Interim Part Time Baptist Minister/Pastor
Vacancy Announcement
Church Name: St. Mary’s Baptist Church
Location: 8008 Eastern Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20012
Position Title:Interim Part-Time Baptist Minister/Pastor
Reports To: Deacon Board/Joint Board of Officers
Closing Date: January 17, 2025
Position Summary:
The St. Mary’s Baptist Church (SMBC) is prayerfully looking for a spirit-led and compassionate individual to serve as our part-time Interim Minister/Pastor. This is a unique opportunity to shepherd our congregation during a time of transition, as our search committee seeks the pastor God has called for our future. For 6 to 9 months, we are looking for someone who will inspire hope, provide spiritual leadership, and offer pastoral care that nurtures our faith and strengthens our unity. Together, with the help of God and the interim Minister/Pastor, we will continue to grow in God’s grace, ensuring stability and continuity in our ministries as we prepare for the next chapter in our church’s journey.
About Our Church
St Mary's Baptist Church (SMBC) is in the Shepherd Park neighborhood of Northwest Washington, DC. Established on April 15, 1950. SMBC has been a steadfast spiritual presence in the community for 74 years, with only three pastors leading its congregation during its rich history.
Our church is currently experiencing a Holy Spirit-guided transition as we continue to worship and serve. With a congregation of around one hundred members, we are blessed with a diverse community that spans multiple spiritual paths. The average age of our members is sixty-five, reflecting a rich blend of experience and wisdom.
SMBC is more than just a place of worship; it is a vibrant and welcoming faith community. Our sanctuary has a seating capacity of two hundred, but we believe that God can fill it to overflowing with members and visitors. He has done it before, and we faithfully trust He will do it again! Everyone is welcome at SMBC, and we look forward to welcoming you into our community.
At SMBC, we offer Church School classes on Tuesday evening. Bible studies at noon and in the evening on Wednesdays, and various ministries designed to support our members and serve the broader community. Guided by our motto, "We are the church where everybody is somebody, and Jesus Christ is Lord," we strive to embody Christ's love and teachings in all we do.
We proudly affiliate with the District of Columbia Baptist Convention and the Progressive National Baptist Convention, working alongside like-minded organizations to advance God's Kingdom.
Key Responsibilities
Preaching and Teaching
- Prepare and deliver biblically sound and engaging sermons during regular worship services.
- Leads Wednesday evening Bible studies, and other teaching opportunities.
- Provide spiritual encouragement and guidance rooted in the Baptist tradition.
Pastoral Care
- Offer pastoral counseling and prayer support to members.
- Support through hospital visits, home visits, and outreach to members in need.
- Administer sacraments, perform weddings, funerals, and other ceremonies as asked.
Worship Leadership
- Collaborate with church leaders and minister of music to plan and lead meaningful worship experiences.
- Ensure worship services align with God inspired church values and vision.
Community Building
- Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for all church members and visitors.
- Support fellowship activities, community outreach, and church events.
- Encourage active participation and engagement from the congregation.
Transition Support
- Provide stability and spiritual leadership during the church’s transition period.
- Work closely with the search committee and church leadership to ensure smooth operations during the search process.
- Be available to offer input and advice as requested by the leadership and the search committee.
Administration and Collaboration
- Work closely with the church leadership team, deacons, and committees to fulfill the mission of the church.
- Attend leadership meetings and provide spiritual insight and guidance.
- Aid in the development of church goals, strategies, and ministry initiatives.
Qualifications:
- A clear calling to pastoral ministry and a strong personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
- A bachelor’s degree in religious studies, theology, or a related field from an accredited institution; or a bachelor’s degree in any field; along with at least 4 years of theological education or ministerial training from an accredited institution.
- Ordination and licensed within the Baptist tradition.
- Effective communication, leadership, and people skills.
- Five (5) years’ experience in preaching, teaching, and pastoral care.
Work Schedule:
This is an Interim part-time position requiring flexibility, with responsibilities typically including Sunday worship services, midweek meetings, and occasional pastoral duties.
Compensation:
Compensation will be equal with experience, education, and the scope of responsibilities.
Duration:
This position is interim and will last until the search committee secures and the church calls a full-time pastor, which is expected to take 6 to 9 months.
Interested candidates should send a resume, a statement of faith, and three (3) references, (1) Professional/Work-Related Reference, (1) Community/Personal References (1) Spiritual/Moral References. A sample sermon or teaching session may be requested during the selection process. You may send these documents by mail to:
St. Mary’s Baptist Church
Minister/Pastor Interim Search Committee
Attn: Sister Elizabeth Carter, Administrative Assistant to the Church
8008 Eastern Avenue, NW
Washington DC 20012
You can also e-mail the completed application packet to smbcinterimsearch@gmail.com
Please ensure all documents are complete and sent in PDF form. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
The Interim Minister/Pastor Search Committee will acknowledge receipt of all applications and resumes, and all information presented will be treated confidential. All materials sent with the applications will not be returned.
We look forward to welcoming a leader who will help guide us through this transitional period as we look to glorify God and continue serving His people.