Snapshot

Denomination: Baptist

Weekly Attendance:  500

Location: Portage, MI

The Role: Lead Pastor

Meet Berean Baptist Church: 

Berean began in embryo form when Bethel Baptist Church began thinking of starting a church during the ministry of its lead pastor, Dr. Mark Jackson. Sixty-one charter members met & officially organized Berean Baptist Church on March 31, 1969. Since its conception, Berean has grown its campus size, congregation, and has added many thriving ministries. Berean loves the community of Portage and values God-Glorifying Worship, Bible-Centered Teaching, Ever-Expanding Witness, Christ-Centered Transformation, Grace-Grounded Relationships, Truth-Anchored Relevance, Open-Handed Generosity, God-Dependent Prayer, and Eternity-Rooted Hope!

About the Lead Pastor:

Berean is looking for a Lead Pastor who will build on the existing vision of the church and who will challenge our congregation to become more in step with Jesus. This is someone who will shepherd, guide, and be an example on stage and in our hallways.

The Lead Pastor's Responsibilities Include: 

As Spiritual Leader: 

• Devoting himself to in-depth study and the exegetical preaching of God’s Word 

• Meeting the spiritual needs of the congregation through practical lifestyle teaching, prayer ministry, and a  call to evangelism 

• Guiding and encouraging Deacons and Missionaries as they minister 

• Utilizing available resources to stay current in his field 

• Providing spiritual counsel 

• Leading in any necessary church discipline in order to keep the body pure 

As Administrative Leader: 

• Leading business meetings, including being an ex-officio member of all committees 

• Setting goals and encouraging Berean staff and members to achieve God’s vision  

• Guiding and evaluating pastoral and office staff 

• Promoting missions ministries, both foreign and local 

• Overseeing of special needs and occasions such as hospital stays, weddings, funerals, etc. - Promoting growth through new membership, including church expansion and planting 

• Overseeing the development and execution of an annual budget 

• Managing all financial matters effectively 

What You Bring: 

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Lead Pastor:

Education & Experience

Required:

• Ministry-related Master’s degree 

• Prior pastoral ministry experience in the lead pastor role 

• Meet the pastor qualifications as outlined in I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9 

• Fully embrace the Doctrinal Statement of Berean  

• Be or become a member of Berean, and live a lifestyle in accordance with the Leadership Standard put forth in the Constitution for Pastors and Deacons 

• Have a shepherd's heart for leading the people he stands among (1 Peter 5:2). 

Prefered:

• Master’s of Divinity degree 

• 10 years of pastoral ministry in churches of 300+, with 4 years in the lead pastor role 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Effective at shepherding the congregation and staff 

• Strategic thinking skills

• Building organizational capacity 

• Ability to hold self and others accountable

• Ability to encourage congregation excitement and engagement

• Able to build on existing vision

Personal Characteristics & Qualifications

• Upholds solid biblical preaching

• Preserves unity

• Open to new things and ideas

• Evangelistic

• Relational and connects well with people

• Promotes team unity

• Devotes themselves to personal prayer and Bible study

What it's Like to Live in Portage, MI: 

Berean is located on the western edge of Portage, Michigan, a city of nearly 50,000 residents. Portage (primarily suburban) and Kalamazoo (primarily urban) are immediately adjacent to each other and form the two main cities in Kalamazoo County, which has a population over 260,000. Although the majority of Berean’s membership is from Portage or Kalamazoo, a significant portion of its membership comes from the rapidly developing Texas Township and Mattawan areas, as well as the rural communities of Schoolcraft, Vicksburg, and Three Rivers. 

The Portage area is known for its parks, recreation, lakes, and manufacturing. Portage is the site of Pfizer’s largest manufacturing facility and Stryker’s world headquarters. The school systems in Portage and the surrounding areas are well recognized, and many amenities and community programs are available for participation.

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