Senior Pastor

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionSenior Pastor - First Baptist Church Aurora
First Baptist Church
"A Community of Christ Followers Sharing the Hope of Jesus"

With a long history in the downtown area of Aurora, Illinois, First Baptist Church finds itself at the intersection of an exciting and challenging ministry. To continue our presence in Aurora, the church is looking for a creative, strong leader who will help the church:

- Adapt to the changes brought by the retirement of the long-term Pastor and the changes in culture since Covid.

- To see a new vision for ministry in Aurora

- Strengthen our diverse congregation through spiritual growth, worship and discipleship.

The foundation and history of the church lies in caring for one another and mission done in a variety of ways. The opportunities for the future are numerous.

- The building is large with many opportunities and rooms for ministry.

- First Baptist Church's building is right on the edge of downtown Aurora which is a whole ministry in and of itself.

- The church is just down the street from Wabaunsee Community College, a half mile from West Aurora High School and 1.5 miles from Aurora University.

- The church is within walking distance of many apartments an home.

- The neighborhood connects the church to a diverse population with many possibilities for connection and presence.

What First Baptist Church of Aurora Desires in a Senior Pastor


First Baptist's Pastor gives spiritual oversight to the congregation, using God-given gifts and personal skills, in the leadership of worship, teaching, prayer, vision, and outreach of the church.

FBC's leadership needs, the following are some of the strengths the church is looking for as the next Pastor:

Worship Leadership - As the largest gathering of the congregation, the church values the Pastor's leadership in working with the Music Minister and laity in the implementation of worship experience.

Interpreting the Faith - To guide in discipling one another and with understanding our historic faith as it interacts with the ever-changing world around us.

Outward Ministry Leadership and Church Growth - Recognizing the need to reach out beyond ourselves, the church needs a Pastor to walk with us in the uniqueness of the ministry setting and see the possibilities of reaching into the community, enhancing and growing the outreach the church is doing for the sake of the Kingdom of God.

Preaching / Communication - To connect the congregation to the Word of God and be able to effectively communicate the truth of God's Good News to those both inside and outside the church.

Pastoral Care - To be a caring presence of the congregation, in homes, and in the community.

Visitation - To be present in the community. There are so many options of places to be present: Colleges/Universities, downtown Aurora, schools, businesses, neighborhoods, hospitals and home.

Submit a resume to:

Doug Varney
First Baptist Church Search Committee Chairperson

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