Associate Pastor

Do you like to have fun?

Do you have an outgoing personality?

Would you enjoy life in a small town in the south?

Are you passionate about creating community and making disciples?

Then, this might be the job for you!!!

Position Overview:

FBC Wauchula is seeking a full-time Associate Pastor who will partner with the Senior Pastor in shepherding the congregation and advancing the church's mission. The Associate Pastor will primarily oversee the Young Adult Ministry and Discipleship Ministry, while also assisting with pastoral care, teaching, preaching, and administrative support. This role requires a spiritually mature leader who is committed to the authority of Scripture, the doctrinal positions of the Southern Baptist Convention, and a biblical vision for equipping the church to make disciples.

Key Responsibilities

1. Young Adult Ministry Leadership

• Lead, shepherd, and develop a ministry to young adults (college-age through early career and young family).
• Recruit and train volunteers to help shepherd and mentor young adults.
• Plan and oversee Bible studies/small groups, fellowship events, and mission/service opportunities for young adults.
• Build intentional relationships with young adults to foster spiritual maturity and encourage their involvement in church life.

2. Discipleship Ministry Oversight

• Develop, implement, and oversee a comprehensive discipleship strategy.
• Provide direction and training for small group leaders, Sunday school teachers, and other discipleship leaders.
• Ensure discipleship pathways for spiritual growth, leadership development, and church membership.

3. Pastoral Duties

• Assist the Senior Pastor in preaching and teaching as needed.
• Provide biblical counseling, including premarital counseling, in partnership with the Senior Pastor.
• Support pastoral care through hospital visits, home visits, and general shepherding of members.
• Conduct weddings, funerals, and other pastoral responsibilities as assigned.

4. Administrative Support & Systems Development

• Assist in creating and maintaining systems for church governance and administration, including support for Elders, Deacons, Committees, and Church Bylaws.
• Help ensure ministry teams and committees are organized, resourced, and functioning effectively.
• Create pathways to serving within the church and help share the vision of moving people out of a consumer mentality.
• Work with church leadership to develop clear communication and accountability structures.

The First Baptist Church of Wauchula has a rich history which began in 1876. Originally, area Baptists and Methodists and "all people of faith" met together where they heard messages delivered by circuit riding preachers. Service attendance often required travel by oxen, mules and horses over roads which were little more than cow paths, crossing treacherous and swollen rivers and streams. There were seven charter members of the church, and many of their descendents are members today.