Senior Pastor

Grafton Baptist Church is a gospel preaching church. We are over 150 years old, and we believe that every word of the Holy Bible has been inspired and spoken by God through the Holy Spirit and is without error. Grafton Baptist is a small rural church located in the hills of Rensselaer County right near the borders of Vermont and Massachusetts. We are located about 40 minutes east of New York’s capital city of Albany. We are also close to Troy, NY; Bennington, VT; and Pittsfield, MA. The town of Grafton has a population of about 2,000 residents. Grafton Baptist is known for faithfully proclaiming God’s Word. Some of our traditional Baptist beliefs are baptism by immersion once a commitment to Christ has been proclaimed. We also believe in the autonomy of the local church. At the current time our Sunday congregation numbers around 40 people. We partner with the Southern Baptist Convention, and our beliefs are consistent with the Baptist Faith and Message (2000). We practice fellowship with other like-minded gospel churches in the local area. We are also involved in missions both locally and internationally. Grafton Baptist Church is seeking a pastor who demonstrates a calling to serve the local church in a leadership position. He must meet the qualifications for an elder and a pastor given in 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Acts 20:28; and Ephesians 4:11-13. We are seeking a pastor who puts God first in his life and demonstrates a genuine love for the congregation of Grafton Baptist and also for the surrounding communities by humble and faithful shepherding. As one of the spiritual leaders of Grafton Baptist the pastor is responsible to the Lord and the church for the pastoral care of the church’s flock through visitations to the sick and infirmed and counseling during difficulties. He would be responsible for outreach into our community to lead others to Christ and invite people to the church. He should be willing to work with other local like-minded pastors to encourage community fellowship. This position has a salary of $35,000. As the Lord blesses the church, the salary could be raised. Another benefit would be living in our 2 bedroom parsonage which is right next door to the church, (rent free) and also includes utilities and heat. Our preference is that the pastor would be full-time, but we understand if he feels the need to be bi-vocational. BIBLICAL QUALIFICATIONS Candidates should demonstrate the qualifications of a life consistent with God’s Word including the following Evidence a sincere love for God and His church through humble servant leadership modeled after Christ Characterized by integrity and Godly character; above reproach in his personal life and public witness Faithfulness in marriage and healthy leadership within the home Self-controlled, self-disciplined, hospitable and wise Able to teach, sound in doctrine and able to encourage and protect the church from false teaching Not quarrelsome, arrogant, or given to destructive habits Maintain church family relationships by calling on and visitation within the local community

Ordained, or willing to be ordained and biblical training YOUR PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES Preaching and Teaching Serve as the primary teacher of the congregation, providing expository sermons with doctrinal integrity and fostering spiritual growth through Sunday services and other ministries. Planning the Sunday Worship Service Coordinate with the elders and worship leaders on the order of service for Sundays, as well as songs that will be included in the worship service. Shepherding & Pastoral Care Build relationships with the members of the congregation to provide care and guidance throughout the various situations they are dealing with in life by applying scripture to them. This would include visitations to members who are homebound, hospitalized, or are in assisted living. Leadership & Equipping Lead the ministry as a whole and equip the church members to implement and serve the church and community. Mission & Outreach Be personally on mission to share the gospel with unbelievers, equip the saints to share the gospel in their life, and lead the church to serve and support missions both locally and around the globe, including possibly leading and planning any mission trips.