Solo Pastor

Responsibilities

The Senior Pastor’s main responsibilities are to preach the Word of God and equip the saints for the work of ministry. Specifically: 

• Lead the congregation spiritually and organizationally (along with deacons/elders and trustees). 
• Oversee and work with other existing leaders and church staff. 
• Preach biblically based sermons weekly. 
• Participate in leading and planning worship. 
• Disciple, counsel, and encourage people. 
• Help build fellowship and develop new leaders. 
• Perform believers’ baptisms, weddings, and funerals. 
• Serve as the head of the church’s Food Pantry board. 
• Interact with tenants, pantry guests, and people in the community seeking help. 
• Attend monthly board meetings as needed. 

Qualifications 

The primary qualification is to be a servant-leader. You also: 

• Possess a love for, strong knowledge of, and belief in the eternal truth of the Bible.  
• Have several years of experience preaching and leading worship. 
• Have exhibited good organizational and leadership skills, including applied knowledge of finances, technology, and working in teams. 
• Can provide examples of evidence of the fruit of the Spirit in working with people. 

A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is preferred. 

Church and community overview 

First Baptist Church (FBC) is a 150-year-old, well-maintained church in the center of Derry, NH. An average Sunday worship service brings in 70–90 diverse congregants in age and ethnicity to sing praises, pray, hear the Bible preached, and fellowship. During the week, lay people actively lead or participate in teaching, fellowship, and missions.  

FBC: 

• Has a 15-person choir that sings twice a month and provides other special music. 
• Offers four adult Bible studies weekly with 8–20+ per class. 
• Provides Junior Church for elementary-aged children during worship. 
• Operates the largest Food Pantry in town. 
• Owns (mortgage free) two buildings connected to the church property that house seven apartments, the church office, and the Food Pantry. 
• Employs on a part-time basis: an Office Manager and Assistant, Worship Leader, Choir Director, Property Manager, and Custodian. 

The town of Derry, NH (population ~33,000) is located 15 minutes from Massachusetts, 1 hour from Boston and the seacoast, and 1.5 hours from the White Mountains. Most of Derry is suburban and pastoral, but the downtown location has some qualities of an inner city. Derry is home to a well-regarded regional high school, Pinkerton Academy. 

A competitive compensation package will be negotiated upon hire to include salary and desired benefits (e.g., housing allowance, retirement account, and healthcare).