Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church is prayerfully seeking a full-time pastor to serve as the undershepherd of the congregation. The candidate must be a licensed and ordained minister, have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited seminary (master of divinity preferred), and have five years of pastoral ministry experience. The person must also be responsible to God and the Church to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to teach the Bible, to provide Christian leadership in all areas of the church, and to engage in pastoral care of the congregation. All interested candidates must submit the following information: a cover letter, current resume with a current color photo, copy of ministerial license, certificate of ordination, transcripts, DVD of a sermon delivered within the past year, four letters of recommendation (one pastor, one layperson, two personal) and a copy of valid driver’s license and DD214 (if reporting military status).

Please send all information to:

Attention: Ms. Paula Johnson
Pastoral Search Committee
Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church
PO Box 2532
Topeka, Kansas 66601

MERCY SEAT MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE USE – JANUARY 20, 2018

ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI – The Pastor, Officers, and Members of Mercy Seat Missionary Baptist Church are deeply saddened by the homegoing of our beloved Pastor Emeritus, the Reverend Dr. James Brown, Sr., who went home to be with the Lord this morning, January 20, 2018.

Dr. Brown was called to the pastorate of Mercy Seat in August 1985 and accepted the call and responsibility as the eleventh pastor of the church. He built his ministry on the premise that Mercy Seat would be effective in her three-fold ministry of mission, evangelism, and education.

Under his leadership, the Lord showed favor upon he and Mercy Seat: Two 15 passenger vans were purchased and replaced with a 24 passenger bus; a program was designed for total membership involvement and participation from the children to the Golden Agers was implemented; the Tuesday Evening Prayer Service and Weekly Bible Classes were strengthened along with a strong Christian Education Ministry; A Children’s Church was established; additional parking lots added; Expansion of the Sanctuary with seating exceeding 1,100 and creation of an educational facility with needed classrooms and assembly room; a Food Bank was established; Purchase of additional lots surrounding the church and a 43 unit senior apartment complex was built in conjunction with the US Department of Housing and Urban Development; In 2005, an elevator was installed for the benefit of the church members and guests.

In December 23, 2010, the City of St. Louis approved of an ordinance drafted by Alderman Terry Kennedy which created an honorary designation of the 4400 block of Washington Boulevard as “Rev. James Brown, Sr. Avenue.”

Pastor Brown retired in 2015 after serving Mercy Seat for thirty years. He was then asked by the Church to serve as Interim Pastor during the transition of the call of his successor. Pastor Brown served FAITHFULLY!

We ask you to honor the privacy of the Brown family at this time and allow them the time to grieve privately. We ask you to pray for his wife, Lady Carole Brown, and their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, relatives, and friends. He leaves a heart-broken Mercy Seat Missionary Baptist Church family, Berean District Association family, Missionary Baptist State Convention of Missouri family, and National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. family – including those who attended his National Baptist Congress class that he taught from the Book of Revelation.  Homegoing Services are pending at this time.

It is only befitting that we remember and honor our shepherd with a scripture – to comfort our hearts: “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work” (2 Thessalonians 16-17).

In honor of Pastor Brown, the pastoral pulpit chair will be draped until April 8, 2018, as we remember our dynamic and God-led pastor emeritus. May the Lord bless the works of his hands and the teaching that he instilled in our congregation.

Sorrowfully Submitted,

Pastor Robert Earl Houston and the
Members of Mercy Seat Missionary Baptist Church
St. Louis, Missouri

by Robert Earl Houston

Last evening our church, Mercy Seat Missionary Baptist Church, had been invited to a Revival Service at the Oak Grove Baptist Church of St. Louis, Inc. It was a great crowd. The music was provided by the St. Louis Union Gospel Chorus (and how the Lord used them!!!).

The guest evangelist was Rev. Brian K. Weaver, Jr.

Not one of the Convention, State or District leaders.
Not one of the guys who is “on the circuit” across the country.
Not a megachurch pastor.
Not a “convention preacher.”
Not even a “conference preacher” who is seen in most conferences across the country.

Rev. Weaver is a 20-year-old preacher – an associate minister at Oak Grove. In his preaching, he reminds me of a young Dr. Donald Parson. He has presence powered by the Holy Spirit. He went from the drums to the pulpit fluidly and how he blessed those in attendance by his preaching. He didn’t stay there long . . . maybe 20 minutes at most . . . and then a grown man walked down the aisle to unite with the church. God be praised!

It was refreshing to see this young man preach. The energy, the connection, the gifts on display. And it made me think . . . how refreshing it was to just go to church and hear a young preacher who was not trying to preach to impress, or run for denominational office, or preach with an agenda – rather, just to open the book and preach. The celebration of preaching was amazing.

Maybe we have become accustomed to only wanting to hear the “stars of the church” that we forget that everyone had to start somewhere in ministry . . . namely, the beginning. If you can’t be blessed and encouraged by someone who doesn’t have the cadre of degrees or the trappings of a large church . . . you may be missing out on a solid presentation.

As I grow older in the ministry, I am amazed by the continued preaching strength of my elders; I am amazed by the powerful preaching of my contemporaries . . .

And last night, I am encouraged by that new, younger crowd, that will one day receive the mantle of ministry across this country. Job well done Rev. Weaver!

by Robert Earl Houston

ST. LOUIS – Today marks the ninth Sunday in the year of our Lord 2019. Of those nine Sundays, three have now become weather-related cancellations. That means 1/3 of our Sunday morning worship services in 2019 have been canceled and according to long-range forecasts, this may not be the last one for this winter/spring.

It is real living in the Midwest. Every area of the country has some type of relevant reasons for shutting their doors. In California – it may be wildfires or even excessive heat; In the Northwest – it may be snow or flooding; In the South – it could be a tornado watch or flooding; In the North, it could be bitter cold; In Florida or the Carolinas or Georgia, it could be hurricanes or flooding.

But this year for us in St. Louis, it’s the snow. Several of us have had or scheduling make-up services to give our parishioners the opportunity to worship and support their local congregation.

In this season it’s a matter of trusting God. Financially, snow puts a strain on any church’s budget. You have to deal with snow removal, sometimes a busted pipe or some internal flooding, higher heating bills, etc. I have learned to trust God to be “Jehovah-Jireh” – the provider in these times of weather uncertainty. Surely, He will make a way.

So my lament is also my praise! I praise Him for his protection extended to every member of the congregation that I have the privilege of serving as pastor. And I’m trusting God to continue to provide.

When I first heard Dr. Charles E Booth, I was in awe and amazement of his handling of the text. He floored me with his vocabulary, depth of research, and practicality that flowed not just that day but every time I heard him. If there was ever a “cleanup batter” in preaching, it was Dr. Booth.

What impressed me as well was his common touch. I remember getting the opportunity just to talk with him and he treated me like he had known me for years and then every time I saw him, he remembered me.

To hear of his homegoing yesterday is sad and my prayers are offered on behalf of his wife and his congregation in Columbus. This is a sad day for the clergy of the cloth . . . but we cannot be saddened without celebration that he has bested our time in eternity.

Within the past week two exceptional leaders have answered the clarion call of the Lord – Dr. Thomas H. Peoples, Jr., venerable pastor of the Historic Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church of Lexington, KY and Dr. Earl A. Pleasant, founding pastor of the Greater New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church of Inglewood, CA.

LEXINGTON, KY – I had the privilege of working with and preaching for Dr. Peoples on several occasions. He was instrumental in my name being submitted by him as the sole candidate for President of the Kentucky State Convention of the Progressive National Baptist Convention, where I served two complete terms. I had the privilege of serving as his guest speaker for his Women’s Day and Men’s Day programs, respectively. Dr. Peoples served as a past President of Simmons Bible College (now Simmons College of Kentucky) and past President of the Congress of the Progressive National Baptist Convention. He was a denominational leader in the Consolidated Missionary Baptist District Association, the General Association of Baptists in Kentucky, and he continued to lead Historic Pleasant Green as they were making transition to a new church plant.

His homegoing services have been announced as follows: (from Milward Funeral Directors):

The Reverend Doctor Thomas Howard Peoples, Jr. was born June 17, 1939 in Lexington, Kentucky to the late Thomas Howard Peoples, Sr. and the late Bettie D. Peoples. He was happily married for 56 years to his loving, supportive, and devoted wife, Doctor Delma L. Peoples. To their union, was born five children: Thomas Howard Peoples, III, Pastor Stewart Titus Peoples, Pastor Samuel U. Peoples (Benita), Pastor David (Margaret) Rodmann People, and Bettina (Anthony) L. Wright; one sister Charles Peoples Brown; two nieces among others, Bethany RayAnne Brown and Pamela (Walker) Cheatham; the late Howard Peoples and surviving Ted Peoples. There are 12 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and a host of extended family.

Dr. Peoples was a soul-winner of thousands for the Lord Jesus Christ in addition to a mentor for preachers and pastors across the country. Denominational leaders noted him as a “Father in the Ministry.” Peoples successfully pastored First Baptist Church of Bracktown, Kentucky for 10 years, First Baptist Church of Versailles, Kentucky for 5 years, and Historic Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church of Lexington, Kentucky for the last 41 years. He earned degrees from Simmons Bible College, the Lexington Theological Seminary, and received numerous honorary degrees and awards for his service. He was named by leaders and recognized by the media as one of the top ten church leaders in Kentucky.

Peoples was a Navy Veteran, Civil Rights Leader, Seminary President, Academy Founder, Moderator, Congress President, a renowned scholar, lecturer, eulogist and revivalist. He was a beloved and respected community leader known for his sacrifices to encourage the hospitalized, incarcerated, the poor, and the marginalized.

Visitation will be from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Monday June 17, 2019 at the Historic Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church and from 9:30 AM to 10:45 AM, Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at Heritage Hall East Hall.  A Masonic Rite of Passage Ceremony will be held at the church on Monday at 7:00 PM.  Funeral Services will be on Tuesday at 11:00 AM at Heritage Hall East Hall.  

INGLEWOOD, CA – Early this morning, word has quickly spread that another legendary minister had passed – the Rev. Earl A. Pleasant, founding pastor of the Greater New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church of Inglewood, California.

Dr. Pleasant’s father was the legendary Dr. Earl Pleasant, founding pastor of the Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church.  Dr. Pleasant served Greater New Bethel approximately 40 years. During that time he was active in the California State Baptist Convention and in the National Baptist Convention of America, Inc. International under the leadership of Dr. E. Edward Jones and Dr. Stephen John Thurston.

Dr. Pleasant was well respected among ministers throughout the nation. His sister is the songwriter and arranger, Dr. Margaret Douroux, who served as his Minister of Music until her retirement.

As of this writing, homegoing services are pending. Please keep this family in your prayers.

Courtesy: Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc.

Vacant Pulpit: Christian Love Baptist Church Modesto, CA

Filing Open July 1, 2019- Closing Deadline September 2, 2019   5:00 pm

Principle Function:

Christian Love Baptist Church in Modesto, CA is prayerfully seeking a pastor called by God and equipped to effectively preach and teach God’s Word.  The candidate must be a born again, baptized believer in Jesus Christ with the ability to also fulfill the spiritual needs of the congregation through visitations, prayer and administering the Ordinances of the Church.

(1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9)

Principle Responsibilities and Accountability:

Requirements:

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree and/or equivalent experience in Pastoral Ministry.  Graduate of an accredited seminary/divinity school or Bible College preferred.

Experience:

Must be an ordained preacher of the Gospel.  

A minimum of three years of Pastoral experience as Baptist Pastor or an Assistant to the Pastor is preferred. (1 Timothy:3:1-13)

Required Submissions:

    **All Applicants will be subject to a Background Check

Interested Applicants must submit required information (via mail, post marked by the application closing date September 2, 2019   5:00 pm) to:

Pulpit Search Committee

Christian Love Baptist Church

202 H Street

Modesto, CA 95351

The oldest Black Baptist church in New Mexico (an affiliate of the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc.) is currently seeking an experienced, born again, bible believing ordained Baptist minister who is excellent with interpersonal relationships. All candidates must provide a proven record of active participation in their District Associations, State and National Convention. A proven record of growth and development of ministries at your previous/present church is required. All educational and personal experiences that are spiritually based will be considered. A strong belief in Baptist doctrine i.e., “The Articles of Faith, and the two ordinances: “Baptism by Immersion” and “The Lord’s Supper” is a must. All interested candidates should forward a resume to Mount Olive Baptist Church, Attn Search Committee Chairman via email: mombc.finance@gmail.com or 2401 University Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM  87106. Deadline for submission is September 30, 2019.

PASTORAL VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Application Period August 1, 2019 – August 31, 2019

The First Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church (1^st G Church) membership is prayerfully seeking a full-time Senior Pastor called by God who has the following qualifications, experience, characteristics and attributes to effectively preach and teach God’s Word. The Senior Pastor is to be responsible for the Biblical and Spiritual obligations as outlined in 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus, as well as a man after God’s own Heart (1 Samuel 13:14). The Senior Pastor is to be a born again baptized believer in Jesus Christ and can fulfill the spiritual needs of the 1^st G Church congregation. The Senior Pastor is to be accountable, first and foremost to GOD and HIS WORD, secondly to his Family, the 1^st G Joint Council, and the membership of 1^st G Church.  The Senior Pastor is to be a visionary with strong leadership and communication skills who preaches the Gospel of Jesus Christ, teaches sound Biblical/National Baptist doctrine, engages in Christian growth and development, promotes missions at home and abroad, and pursues the Great Commission as outlined in Matthew 28.

1st G Church has been in existence since 1910 with a diverse, predominantly African American membership. On January 26, 2019, our pastor of 35 years, Dr. T. Vaughn Walker transitioned home to be with the Lord. God has proven faithful throughout the history of 1^st G Church. May He continue to lead and direct us as we move, in His name, into a new era.  WE BELIEVE in and stand on the Holy Bible as the revealed and inspired Word of God; The Lord’s perfect revelation to humankind. WE BELIEVE that Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, is the only way to salvation. WE BELIEVE in a Triune God (Father, Son [Jesus Christ], and Holy Spirit) as the one and only true God. WE BELIEVE that all believers are called and spiritually gifted for ministry service for the present age. The local church is a body of baptized believers in Jesus Christ who work in covenant relationship under the headship of Jesus and led by a Senior Pastor as overseer and under shepherd.

Senior Pastor Job Description

 Responsibilities and Functions:

Leading. — In consultation with God and in collaboration with the Leadership of 1^st G Church, the Senior Pastor will establish the vision annually for this body of believers.  The Senior Pastor will lead and develop the ministerial staff in equipping the congregation to fulfill the Great Commission and accomplish the vision and purpose of this church. The Senior Pastor will provide leadership, direction and operational support to the ministry and ministries of the church.

Administering. — The Senior Pastor will administer and oversee the ministerial staff of the church. The Senior Pastor will administer the policies and procedures of the church.

Ministering. — The Senior Pastor will use his spiritual gifts to edify and build this local body of believers. The Senior Pastor will provide appropriate pastoral care to members of the church and the community and will equip the members of the ministerial staff and the deacon body to do the same.

Communicating. — The Senior Pastor will preach and teach the Bible, believing that it has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture of error for its matter. The Senior Pastor will communicate the vision for the ministry that God gives to this congregation.

Qualifications:

• Licensed and ordained preacher of the gospel with five years’ ministry experience.
• Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university.

(Degree from an accredited Seminary in Biblical Studies, Divinity, or Theology preferred).

• Expository preaching/teaching style
• Husband of one wife or wife of one husband.
• Evidence of effective administration, leadership, and communication skills-verbal/written.
• Ability to work with a diverse congregation across all races, genders, and ages.
• Evidence of effective engagement in larger local, state, and national community.
• Committed to continuing education, personal development, and convention participation.
• Staff and volunteer development and coaching.
• Financial awareness and responsibility.
• A visionary with sound judgment and discernment.
• Not convicted of a criminal offense.
• Other administrative duties.

Please submit a candidate package consisting of the following documents:

• Cover Letter
• Current Resume
• Ordination Certificate
• Copy of College Degree(s)
• 2 Preaching Sermon DVDs/video links
• 2 Teaching Bible Study DVDs/video links

IMPORTANT NOTE – PLEASE READ PRIOR TO SUBMITTING DOCUMENTS:

Documents may not be submitted independently of each other and any missing information will result in automatic disqualification.

Selected candidates will be notified and asked to provide additional information later in the selection process.  In addition, final candidates must also submit to a reference check, a criminal history background check, and a credit and financial history review (preformed through an outside agency for complete confidentiality).  The Pastoral Search Committee will treat any and all information confidentially.

All documents may be submitted by mail or via email to:

First Gethsemane Baptist Church
Attn:  Pastoral Search Committee
P.O. Box 21432
Louisville KY 40221

pastoralsearch@1stgchurch.org

Mailed documents must be postmarked by August 31, 2019.  Emailed documents must be received no later than 11:59 p.m., August 31, 2019.

All applicants will receive a receipt confirmation email within 14 business days.

by Robert Earl Houston

1. Never advertise where you’re going to preach. Some church members want to hear only their pastor.

2. Trust God in the process.

3. Never criticize or fight your or another pastor – it will come back to haunt you. And, it opens you to reap the same when (or if) you pastor.

4. Always have a sermon ready – you never know when you may have to preach on the spot.

5. Never enter another church’s pulpit without invitation from the Pastor. It’s better to be asked up than asked down.

6. Encourage your pastor and fellow associates.

7. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy your time as an associate. The day may come when you wind up as a pastor and you’ll look back on the days when you sat under your pastor, etc.

8. Stick by your pastor. Repeat stick by your pastor.

9. Never end a sermon without expressing the hope and power of the crucifixion, the burial, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

10. Now is the time to start investing in your ministry. Instead of $800 gators on your feet, get Logos or Word Search. Instead of $1,500 to hang out in Vegas, use that money and go to IC3 or E.K. Bailey or other major conferences that will bless your ministry.

This is not a criticism nor a critique. This is just a few words from someone who has been an Associate Minister, an Interim Pastor, an Administrative Assistant, and a Senior Pastor. My desire as I knock on the door of 60 is to be a blessing to preachers and pastors, especially this next generation – which I believe will be THE critical generation to the Church.