Senior Pastor

Faith Baptist Church

State College, Pennsylvania Full-Time www.growingatfaith.org

About Faith Baptist Church

Faith Baptist Church serves the State College community with the mission of “People Growing Together in Christ” (Ephesians 4:16). We are an independent Baptist church affiliated with the GARBC and PARBC, with a weekly attendance of 80 - 100. Our congregation is made up of families, college students, professionals, and retirees drawn together by a shared love for God’s Word and one another.

Located in the heart of central Pennsylvania and home to Penn State University, State College offers a unique ministry context. Our church has a meaningful connection to the university community and a desire to reach college-age students with the gospel while also shepherding families and individuals in all stages of life.

What Makes FBC Distinctive

• A Bible-centered church committed to the authority and sufficiency of Scripture
• Traditional worship rooted in hymns that exalt the character of God
• A warm, relational congregation that values fellowship, prayer, and outreach
• Proximity to Penn State University and a heart for college and young adult ministry
• A committed team of deacons who serve alongside and support the pastor
• Missions-minded congregation, with a desire to know and care for the missionaries we support

Position Overview

Faith Baptist Church is prayerfully seeking a full-time Senior Pastor to shepherd our congregation and lead us in gospel-centered ministry. We desire a man who loves the Lord, is guided by His Word, led by the Holy Spirit, and faithfully teaches the whole council of God while building relationships within the church and the surrounding community. The Senior Pastor will serve under the authority of Scripture and in partnership with the deacons to provide spiritual leadership for the church family.

Primary Responsibilities

Preaching & Teaching

• Preach and teach the Word of God faithfully and clearly in Sunday morning worship, Wednesday evening prayer meeting, Sunday school, and special services
• Establish the order of service for public worship
• Preach Christ from every text with biblical depth and practical application

Shepherding & Pastoral Care

• Have oversight of the spiritual welfare of the church family
• Give counsel to members and attendees as needed
• Conduct hospital visits, shut-in visitation, and church member care
• Prepare candidates for baptism and administer baptism and the Lord’s Supper

Leadership & Discipleship

• Equip the saints for the work of service (Ephesians 4:12)
• Provide leadership for Christian education and discipleship ministries
• Provide oversight and guidance for community group ministry with the deacons
• Work with the deacons to advise in areas of leadership that affect the church family
• Serve as ex-officio member of all boards and committees
• Moderate business meetings when the chairman of the deacons is not available

Community & Outreach

• Seek to be an example to the church family in personal walk with Jesus Christ and as an active participant in church family life
• Be present and engaged in the life of the church and the broader State College community
• Embrace the opportunity to reach and disciple college students and young adults

Qualifications

Spiritual & Character Qualifications

• Meets the biblical qualifications for pastor/elder (1 Timothy 3:1 - 7; Titus 1:5 - 9; 1 Peter 5:1 - 3)
• A clear testimony of salvation and a life that reflects gospel transformation
• A genuine, humble walk with Christ marked by integrity, servant leadership, and a shepherd’s heart
• A spirit of cooperation, humility, and unity
• Slow to take offense; able to remain calm under stressful circumstances

Theological Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of God’s Word (Acts 6:4; Acts 20:32; Titus 1:9), to be evaluated by written and oral examination
• In full agreement with FBC’s Statement of Faith
• Doctrinally compatible with GARBC/PARBC churches
• Commitment to the authority, sufficiency, and inerrancy of Scripture

Preaching & Communication

• Demonstrated ability to preach, teach, and disciple with clarity and conviction
• Passionate about making much of God’s Word and seeing people grow
• Skilled in communicating complex truths accessibly to all ages and backgrounds
• Skill in apologetics - able to lovingly help those with doubts and questions

Education & Experience

• Seminary training preferred; Master of Divinity strongly preferred
• Prior pastoral or ministry leadership experience preferred
• Heart for relational ministry, shepherding, and pastoral care

Family & Personal Life

• An Ephesians 5:25 husband who loves his wife well
• A loving, connected father whose household reflects godly leadership
• A wife who is engaged in the life of the church and who enjoys serving alongside her husband

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications
• Housing allowance
• Retirement benefit
• Healthcare allowance
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Two days off per week; encouraged to plan one full day reserved for family
• Professional development support
• A church family that seeks to care well for its pastor and his family

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following to opportunities@growingatfaith.org:

• Résumé and Cover Letter with ministry experience and references
• Links to recent sermons or teachings (audio or video)

We have been seeking God’s leading throughout this process and are praying for the shepherd He has prepared for our congregation. If you believe the Lord may be calling you to this kind of ministry, we welcome your application.

Faith Baptist Church
647 Valley Vista Drive, State College, PA 16803
www.growingatfaith.org