants that submit all documents collectively will be considered for this position. Once received, the documents become the property of the Affinity Missionary Baptist Church Pastoral Search Committee and will not be returned.
Candidates will be notified when materials are received and sent additional information when and if applicable.
Applications will be accepted until December 31, 2023 or until the position has been filled.
Final candidates will be required to have official transcripts sent from the respective institution to the address note below, and must consent to reference checks, education verification, credential verification and background checks.
Qualified candidates should submit the required application documents to the Pastoral Search Committee
ATTN: Deacon Kevin Smith
Via email to ambc.searchteam@gmail.com.
You can also send your completed application package via mail to –
Affinity Missionary Baptist Church
Attn: Deacon Kevin Smith
4411 E 175th St., Cleveland, OH 44128
Learn more about Affinity Missionary Baptist Church – Our Church History and Our Church Profile