Oscoda Baptist Church (OBC) Our vision and mission are simple, yet deep. We desire to be “Friends following Jesus” and we seek “To tell as many people as possible about Jesus Christ.”
Oscoda, Michigan is a rural community surrounded by the natural beauty of Lake Huron on the east, Huron National Forest to the west, and the Au Sable River cutting through it. Oscoda is a tight knit community and resort town, with many seasonal visitors, and has a unique history of being home to a former US Air Force Base.
Oscoda Baptist Church has been a pillar in the community for 67 years and has a reputation of a church that is reaching out to families and children with the gospel. OBC is seeking a lead pastor to exercise oversight of our local church and its ministries, as our current lead pastor is retiring in June after faithfully serving 15 years at OBC. As a church of over 100 regular attendees, we are seeking a man of God who can lead us to grow both quantitatively and qualitatively, as we seek to be a light in our community.
Job Overview
Oscoda Baptist Church is seeking a senior pastor to exercise general oversight of our local church, its ministry, and functions. Oscoda Baptist Church pastors are responsible for the spiritual ministration and rule of the church, for the implementation of church discipline, and for watching over the souls of the members. The primary duties are as follows:
Responsibilities
Preach and Teach
- Devote himself to the ministry of the Word and prayer (Acts 6:4; 1 Timothy 3:2; 2 Timothy 4:2; Titus 1:9)
- Preach the Word by admonishing, exhorting, convicting/reproving, and rebuking, with patience (1 Timothy 4:13; 1 Timothy 5:17; 2 Timothy 4:2; Titus 1:9)
- Equip the saints doctrinally by teaching the Word (Ephesians 4:11-12; 1 Timothy 4:11, 13; 1 Timothy 5:17; 2 Timothy 4:2; Titus 1:9; Titus 2:11)
- Teach by speaking and publicly reading Scripture (1 Timothy 4:11-13)
- Lead by example (1 Timothy 4:11)
- Make the Word of God fully known, proclaim, warn and teach everyone with all wisdom (Colossians 1:25-29)
- Toil and struggle to encourage others, in love, to reach understanding, knowledge, wisdom, good order, and firmness of faith in Christ (Colossians 2:1-5)
Specific Job:
Lead corporate worship each Sunday. Preach Biblical, doctrinally sound sermons, preferably in an expositional manner. Act as lead Bible teacher for the congregation on Sundays, as well as other teaching opportunities. Administer the ordinances, communion, and baptism.
Pastoral Visitation and Care
- Shepherd by focusing on the spiritual needs of the congregation (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-3)
- Devote himself to prayer (Acts 6:4)
- Attend and pray over the sick (James 5:14-18)
Specific Job:
Shepherd the flock by pastoral visitation and lead others to do the same.
Shepherd and Exercise Oversight
- Tend to, care for, and provide spiritual food to the flock (John 21:15-19)
- Protect the church from false teachers (Acts 15:6, 22; Acts 20:17, 28-31; Titus 1:9)
- Judge doctrinal issues (Acts 15:6)
- Guard himself and his doctrinal teaching (1 Timothy 4:16)
- Shepherd and oversee willingly by eagerly being an example (1 Peter 5:2-3; Hebrews 13:17)
Specific Job:
Lead the congregation in a practical Christian life and provide counseling as needed. Decide the direction and course of teaching, as well as ministry focus. Keep the church on a Biblical, Discipleship-driven focus.
Lead and Manage
- Rule the church by giving instruction and admonishing (1 Thessalonians 5:12)
- Manage the church as a father manages and cares for his household (1 Timothy 3:4-5; Titus 1:6)
- Equip elders and the saints by entrusting and presenting them with sound doctrine (2 Timothy 1:13, 2:2)
- Manage and care for his household and family (1 Timothy 3:4-5; 1 Timothy 5:17; Titus 1:6-7)
Specific Job:
Lead pastoral staff meetings and direct and lead others. Specifically, provide counsel and encouragement, to assist in the accomplishment of objectives for the church. All church members are responsible to the pastor(s). As elder, he will provide oversight of the deacons, giving guidance and direction on the business and practical affairs of the church.
Qualifications
- The pastor must be the type of man depicted in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9.
- He should demonstrate a strong devotional and prayer life and a thorough understanding of the Scripture, commitment to its authority as the Word of God, and insight into its interpretation. (Titus 1:9)
- He should have a gift for preaching and demonstrate an ability to relate passages expositionally and the skill to lead worship and preach the gospel. (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:9)
- He should demonstrate an obvious love for Christ and the gospel and a mature personal faith in the Triune God. As well as evidence of spiritual fruit in life. (1 Timothy 3:6; Titus 1:9)
- He should demonstrate understanding, skill, and compassion in caring for people and congregations. (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8)
- He should demonstrate a thorough knowledge of, and commitment to, sound doctrine. (Titus 1:9)
- He should be a strong encourager and lover of people.
- He should display energy and passion in the ministry along with a heart for disciple making and a growing vision for how to effectively make disciples in our community.
- He should demonstrate organizational skills to be able to keep all aspects of ministry clear and focused.
- He should have a heart towards reconciliation in conflicted relationships both personal and corporate.
- He should possess the creativity to envision new possibilities for the ministry of Oscoda Baptist Church.
- He should have at least 5 years of experience as a pastor.
To Apply
Interested applicants should apply by visiting and creating an account with the Converge Placement Network — https//www.convergeplacementnetwork.org/.
No need to email a resume or cover letter. Video sermon sample required to apply.
Please contact Kirsten at Converge MidAmerica with any questions.
