Description

Lead Pastor Opportunity Profile

Ridgefield Baptist Church

Ridgefield, CT

With a commitment to God’s Word and a desire to glorify Him, Ridgefield Baptist Church is seeking its next Lead Pastor to love and lead them as they look to what the Lord has next for them in this new season of ministry.

OVERVIEW

Ridgefield Baptist Church (RBC) is a congregation of approximately 130 attenders situated in the town of Ridgefield, CT, about 50 miles from New York City.  At the core of RBC's values lies a love of God’s Word, thankfulness for God’s grace, and desire to pursue God and do His will. Simply put, RBC's vision revolves around "Worship, Connect, Serve."

Located in Fairfield County, Ridgefield, CT offers an attractive blend of charm, natural beauty and a vibrant community. Its tree-lined streets, well-preserved historic homes, and New England ambiance create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Two Metro-North lines (Branchville and Katonah stations) provide train access to Grand Central Terminal in New York City. At the same time, proximity to numerous parks and picturesque landscapes provides ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy hiking, biking and exploring nature trails. The town also boasts a thriving arts scene, featuring a renowned theater, art galleries and cultural events throughout the year. With excellent schools, a tight-knit community, and a wealth of local amenities, Ridgefield is an inviting place to call home.

The dedicated staff, elders and volunteers of RBC are deeply committed to both the community and the ministry. Currently, the church employs an interim associate pastor, a worship director, and an office coordinator, all of which are part-time. With no debt and healthy cash reserves, RBC is financially sound and poised for growth. The Leadership Team, composed of department directors, elders and staff, meets regularly to navigate challenges and embrace opportunities. There is a genuine sense of optimism and hope for the congregation's bright future and the meaningful ministry that lies ahead.

 The ideal candidate will possess exceptional leadership skills, emotional intelligence and a deep reliance on Jesus as the cornerstone of their ministry. Together, the right pastor and RBC will strive to live in a way that brings glory to God, embodying His love, grace and truth through their words, actions and relationships. With clear guidance and compassionate care grounded in their faith, RBC is poised to move forward to accomplish God’s mission for our church, all for the glory of Jesus Christ.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Leadership and vision are essential qualities sought in the new Lead Pastor. The selected candidate will align theologically and doctrinally with RBC and be able to collaboratively develop and articulate a clear vision for the church's future. The pulpit will be a platform for transformative preaching, nurturing a hunger for God's Word and igniting hearts with the fire of faith. The Lead Pastor's visionary leadership will empower the congregation to navigate challenging conversations, embrace growth and step boldly into their calling as followers of Christ.

Collaboration lies at the heart of RBC's journey. Recognizing the strength that lies within their dedicated staff, elders, lay leaders and passionate volunteers, the incoming Lead Pastor will embrace a collaborative approach to leadership. Together, they will form a dynamic team, pooling their talents, insights and wisdom to foster growth, minister to the community and fulfill the church's mission. Empowering others to share in the ministry will not only ignite a sense of ownership but will also unleash the full potential of RBC's collective gifts, propelling the church toward even greater impact and transformation.

As the primary preacher and teacher, the new Lead Pastor will have the opportunity to engage the congregation through vibrant and relatable sermons. A commitment to delivering high-quality, biblically based messages will resonate with the congregation's hunger for spiritual nourishment, inspire personal growth, and equip them to impact the world with the transformative power of the Gospel. Through the power of God's Word, lives will be changed, and the community will witness the profound impact of RBC's unwavering faith.

RBC's location in Fairfield County presents a unique opportunity for community engagement and outreach. With an enthusiastic approach, the next Lead Pastor will build bridges, foster connections, and extend the love of Christ beyond the church's walls. Collaborations with local organizations, partnerships with community services, and events will establish RBC as a dynamic hub of ministry and a beacon of hope in the surrounding area. The congregation will become a shining example of what it means to live out their faith, bringing the Gospel to their friends and neighbors.

Overall, the Lead Pastor opportunity at Ridgefield Baptist Church is an invitation to be part of a remarkable journey of disciple-making and Kingdom impact. With hearts full of expectant hope, our congregation is ready to embark on this new chapter of their story, led by a visionary and compassionate shepherd who will guide them toward a future brimming with God's faithfulness and love.

THE CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate embodies authentic spiritual leadership. He models a deep and personal relationship with Jesus Christ, inspiring others to do the same. Faithful and disciplined in both personal and public spaces, he remains consistent in character, exhibiting the same genuineness whether in the pulpit or in personal interactions. He sincerely loves people, warmly embracing the RBC community and inviting individuals at all stages of faith into deeper spiritual development. With confident leadership, personal charisma, and a humble approach, he creates an attractive and welcoming atmosphere.

The ideal candidate excels in preaching and teaching. He delivers God's Word with conviction, passion, and a Gospel-centered, Biblical foundation. Using an exegetical, expositional, and an appropriately conversational approach, he deftly relates messages to current realities, inspiring people of all generations and spiritual maturity levels to live out their faith. With authenticity and engaging communication, he leads others toward life change through the Gospel.

Relational skills define the ideal candidate. He is approachable, caring, and draws people in through meaningful connections. He builds friendships within and outside the church, encouraging individuals on their spiritual journey. His leadership energizes others, drawing out their strengths and fostering genuine relationships.

Clear and thoughtful communication is a strength. He articulates his vision with clarity and listens with relational intelligence. Proactively engaging with the RBC community, he communicates effectively and keeps stakeholders informed about strategic initiatives.

The ideal candidate assesses ministry effectiveness, implementing improvements and setting goals for future progress. He plans and implements with excellence, developing and supervising staff and volunteers. Collaborating with leaders, he sets direction and establishes priorities, ensuring the greatest impact is achieved.

It’s an exciting time of anticipation at RBC. With the presence and leadership of this kind of faithful, God-honoring leader, RBC has an exciting future, one marked by spiritual growth, a shared purpose and a vibrant expression of faith.

STATED PREFERENCES

·        Must be a born-again believer, committed to maturing in their walk with Jesus Christ and devoted to Scripture.

·        Must be in full agreement with RBC’s Statement of Faith and baptistic in practice.

·        Reflects the elder qualities and qualifications of I Timothy 3 and Titus 1.

·        A theological master’s degree required; MDiv preferred.

·        5+ years’ senior ministry leadership experience including regular pulpit preaching and caring for the people of a church community.

·        Previous experience in oversight of ministry staff and volunteers: a leader that can cast a vision and move the church toward it.

·        A demonstrated competency to preach the Gospel through engaging, expositional preaching that is both conversational and practical—helping people come to Christ and grow as everyday disciples.

·        Core Characteristics:

o  Highly relational and approachable.

o  Spiritually mature and emotionally intelligent.

o  Exceptional communication and organizational skills.

o  Committed to pastoral care of the flock

·        Committed to ordination.

INQUIRY PROCESS

If after reading this description you have interest in the Lead Pastor position at Ridgefield Baptist Church and you feel you meet the qualifications for the role, you are invited to submit the following information for consideration:

1.   Your resume or CV (in Word DOCX format only)

2.   Describe your faith in Jesus Christ. Tell us how you came to personal faith and something about your journey into ministry. How do you spiritually stay refreshed amid ministry demands?

3.   At least two links to video of you teaching/preaching. Please direct us to specific messages (dates and context) that you feel best represent your communication talent.

Requirements

How to Apply

Please see description above.

Primary Contact:  Moorhouse

Email: Ridgefieldpsc@gmail.com

Phone: 2034385751

Apply Online: View