Shawnee Heights Is Currently Looking For A Senior Pastor

Job Title: Senior Pastor
Location: Shawnee Heights Baptist Church, Topeka, KS
Status: Bi-Vocational

Church Vision

“Loving God, Meeting Needs, Making Disciples”

Mission: We believe a great commitment to the great commission and the two greatest commandments will grow a great church.

Vision: 

• To allow God's love in us to overflow into the lives of the next generation of lost people, believers, and leaders.
• To meet the needs of the underprivileged and rejected children and adults in our area of influence.
• To see people saved, discipled and equipped to share the gospel locally and globally.
  
  

Position Summary

The Senior Pastor is responsible for the spiritual leadership, pastoral care, and overall direction of the church. This individual will be the primary teacher and shepherd for the congregation, guiding it in accordance with the Word of God and the leadership of the Holy Spirit. The Pastor will serve in partnership with the leadership team to lead, disciple, and equip the body for ministry, while also representing the church within the wider Christian community.

Biblical Qualifications

The candidate must meet the biblical qualifications as laid out in:

• Titus 1:6–9
• 1 Timothy 2:1–7
• 1 Peter 5:2

He must be above reproach, spiritually mature, sound in doctrine, and able to teach and lead faithfully with humility and integrity.

Key Responsibilities

1. Spiritual Leadership & Personal Growth

• Maintain a disciplined life of prayer, personal study, and spiritual growth.
• Seek the Lord’s direction through Scripture and prayer for all areas of leadership.
• Intercede regularly on behalf of the congregation.

2. Preaching & Worship Leadership

• Serve as the primary preacher and teacher of God’s Word.
• Facilitate public worship services and administer the ordinances (baptism and the Lord’s Supper).
• Provide biblically sound, Spirit-led, and applicable messages that encourage transformation and obedience.

3. Discipleship & Equipping

• Model and lead intentional discipleship.
• Invest in the spiritual development of individuals and ministry leaders.
• Equip the church body to live out their faith and use their spiritual gifts.

4. Church Administration

• Oversee and coordinate the total ministry of the church in collaboration with the leadership team.
• Lead and support church staff and ministry leaders.
• Ensure effective communication within the church through a variety of methods and media.
• Participate in strategic planning for church growth and outreach.

5. Pastoral Care & Counseling

• Provide pastoral counseling for individuals, couples, and families as needed.
• Conduct and facilitate home and hospital visits and minister to those in crisis or need.
• Promote fellowship through casual, relational engagement with the congregation.

6. Representation & Denominational Involvement

• Represent the church at associational and convention meetings.
• Maintain strong relationships with other associations and community churches and leaders.
  
  

Ideal Candidate Will Possess

• A clear testimony of faith in Jesus Christ and a commitment to live a life above reproach.
• A theological education from a Southern Baptist or similarly aligned institution (preferred but not required).
• A minimum of 5 years of pastoral or ministry experience. (preferred but not required).
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• A passion for evangelism, discipleship, and the local church.
• Agreement with the Church’s Statement of Faith as laid out here.
  
  

Compensation & Benefits

(A finalized package will be discussed with candidates during the hiring process)

Includes:

• Base salary
• Housing allowance
• Health insurance
• Retirement benefits
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Ministry-related expense reimbursement
• Continuing education and conference support

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following:

• A resume or CV
• A personal statement of faith and call to ministry
• Response to the initial questionnaire
• Three references (pastoral, personal, and professional)
• Links to recent sermons (if available)