Senior Pastor

Position: Senior Pastor

Church: Seagrove Baptist Church

Location: Santa Rosa Beach, FL

Weekly Attendance: 200+

Denomination: Southern Baptist 

Website: seagrovebaptist.org 

The Aaron Hur Group has partnered with Seagrove Baptist in the search for their new Senior Pastor.

IMPORTANT: If interested in taking the next step, please review our search profile and then APPLY HERE. Apply at aaronhurgroup.com or email [email protected]

About Seagrove Baptist Church

Established over 30 years ago, Seagrove Baptist Church is a Southern Baptist congregation situated along Scenic 30A, nestled within the picturesque beach community of Santa Rosa Beach, FL. Actively involved with the Florida Southern Baptist Association and the national Southern Baptist Convention, the church is dedicated to its mission of “Connecting All People in Christ.”

With its inviting facilities and devoted congregation, Seagrove Baptist is ideally positioned to create a positive impact in both the local community and the surrounding areas. This regional church draws individuals from nearby communities, with some traveling up to 30 minutes to participate in various ministry activities designed for the entire family.

Seagrove Baptist serves a diverse population, welcoming members and attendees from different backgrounds, including retirees, young families, military families, seasonal visitors, and numerous tourists who flock to this vacation hotspot.

Here, you will discover a warm church family made up of “Regular, Everyday, Ordinary people” who come together to worship the Lord and are enthusiastic about embracing the unique opportunities that this community offers as it embarks on the next chapter of its journey.

The Candidate

The Senior Pastor is the spiritual leader of the church and is responsible for proclaiming the Word, gospel of Jesus Christ, preaching relevant and Biblically accurate messages, engaging in pastoral care, and providing spiritual leadership in all areas of church life and function. He should be highly relational and able to lead collaboratively with the Church Leadership and the staff to provide opportunities for Seagrove Baptist Church members and guests to worship and be discipled toward growth in their daily walk of faith so that they may impact their communities with missional lives. Senior Pastor experience in a committee-led Southern Baptist Church is preferred.

Additionally, the incoming Senior Pastor at Seagrove Baptist Church must adhere to the standards set for Deacons in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9, follow the Baptist Faith and Message (2000 version), and uphold Seagrove Baptist Church’s connection with the Southern Baptist Convention and the Florida Baptist Association.

Education

The ideal candidate will likely have at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited seminary. Preference will be given to those with advanced degrees in Biblical studies, divinity, or formal seminary training.

Experience

The ideal candidate will possess a solid background in a vibrant Southern Baptist Church, have beliefs aligned with the Baptist Faith and Message (2000), not be reformed in theology, and have experience in Biblical expository preaching with life application, collaborative leadership, team building, and community outreach strategies, with a demonstrated success in executing these strategies. A history of pastoral leadership, organizational development, and effective communication is essential. The individual must exhibit outstanding interpersonal skills and a passionate commitment to engaging those who are distant from God, helping all attendees and members deepen their faith and walk with Jesus.

The candidate must embrace the ability to work within a community and promote innovation through collaboration. In addition, the individual will be able to connect across generations and within a transient community. Experience in a similar church setting and supervisory experience in a multi-staff and vacation destination setting is preferred.

At least ten years leading in an effective and growing Southern Baptist Church is desired.

Qualifications

• Must hold or be willing to attain ordination and licensing as a Southern Baptist Pastor.
• Proficient in interpersonal and communication skills, as well as adept in creative communication skills.
• Demonstrates strong leadership abilities and strategic insight.
• Upholds unwavering character and integrity, nurturing a deep spiritual connection through daily prayer and Scripture study, while prioritizing family life to exemplify dedication to his Spiritual calling.
• Must have a collaborative leadership style and healthy emotional intelligence.

Expectation

• Serve as the primary preacher by presenting well-organized, expository, Bible-based messages that are in alignment with the Baptist Faith and Message (2000) and shall not be based on Reformed theology or teachings.
• Demonstrate courage and boldness in biblically sound sermons that guide, encourage, and challenge the congregation.
• Plan dynamic worship services to create a reverent atmosphere, bringing joy to God, strength to believers, and drawing seekers closer to God.
• Guide the congregation in Bible study to nurture Christian growth and enhance their comprehension of the Bible through practical narratives and life lessons.
• Work closely with ministry leaders to cultivate dynamic, well-structured programs that support spiritual growth across all age groups—children, youth, adults, and senior adults—ensuring each ministry thrives and contributes to the overall mission of the church.
• Demonstrate strong leadership capacity within the staff and church.
• Promote, prepare, and lead the church in personal discipleship within the community.
• Establish and communicate a clear vision for the Seagrove Baptist Church community and ensure staff and ministries align.
• Work with the Executive Pastor to provide effective coaching, guidance, and encouragement to staff.
• Represent the church in the broader community and foster partnerships for outreach and service. Embrace a transient, vacation destination, and a retiree community.
• Connect with Seagrove Baptist Church’s people and guests through events, outings, and individual meetings to strengthen relationships.
• Demonstrate a teachable spirit, openness to feedback, and a willingness to learn.
• Possess a heart for pastoral care, offering compassionate support, guidance, and presence to individuals and families during times of joy, sorrow, and need.
• Maintain integrity by adhering to Seagrove Baptist Church’s doctrines, constitution, by-laws, and employee guidelines.
• Administer Baptism and Communion regularly and as needed.
• Conduct weddings, baby dedications, and funerals upon request.

Personal Characteristics

• Strong, demonstrated relationship with Jesus Christ, guided by a commitment to service to God.
• Demonstrates a high level of integrity, spiritual maturity, discernment, and guided by a sound set of ethical principles.
• Possesses an outgoing personality that is encouraging, friendly, eager to connect with others, and genuinely interested in people.
• Must be loyal and willing to create lasting relationships with those on Staff, Committees, and in the congregation.
• Demonstrates an understanding of God’s grace in teaching, pastoral care, and personal relationships.
• The ability to create and maintain strong relationships in the community and surrounding churches.
• An effective team leader who can inspire others to work together to achieve their God-given mission and vision.
• Has a high view of God, of Scripture, of prayer, and of the Holy Spirit that influences daily life.
• Highly relational leader and has a heart for community outreach and international missions.
• Committed to discipleship and equipping others to grow spiritually.
• Abides by the biblical mandate for a pastor and overseer.
• If married, his wife must be a believer, supportive of his ministry and involved in the church. There must be observable evidence that he has a healthy family life.

If you are interested in taking the next step, please APPLY HERE.