Senior Pastor
First Baptist Church, Capitol Hill
Nashville, TN

First Baptist Church, Capitol Hill (FBCCH) located in downtown Nashville, TN is seeking a full-time Senior Pastor who will serve as Steward and Servant Leader of the Congregation in all matters of faith and spiritual governance. First Baptist Church, Capitol Hill has a 176-year history grounded in pre-Civil War and post-Civil War development, a growth spanning the 1900s, a life steeped in civil rights and social justice, and a life of adjustment to the challenges of the 2000’s. The successful candidate for the Senior Pastor position at First Baptist Church, Capitol Hill will now lead this congregation as it embraces the current shifts in urban renewal, gentrification, and the changing role of the twenty-first century, historically black church. The current pastor, Dr. Kelly M. Smith Jr. is intending to retire at the end of the calendar year 2023. It is the intent of the church to have his successor in place by then or shortly thereafter for there to be a smooth transition of leadership for the congregation.

FBCCH is a member of the American Baptist Churches, U.S.A., and its affiliate The American

Baptist Churches of the South (ABCOTS), Area VI; the National Baptist Convention, U.S.A., and its affiliates: the Stones Rivers District Association, Tennessee Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention, (including its auxiliaries, the Tennessee Baptist Leadership Education Congress and the Tennessee Baptist Youth Encampment); and the Progressive National Baptist Convention.

Our Vision Statement

Building, restoring, and revitalizing lives through Jesus Christ.

Our Mission Statement

Love God, Make Disciples, Serve Community

Senior Pastor Duties and Responsibilities:

An inclusive and visionary Pastor that models what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ
The Pastor is the chief liturgist for the congregation and is responsible for all worship services of the church.
The Pastor shall direct the ordering of all worship services in collaboration with the worship team to ensure services are meaningful, accessible, and spiritually enriching.
The Pastor shall work with church leadership and staff to establish and execute a vision and strategic plan for the church’s growth and relevant community outreach. This includes leading efforts to design, implement and evaluate the most effective ministries that will achieve the strategic goals of First Baptist Church, Capitol Hill (FBCCH). The church places an emphasis on Worship, Christian Education, Congregational Nurture and Mission/Evangelism.
The Pastor shall provide spiritual leadership and pastoral care to the congregation, fostering a culture of faith, love, and service to all. This includes visiting the sick, counseling those in need, and offering support during times of crisis.
The Pastor shall develop and deliver engaging, biblically and theologically based weekly sermons.
The Pastor shall be responsible for the establishment of regular Bible study, Sunday School classes and other Christian Education opportunities throughout the church year.
The Pastor shall direct the performance of the Ordinances of Baptism and Holy Communion and Dedication and direct the rite of attaining membership with FBCCH.
The Pastor shall perform, at their discretion, the rites of Holy Union or Holy Matrimony, the rites of Funeral or Memorial Services and any other services recognized by the church.
The Pastor shall be the spiritual and administrative leader of the church and shall work in a spirit of cooperation with the Ministry of Stewardship Management Council (church council), Deacons’ Ministry, and the Trustees’ Ministry as it works to keep the church relevant, meet the needs of the congregation, and minister to the community-at-large. This includes:Overseeing the administration and management of church operations, including budgeting, financial planning, and personnel management in the church office.
Mentoring, supervising, and supporting church staff and volunteers, fostering a positive, collaborative work environment with robust leadership development.
The Pastor shall engage and build relationships within the local broader community, at large, by participating in outreach and mission activities, and collaborating with other organizations to address the needs of the community that are consistent with the vision and mission of the church, while casting an inclusive social justice vision that engages and impacts our greater community.
The Pastor shall lead in the growth and development of our youth and young adult population and related ministries to attract and meet the spiritual needs of that demographic.
The Pastor shall have a vision for engaging disciples through digital channels such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, etc.
Senior Pastor Position Required Qualifications:

Embrace the vision and mission of First Baptist Church, Capitol Hill
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
Licensed and Ordained Minister in a Protestant Church
A deep understanding of and commitment to the Bible and Christian theology
Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to connect with a diverse congregation.
Ability to provide spiritual guidance and leadership to people across cultural lines of ethnicity, socioeconomics, age, etc.
A heart for pastoral care and the ability to provide compassionate and empathetic support to congregation members in times of need.
Strong leadership skills, with a passion for empowering others and fostering a collaborative environment.
Senior Pastor Position Preferred Qualifications

Master of Divinity or equivalent with seminary degree coming from an accredited institution of higher education.
Experience as a Senior Pastor (or ministry church staff) with at least 8 years of experience
Application requirements and process:

Applicants interested in applying for the position of Senior Pastor, please submit a resume by July 15, 2023.

Resume
Names of three references (at least one clergy and one layperson) with contact information (email address and phone number)
A brief statement of how you believe the church would benefit from your leadership and your vision for equipping our church to thrive through the advancement of our mission and vision.

Website

www.firstbaptistcapitolhill.org