Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church

ALBANY’S OLDEST AFRICAN AMERICAN CONGREGATION | EST. 1894

PASTORAL VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

APPLICATION PERIOD: February 1, 2026 – April 30, 2026

The Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church is prayerfully seeking God’s chosen Pastor who will lead with Compassion, Integrity, Vision and the Word of God.

In 1894, the Concord “Negro Mission” was formed by Black women and men who sought to establish a Church where they could Worship the Lord in spirit, truth and dignity. The Concord Mission birthed the Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church (MSMBC) becoming Albany’s Oldest Black Baptist Church– The Mother Church of New York’s Capital Region.

For 132 years, the Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church has stood firmly on the Word of God developing countless generations of disciples of Jesus Christ sustained by the sure foundation of One Lord, One Faith and One Baptism. MSMBC’s longest tenured Pastor, Reverend Moses Scipio Hunter, left Morning Star with its enduring motto, legacy and standard, “Love for God and Folk” – the standard by which we strive for the advancement of both this Church and the Kingdom of God.

MSMBC is planted in Albany’s (NY) Pine Hills neighborhood which is comprised of a multi-ethnic, working-class population of state government and private industry employees, immigrants, college students, and a transient unhoused population.

Morning Star has experienced a graying and decline in our membership; yet, we have remained a family bound by the love of Jesus. We are equipped to serve this present age through our strong emphasis on Christian education, are poised for growth through our commitment to and investment in our young people and are prepared to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to reach the lost in our families and communities.

We are prayerful and we stand in great expectation to receive the Pastor of the Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church.

PASTORAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership: Must seek God’s vision for MSMBC and be able to articulate and execute the vision. Must demonstrate integrity, Christian conduct, and character, and provide effective church administration, organizational management, and effective communication. Must lead, direct, and oversee the planning and implementation of Worship Services of the Church to include but not limited to Bible Study, The Lord’s Supper, Baptism, Homegoings, Weddings and Baby Dedications.
Church Growth: Must provide strategic leadership for the growth and vitality of MSMBC, with a strong emphasis on and commitment to youth and young adults within the Church and surrounding communities, effectuate a plan for new member retention, and intentional engagement of Seniors and their collective wisdom.
Preaching: Must align with Paul’s teaching in 2 Timothy 3:16 that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” and possess the ability to preach and teach the Word of God with power, clarity, and authority.
Denominational Participation: Must be willing to support and participate in the denominational activities of our local association (Hudson River Frontier Missionary Baptist Association). The State Convention (Empire Baptist Missionary Convention of New York, Inc.), and the National Convention (National Baptist Convention USA, Inc.).
Discipleship: Must understand spiritual formation and be committed to nurturing and teaching believers to mature in their faith, character and obedience to Jesus Christ.
Christian Education: Must be able to work collaboratively with the Board of Christian Education to develop a comprehensive plan for teaching the Word of God to children, the middle church and Seniors, and to promote and encourage regular participation in Bible Study and Sunday School.
Pastoral Care: Provide sincere compassion, spiritual guidance, care, and concern for members and non-members. Must be committed to visitation of the sick, shut-in and hospitalized; providing care comfort, prayer and assistance to the bereaved; and offering counseling for members and non-members.
Missions: Must be committed to supporting local and foreign missions and provide guidance to the Missionary Ministry to enhance outreach opportunities and connection with our communities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

A Born-Again Baptized Believer called by God to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, who possesses the requisite spiritual qualities as outlined in 1Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9.
Must be a licensed Baptist Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
A minimum of 5 years of ministry experience (Youth Pastor, Associate Pastor, or Senior Pastor) in preferably a Missionary Baptist Church.
A minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited College, University or Seminary.
Bi-Vocational Pastor who has flexibility to fulfill the Pastoral duties and responsibilities as outlined.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS AND INSTRUCTIONS:

Interested and qualified candidates must submit a Complete PDF Candidate Packet BY EMAIL ONLY TO: MSMBC14PastoralSearch@gmail.com. A Complete Candidate Packet must consist of the following information:

Cover Letter of Interest in serving as Pastor of the Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church.
Current resume detailing relevant ministry, professional, and educational experience.
Copies of Ministerial License, Certificate of Ordination, and College/University degree(s).
Five (5) Letters of Recommendation: 2 from unrelated Clergy, 2 Laypersons, and 1 Personal affiliation.
Media files or links to two (2) recent, full length (no partial clips) sermons.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2026, 11:59PM

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