Senior Pastor

General Expectations

• The senior pastor should be ordained and licensed as a minister of the Gospel by a Southern Baptist Church with previous experience as a senior pastor at a comparable congregation. It is also desirable for him to have completed a seminary education.
• The senior pastor should agree doctrinally with the Baptist Faith & Message 2000.
• The senior pastor must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, [and] able to teach (1 Timothy 3:2).
• The senior pastor must manage his own household well keeping his children under control with dignity and grace (1 Timothy 3:4).
• The senior pastor, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it (Titus 1:7-9).
• The senior pastor must not be a recent convert; he must be well thought of by outsiders (1 Timothy 3:6-7).
• The senior pastor should not be domineering over those entrusted to him but should be an example to the flock (1 Peter 5:3). However, he also should not be afraid to lead when hard truths are required.

Key Responsibilities

• Demonstrate a passion, ability, and willingness to share Christ and disciple others.
• Show an obvious love for the fellowship of the local church.
• Equip church members through preaching and teaching in a regular pulpit ministry (Ephesians 4:11-12); guard the significant time required for prayer and study to fulfill this responsibility; oversee pulpit supply in the case of absence.
• Preach sermons that open the Word of God, expound its truths, and apply its relevance to the congregation’s daily lives.
• Lead the congregation in observing Biblical Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
• Provide leadership and vision for the congregation. Direct plans for ministry and church growth.
• Oversee and participate in the evangelism efforts of the church.
• Champion opportunities for spiritual growth (discipleship) and encourage members to consistently disciple others (Matthew 28:19-20; 2 Timothy 2:2). This includes Sunday Bible study, small groups and family ministries.
• Lead the mission partnerships of the church locally and throughout the world.
• Facilitate, with the help of staff and deacons, the contact and visitation of homebound, hospitalized, and grieving church members.
• Oversee church discipline and manage conflict in the church.
• Moderate the regularly scheduled and special business meetings of the church.
• Oversee pastoral and support staff; provide regular guidance, evaluation, and feedback for each of their ministry roles. Consistently schedule and lead staff meetings that facilitate staff unity and improving operation of the church.
• Disciple and mentor associate pastors as they help lead and shepherd the congregation.
• Work with various standing and special committees in accomplishing their respective duties.
• Cooperate with local and state denominational leaders in matters of mutual interest and concern; monitor changes and developments within the Southern Baptist Convention and keep the church informed.
• Clearly and consistently communicate with pastoral staff, the chairman of deacons, and the chairman of the personnel committee regarding time needed away from church responsibilities for vacation, family obligations, rest, and/or professional development. Work with the pastoral staff to ensure ministry responsibilities, including the pulpit, are covered.

Weems Creek Worship Style

We believe authentic worship is God-centered and life transforming. It fuels the fire of devotion in heart, facilitates constant renewal, and motivates believers to sacrificial service. Both corporate and individual worship are vital to spiritual health. We also believe genuine worship is a strong witness to unbelievers. Therefore, we give priority to planning and facilitating Spirit-led worship of the one true God.

Weems Creek is a multigenerational church. Our worship style is a progressive blend of modern worship songs and hymns. For example, on a given Sunday a service may feature songs by Vertical Worship, Hillsong, Elevation, Phil Wickham, etc. However, we also include traditional hymns and other choruses that have stood the test of time. We work at being considerate of the entire congregation.

On January 12, 2014, we dedicated a new worship center. It includes the latest in stage design elements and a state-of-the-art sound system, personal monitor system, LED stage lights, and graphic/video support. This center seats up to 400 people. Pre-Covid, the church ran 250 on a Sunday morning. We have just returned to the low 200s in weekly attendance with full programing for adults and children.

We are free and casual, but not edgy. We want the focus to be on worship and biblical discipleship, and we seek someone who can lead us to thrive and grow in this practice