ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:
First Baptist Church of Ojai (FBCO) has a heart for its city and the nations with a commitment to the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ. Since its beginning, over 100 years ago, FBCO has grown into a multi-generational family of faith that seeks to be a blessing to our neighbors around the corner and around the world. These efforts include meeting physical needs of the homeless and hungry, community service projects, financially supporting benevolent causes, sending and supporting missionaries, and partnering with other Bible-believing churches in the Ojai Valley.
Snapshot:
• Weekly Attendance: 85-100
• Location: Ojai, CA
• Denomination & Affiliations: American Baptist Churches of Los Angeles, Southwest, and Hawaii
ABOUT THE POSITION:
As a member of the Elder Board, and the first among equals, the Senior Pastor will partner with the Elders to speak into, support and communicate the vision for all ministries and activities of FBCO. The Senior Pastor will provide spiritual leadership so as to inspire and equip the leaders in order that they may shepherd the congregation in the mission of making disciples. The individual that assumes this position will have a successful history of organizational leadership and development, strong interpersonal and communication skills, and pastoral administration. He will effectively preach and provide guidance to the congregation and will be competent in counseling and leading others towards greater conformity to God’s image. FBCO is committed to the Great Commission and the Senior Pastor will exemplify servant-leadership and model for others how to use their God-given passions and spiritual gifts for ministry and mission.
WHAT WE ARE SEARCHING FOR/QUALIFICATIONS:
Undergraduate degree from an accredited institution, with a graduate level seminary degree strongly preferred.
The candidate will meet the Biblical qualifications of an Elder (1 Timothy 3:2-7, Titus 1:6-9, 1 Peter 5:1-3) and will have at least ten years of leadership experience, including a minimum of five years working as an effective leader of ministry teams, with the responsibility of communicating vision to volunteers and the creation of various organizational goals and systems in a small/medium church context. A proven track record of growing a ministry and of working in a ministry setting that is multi-generational is required, while the ability to offer strategic foresight, and sound pastoral input, will be essential. The candidate will further possess a remarkable aptitude for expository preaching and speaking.
ABOUT THE LOCATION:
Ojai, pronounced “OH-hī”, is a small city in Ventura County, California, 80 miles northwest of Los Angeles and 35 miles south of Santa Barbara. Set in a valley bordered to the north by the Topa Topa Mountains and the Los Padres National Forest, the city has a village-like center dotted with art galleries and New Age shops. “Shangri-La” is the city’s self-styled nickname which references the natural beauty of this health-and-spirituality-focused region. This is a clue to the reality that while Ojai enjoys an average 270 days of sunshine per year there is a spiritual darkness that persists. Nevertheless, Ojai is undoubtedly a special place sought out by many.
SALARY AND BENEFITS:
Compensation negotiable and commensurate with experience.
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested candidates should go to https://www.fbcojai.org/senior-pastorsearch and download the job description and application. Applications can either be mailed to First Baptist Church of Ojai, 930 Grand Avenue, Ojai, CA, 93023 or emailed to [email protected].
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