LOS ANGELES, California – The Second Baptist Church of Los Angeles (SBCLA) has posted a pulpit opening for a senior pastor to lead their traditionally black congregation into the next phase of the 21st century.st Century. Founded in 1885, the SBCLA has enjoyed a continuous presence in the Los Angeles community for 139 years. For the last 37 years, the church has been under the leadership of Reverend Doctor William Saxe Epps and First Lady Agretta Epps.
The mission of the SBCLA is to recognize that “God was in Christ, redeeming, reconciling, and restoring the world to himself” (2 Corinthians 5:19). Its vision is to continue the work of Christ by developing ministries that address the needs of today’s society.
Complete application documents for the vacant position will be accepted by October 7, 2024.
Key tasks and responsibilities
- Direct and oversee the spiritual welfare of the church by preaching and teaching the Word of God. Ability to lead within the framework of the church constitution. Administer the church ordinances: Holy Communion and Baptism.
- Implement a visionary plan to increase membership and a culture of giving (stewardship) in the church.
- Lead the church through an effective evangelism program.
- Embrace traditional and contemporary forms of music and worship, understanding the intergenerational and cultural nuances that are critical to the continued growth of the church.
Preferred qualifications and practical experience
The ideal candidate’s ideology will be supported by the teachings of the Holy Bible as well as the experience, spirituality, consciousness and culture of African Americans. Special qualifications include:
- Sound interpretation of the gospel of Jesus Christ in traditional African American pastoral preaching. Use a preaching style that is textual, narrative, challenging, personal, and engaging, making God’s Word applicable to daily life.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills reaching diverse age groups and populations.
- Strong leadership, business and financial skills related to the church’s interest in economic development, grants, projects, charitable programs and investments.
Minimum requirements
- The candidate must be at least a baptized believer who is passionate about and dedicated to the ministry of Jesus Christ.
- The candidate must have experience as at least an assistant pastor, but preferably as a senior pastor in a church of similar or larger size.
- Maintain a schedule that allows church members to be available when needed.
- Experience in leading the growth or rebuilding of a church.
- Do you hold accreditation/license/ordination with the Baptist denomination.
- You hold a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree, in particular a Master of Divinity and/or preferably a doctorate from a recognized theological seminary.
- The candidate must possess the following qualities: a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, integrity, passion, vision, humility, financial responsibility, determination, encouragement, mentor, teacher, and a peaceful, patient man/woman of God.
Application documents
Application materials are confidential and will not be returned to applicants. Applicants must provide the Pastoral Search Committee with the following as part of the complete application package:
- Short biography and photo (current photo at least six months old)
- Expression of interest (please answer the following questions)
- Why do you think you would be a good fit for the position of Senior Pastor of Second Baptist Church Los Angeles? (Theoretically)
- Describe your experience in church ministry and what qualifications you have to work as a pastor in our church. (Examples)
- Resume
- A public sermon and a recent public Sunday school or Bible class. Please submit via USB stick (examples: YouTube, video, etc.)
Application documents must be submitted electronically by email to [email protected] or Priority Mail with tracking to Second Baptist Church, 6695 Green Valley Circle, PO Box 2605, Culver City, CA 90230-9997. No calls will be accepted to the church in connection with the search operation.
Once the application materials have been reviewed, the Pastoral Search Committee will contact potential candidates regarding the next steps in the process. All candidates will be subject to a background check as part of the application process.
