Employment Opportunities

NOTICE OF PASTOR VACANCY AT EBENEZER BAPTIST CHURCH

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

The historic Ebenezer Baptist Church of Jackson Ward in Richmond, Virginia, is seeking a senior Pastor to lead its flourishing congregation into the next phase of the 21^st century. Applying candidate must embody pastoral characteristics that are grounded in the tenets of the American Baptist Churches, U.S.A, the Baptist General Convention of Virginia, and the Shiloh Baptist Association; have a deeply rooted biblical foundation in the historical, theological, and sociopolitical consciousness of the Black Church; and exhibit a passionate commitment to social justice, as well as community and spiritual development of a diverse member demographic.

Ebenezer Baptist Church has existed for 166 years at the corner of Leigh and Judah streets proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ. The church building was dedicated on May 30, 1858. Its membership was composed of 188 “slave” and “free” Blacks. The name “Ebenezer” was adopted for the new church, in place of “Third African.” As a historic congregation, Ebenezer takes immense pride in supporting the establishment of the first Black YMCA in Richmond, the first public school for Black children in Richmond, and Hartshorn Memorial College, which later merged with Virginia Union University. Our congregation recently established two endowments: the Ebenezer Community Empowerment Fund and the Henderson-Armwood Endowment for Sacred Music and Arts. The new senior pastor will play a critical role in moving this philanthropic ministry forward.

Ebenezer seeks a leader whose pastoral vision mirrors the church’s mission to love all people and empower our community through the gospel of Jesus Christ through leadership in the areas of worship, Christian education and faith formation, pastoral care, church administration, and community engagement.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE

The ideal candidate will be or possess the following qualifications:

• Demonstrate gifted preaching and teaching abilities
• Be of strong Christian character with moral integrity beyond reproach
• Possess a friendly, helpful, sincere attitude
• An ordained minister recognized (or qualified to be recognized) by the American Baptist Churches U.S.A.
• A graduate of an accredited theological institution with a Master of Divinity degree or equivalent graduate degree in religion (Master of Theology, Master of    Arts in Religion, Master of Sacred Theology, etc.)
• At least 3 to 5 years of verifiable experience as an assistant pastor, associate pastor, or senior pastor in a Baptist congregation
• At least one unit of Clinical Pastoral Education, two units are preferred
• Ability to lead within the framework of the Church Bylaws
• Strong finance and administrative management acumen
• Maintain and strengthen connections with American Baptist denominational partners at the regional and national levels
• Understand intergenerational and cultural nuances of the church membership and community

The senior Pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church is head of the clergy and ministerial staff, administrative staff, and Music Ministry staff. The pastor is accountable to the congregation through the Board of Administration, which consists of all church ministries chairs and committee chairs.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit the items listed below in a single e-mail transmission to recruiting@ebenezerrva.org. Incomplete application packages will not be considered. All materials sent to the Ebenezer Baptist Church Pastoral Search Committee will be kept confidential and are non-returnable to applicants. Ebenezer Baptist Church shall not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, age, or sexual orientation. All submissions are due on or before September 30, 2024.

Interested candidates should submit the following:

• Resume that includes education, licenses and certifications, relevant ministerial experience, publications, honors, and awards (3-page maximum)
• Cover letter that describes your approach to pastoral ministry and explains why you believe God is leading you to Ebenezer (2-page maximum)
• Sermon recording link to a previously recorded sermon on YouTube, Facebook, or church website that is the best representation of your preaching style, if available
• Transcripts: undergraduate and graduate school transcripts (electronic copies are acceptable)
• Multiple references with verifiable contact information