Job Board

Job Title: Senior Pastor
Church: Grove Avenue Baptist Church
Affiliation: Southern Baptist Convention (SBC)
Location: Richmond, VA
Employment Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Congregation (with leadership support from Deacons)
About Our Church
Grove Avenue Baptist Church is a Southern Baptist church committed to the inerrancy of Scripture, the Great Commission, and cooperative missions through the Southern Baptist Convention. We affirm the Baptist Faith and Message (2000) and seek a Senior Pastor who will faithfully preach God’s Word, shepherd the congregation, and lead the church in spiritual growth, evangelism, and missions.
Position Summary
The Senior Pastor serves as the spiritual leader and primary preacher of the church, providing biblical teaching, pastoral care, and vision. In accordance with Southern Baptist polity, the Senior Pastor works alongside deacons and church leadership while being accountable to the congregation.
Key Responsibilities
Preaching & Teaching
Preach expository, Christ-centered sermons grounded in Scripture
Teach and uphold doctrine consistent with the Baptist Faith and Message (2000)
Lead worship services in partnership with music and ministry leaders
Provide leadership in ordinances including believer’s baptism by immersion and the Lord’s Supper
Pastoral Care & Shepherding
Provide pastoral counseling, prayer, and spiritual guidance
Perform weddings, funerals, and memorial services
Care for members during illness, crisis, and life transitions
Promote unity and biblical reconciliation within the church
Leadership & Vision
Lead the church in fulfilling the Great Commission through evangelism and discipleship
Cast vision and provide direction for church ministries
Equip and mentor staff, deacons, and lay leaders
Encourage spiritual growth and biblical stewardship
Church Administration & Governance
Work cooperatively with deacons and church committees
Provide leadership in business meetings as appropriate
Oversee church staff and ministries
Participate in budget planning and stewardship initiatives
Missions & Community Engagement
Promote local, state, national, and international missions
Support cooperative missions through the SBC, including Lottie Moon and Annie Armstrong offerings
Represent the church within the local community
Encourage outreach and evangelistic efforts
Qualifications
Required
A clear calling to pastoral ministry
Agreement with and commitment to the Baptist Faith and Message (2000)
Ordination as a minister of the Gospel
Demonstrated experience in preaching, teaching, and pastoral leadership
Strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills
M.Div. or equivalent degree
Preferred
Master of Divinity (MDiv) or higher from an SBC-affiliated seminary
5+ years of pastoral or ministry leadership experience
Experience leading in a congregational church setting
M.Div. from an SBC affiliated seminary
Personal Characteristics
Spiritually mature with a strong personal walk with Christ
Humble, servant-hearted leader
Biblically faithful and doctrinally sound
Relational, compassionate, and approachable
Committed to evangelism, discipleship, and missions
Compensation & Benefits
Salary and benefits commensurate with experience and qualifications. Housing allowance and benefits available in accordance with church policy.
How to Apply
Candidates should submit:
Resume or curriculum vitae
Cover letter describing calling, theology, and ministry philosophy.
Links to 2–3 recent sermons (audio or video)
Three ministry or professional references
Three personal or character references
Written, video, or audio testimony of salvation.
Please send all materials to: pastorsearch@groveave.com
Application deadline: Open until filled.