PASTOR VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
Opening Date: Saturday, June 1, 2013
Closing Date: Saturday, August 31, 2013
The Pulpit Search Committee, representing the membership of Israelite Missionary Baptist Church of Cleveland, Ohio, is seeking a Pastor, called by God to serve as the spiritual leader of the congregation. We seek a visionary with strong leadership skills who will preach the unadulterated gospel of Jesus Christ, teach sound Baptist doctrine, engage in pastoral care ministries, and provide spiritual leadership, development and training.
ABOUT OUR CHURCH
On March 14, 1944, sixteen baptized believers in Christ, headed by Reverend W. M. Davis, met and organized a mission. As our membership began to grow, Rev. Davis and the members decided it was time to organize our mission into a church. A council was called to order with song and prayer. After devotional service, the charge was given to the Pastor as well as to the church along with the reading of the Articles of Faith and The Baptist Church Covenant. It was properly moved, second and approved that the mission be named Israelite Missionary Baptist Church.
Our congregation continued to grow and the Lord blessed us to move to 9722 Buckeye Road. After some time, we moved to our present location, 12527 Kinsman Road, which has since had the mortgage burned. In 1989, the church was destroyed by fire and in 1996, Israelite was again faced with another tragedy as the roof and the inside of the church was totally destroyed by water and snow, but the Lord enabled us to remodel the entire the church.
Today, Israelite Missionary Baptist Church has an active membership of approximately 250 members. The congregation is made up of people of all ages and at all stages of spiritual maturity. The church provides Bible Study, Sunday School classes, over ten ministries and other efforts for its members and the community at large. The mission of Israelite is to be “A Ministry on the Move, reaching the Masses with a Message of Jesus Christ”. Our hope is that Israelite Missionary Baptist Church will continue to be a tower of strength and a beacon of light in the service of Almighty God.
WHO WE’RE LOOKING & PRAYING FOR
Overview of Position and Responsibilities
The Pastor is the spiritual leader of our flock; therefore, applicants must fulfill all the requirements of a pastor, teacher, leader and caregiver. They must be called by God and the ideal candidate for the position of Pastor is one who:
Teaches, preaches and leads the church toward continued spiritual growth;
Serves as a model leader in worship, evangelism, discipleship, stewardship, missions and ministry;
Is able to interact effectively with our multi-generational congregation;
Has a deep desire to serve;
Is a gifted teacher who enables persons to learn and understand deep spiritual truths;
Builds relationships in which people are connected and care for one another;
Provides leadership, a clear vision and a compelling plan for the future of the church;
Lives a lifestyle characterized by moral integrity;
Demonstrates an understanding of church management;
Provides pastoral counseling;
Performs other duties as may be required
The following duties are the ultimate responsibility of the Pastor but may be shared or delegated to others:
Preach and teach the gospel by preparing and delivering relevant, Spirit-filled sermons
Plan and conduct the worship services
Lead in administering the Holy ordinances of Baptism and Communion
Lead and teach stimulating Bible studies, classes and seminars
Provide pastoral ministry to those experiencing illness, bereavement, or incapacitation or other conditions
Officiate at funerals, weddings and baby dedications
QUALIFICATIONS
Candidate’s must be filled with and led by the Holy Spirit. Candidate’s personal character and financial standing must be above reproach both inside and outside the church. Candidates must possess:
A Bachelors degree from an accredited theological seminary or college/university or a combination of education and one (1) to five (5) years of pastoral experience or significant related ministry experience (such as church staff);
Be a born-again, baptized believer in Jesus Christ with qualities and characteristics reflected in 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Galatians 5:22-23 and Malachi 3:10;
Be a Licensed/Ordained Minister in accordance with Baptist Doctrine and Procedures;
Demonstrate sound knowledge of biblical doctrine;
Be a visionary, strategic thinker and planner with sound judgment and discernment;
Must be ethical, possess strong faith, integrity, and dedication and live a lifestyle that reflects God;
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Required Documents
All interested and qualified persons must submit an initial and complete Candidate Package consisting of the following information:
Application
Cover Letter
A current resume that includes a summary of relevant ministry, professional and educational experiences
Copies of awarded degrees (if applicable)
Copies of ministerial license and ordination certificate
Four (4) recommendation letters: (clergy – 2, layperson – 1, and personal – 1)
Two (2) recent sermons on DVD or CD (preferably on DVD, but not required)
Ways to submit information: ISRAELITE APPLICATION <— DOWNLOAD
Electronically
Email to SearchCommittee@IMBCOhio.org. Access the application either online or in person. The application must be completed, signed and scanned with the other documents. Please state in the body of the email how the sample sermons will be sent.
U.S. Mail
Addressed to: Israelite Missionary Baptist Church
Pulpit Search Committee
C/o Deacon Michael Brown
12527 Kinsman Road
Cleveland, Ohio 44120
In Person
Complete package must be sealed in an envelope and addressed to: Pulpit Search Committee, C/o Deacon Michael Brown
Please note: Applicants should only submit one (1) application package using one of the above methods (not multiple). All application packages must be received by midnight August 31, 2013. Missing information may result in automatic disqualification. Final candidates must be willing to submit to a background check and provide additional information later in the process in support of this effort.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Israelite Missionary Baptist Church Pulpit Search Committee will acknowledge receipt of all application packages. All information presented will be treated “Confidential”. Salary negotiations will be discussed later in the process.
CONTACT
For additional information or questions, please contact the search committee at: admin@imbcohio.org
Filed under: Vacant Churches
