Lead Pastor

ST JAMES BRETHREN CHURCH is a community-focused civic and social organization located in Saint James, Maryland. The church is committed to fostering spiritual growth, discipleship, and faith-based outreach. With a strong foundation in its values and mission, ST JAMES BRETHREN CHURCH provides a welcoming and nurturing environment for its members and the surrounding community.

This is a full-time, on-site role for a Lead Pastor, located at Saint James Brethren Church in Fairplay, MD. The Lead Pastor has the primary responsibility for preaching and teaching the Word of God and the sustaining of Biblical doctrines at Saint James Brethren Church. The Lead Pastor will be deeply rooted in God’s Word and able to competently discern and passionately communicate the Message in a fashion that is easily understood and compels life change.

As the primary but not exclusive communicator for Saint James Brethren Church, the Lead Pastor will routinely connect the congregation to church leadership and its strategic direction, including ensuring awareness and understanding of leadership decisions, and motivating fulfillment of the Church’s mission and vision. It is preferred the Lead Pastor remains in a long-term ministry at Saint James Brethren Church.

• A clear testimony of faith in Jesus Christ.
• Acceptance of Biblical truths as described in the Word of God, the Holy Bible.
• Consistent spiritual and moral character and lifestyle.
• Agreement with the doctrinal statements of The Brethren Church.
• Commitment to abide by the Constitution and By-Laws of Saint James Brethren Church.
• Effective leadership skills.
• Competent in organization, administration and interpersonal relationships.
• Strong in Biblical expository preaching.
• Master of Divinity degree from an accredited seminary is preferred.
• Minimum three years experience in a pastoral ministry; five years experience preferred.

The Lead Pastor has primary responsibility for these ministry tasks: preaching and teaching, leadership for ministry staff and lay leaders, communicating mission and vision, and shepherding. In addition, the Lead Pastor fulfills general pastoral duties and establishes a consistent method of reporting pastoral activities.

• Preaching and Teaching

The Lead Pastor will devote sufficient time in leading the pastoral team in the areas of biblical preaching and teaching to communicate Biblical truth under the guidance and authority of the Holy Bible.

• Leadership for Ministry Staff and Lay Leaders

The Lead Pastor shall promote a team-based ministry model with ministry staff, elected lay leaders, and volunteer lay leaders, setting the tone for a gospel-centered ministry atmosphere, utilizing leadership skills to equip, support, encourage, motivate and organize other ministry staff and lay leaders to lead, plan and execute ministries of the church.

• Communicating Mission and Vision

It is expected the Lead Pastor will establish a regular schedule to study, research, and pray about where God is growing and taking Saint James Brethren Church, and subsequently lead in promoting the Saint James Brethren Church mission and vision to other ministry staff, lay leaders, ministries of the church, and the congregation.

The Lead Pastor’s primary shepherding focus for other ministry staff, elected lay leaders, volunteer lay leaders, and deacons of the church, while meeting regularly with ministry staff, elected lay leaders, volunteer lay leaders, and other members of the congregation for shepherding, discipleship, and fellowship.

• General Pastoral Duties

The Lead Pastor will lead the rotation for preaching, teaching, and sacraments, along with other seasonal and special events as provided by Saint James Brethren Church. The Lead Pastor will take primary responsibility to plan and perform weddings and funerals, while also conducting baptisms and infant/child dedications. The Lead Pastor is expected to conduct pastoral visits and hospital visits, while also delegating visits to other ministry staff, lay leaders, or the Deacon Ministry where appropriate.

Interested applicants can send their resumes and inquiries to