Purpose of the Position:
The primary responsibility of the Lead Pastor shall be the preaching and teaching of the Word of God. The Lead Pastor shall serve the Lord by serving the congregation of Bethel Bible Fellowship Church in shared ministry with the pastoral staff and the Board
of Elders. He shall serve as an Elder in the congregation.
Accountability:
The Lead Pastor shall be accountable to the Board of Elders, who will give him spiritual guidance, and establish and communicate (either verbally or written) his work objectives along with the scope and latitude of his decision-making and the discretion that
he may use to carry out those objectives.
Relationships:
Bethel Church is a multistaff church, and it is therefore expected that the Lead Pastor will work in a harmonious relationship with others on the pastoral and church staff, attend staff meetings, and cooperate with the pastoral staff in a servant and team oriented
spirit to provide effective pastoral ministry for the congregation.
Areas of Responsibility:
- Preaching and Teaching - The primary responsibility of the Lead Pastor shall be the preaching and teaching of the Word of God to promote the spiritual nurture of the congregation.
- Leadership - The Lead Pastor will lead the Executive Pastor and Worship Leader. He shall promote communication, unity, and effectiveness among the staff. He shall represent the pastoral staff in the strategic planning process as the Elders shape the vision,
mission, and direction of Bethel Church. Through working with the Executive Pastor, he shall oversee the pastoral staff in implementing the decisions and policies of the Board of Elders in the life and ministry of the congregation. He shall participate in
the hiring of additional staff members. He shall seek to develop the leadership and ministry skills of the Elders. He shall also give oversight to the development of future leaders for the congregation.
- Pastoral Care - Though preaching and teaching shall be his primary responsibility, the Lead Pastor shall share in visitation, pastoral care, and counseling in team ministry with the pastoral staff. As a member of the pastoral staff, he will be available
to participate in baptisms, the dedication of children, weddings, funerals, recognition of new members, and instruction and counseling appropriate to each as requested and in coordination with the pastoral staff. In the process of providing pastoral ministry
and living in the community, he will interact with individuals who need to be evangelized, disciple, counseled, and encouraged. He will provide pastoral care to such individuals in partnership with the pastoral team and through mobilizing the congregation
to ministry.
- Denominational Participation - The Lead Pastor shall participate with the pastoral staff in promoting and safeguarding the relationship of the congregation to the Bible Fellowship Church, be active in the Lehigh Valley Bible Fellowship Church (BFC) Region,
and be supportive of denominational agencies and ministries. He shall be free to serve in elected and appointed denominational responsibilities as time and discretion allows.
- Community Relationships - Bethel Church desires its pastors to be visible in the community and to uphold a God honoring reputation on behalf of the congregation.
- Continuing Education - In order to enhance ministry effectiveness, he is to avail himself of appropriate educational opportunities and seminars.
Absolute Essentials:
No candidate will be considered who cannot meet these criteria. It is assumed that all men serving in the Bible Fellowship Church (BFC) would be expected to meet these criteria.
- Displays Godly Character - The candidate should be a man who is godly in character and integrity, emotionally stable and balanced in life priorities, who will serve as an example of Christ and as a good role model to the congregation.
- Leads a Godly and Supportive Family - The Lead Pastor, if married, shall be a leader in his home and devote appropriate priority to his marriage and family relationships. A harmonious marriage and family life which positively impacts the candidate s ministry
is essential. The candidate’s family must acknowledge God’s calling on his life to serve in pastoral ministry and affirm and support him in his time commitment and responsibilities.
- Stands Committed to the Scriptures and Articles of Faith of the BFC - The Faith & Order (F&O) of the BFC clearly articulates our commitment to the Scriptures and our particular doctrinal distinctive. It is expected that the candidate will wholeheartedly
share this commitment, allowing it to permeate his lifestyle, his preaching, teaching, and his overall ministry.
- Has or is willing to obtain BFC Credentials - The candidate must have, or be willing to obtain, ministerial credentials with the BFC.
Preferred Profile:
These characteristics reflect Bethel’s Values and are deemed by the Bethel Board of Elders to be priorities for the man who will serve Bethel effectively.
- Practices Servant Leadership - Pastors in the BFC are “elders among elders” in ministering to and exercising oversight in Christ’s church. The Lead Pastor is expected to lead the congregation after the example of Jesus Christ in a selfless, servant spirit,
not “lording it over the flock,” but leading by the faithful ministry of God s Word, exemplary character, and Christ like attitudes. He is expected to articulate the vision and mission for the congregation as developed by the Elders. He is to seek to mobilize
and equip the leaders and congregation for united ministry and outreach in his preaching, teaching, and pastoral leadership.
- Communicates Scripture clearly in the Context of Relationships - The candidate shall give evidence of competency in communicating the Scriptures with an emphasis on exegetical preaching. He shall strive to know and understand the people to whom he ministers,
and his communication will be enhanced by a loving relationship with the people of the congregation. His communication style, illustrations, applications, and level of complexity of content should suit a multi-generational and increasingly diverse audience.
- Has graduated from seminary - The priority of the Lead Pastor is to be the preaching and teaching of the Scriptures. We are seeking a candidate who is a seminary graduate and who has a working knowledge of the skills and tools to utilize the original languages
in study, being well versed in doctrine, and attuned to contemporary issues.
- Is perceived as relational and approachable - Relationships are a priority and strength of Bethel Church. It is expected that the Lead Pastor will be relational and committed to building intergenerational relationships.
- Understands and has experience with multi-staff team leadership- Since Bethel Church is a multi-staff church, a candidate with experience in working in a Multi-staff, Elder-led congregation is preferred. It is expected that the candidate will be a team
player and team builder who values consensus and respects the perspectives of others.
- Displays a flexible leadership style - An attitude of flexibility and a willingness to go beyond personal preference in implementing ministry decisions will aid the Lead Pastor in establishing a tone of cooperation among the congregation.
For further information in regards to the BFC denomination, please visit mybfc.org.
To apply for this position:
Complete and submit an application along with your resume. Applications can be found at bethelbfc.com/staff/employment-opportunities.
Send your application and resume to Tom Creeden at bethel.leadpastor.application@gmail.com.
