Senior Pastor Job Description

Location: Arlington, Virginia

Position Summary

Memorial Baptist Church, a multi-generational congregation in Arlington, Virginia, is seeking a Senior Pastor to shepherd, teach, and lead our church in a meaningful season of transition and opportunity. We are a relational, thoughtful congregation committed to worship, Scripture, discipleship, and missions. Our next pastor will guide us with spiritual depth, humility, and clarity, helping us grow in faith, strengthen our shared life, and align our ministries for a sustainable future.

About Memorial Baptist Church

· Located just minutes from Washington, D.C., across the Potomac River, in a highly educated, diverse, and fast-paced urban context

· Approximately 70 in-person worship attendance (with additional online participation)

· A warm, relational congregation known for authenticity and genuine care

· Theologically thoughtful, moderate, and non-partisan, grounded in Scripture

· Strong commitment to missions, theological education, and community engagement

· Affiliated with Baptist General Association of Virginia (BGAV), Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF), and NorthStar Church Network

Primary Responsibilites

Preaching

· Proclaim Scripture in a way that is faithful, thoughtful, and relevant

· Foster spiritual growth and biblical understanding across the congregation

· Support and strengthen the church’s teaching ministry

 

Spiritual Leadership

· Provide overall leadership for Christ-centered, blended worship

· Collaborate with music and worship leaders

· Lead ordinances and key moments in congregational life

 

Pastoral Care

· Build meaningful relationships across the congregation

· Provide pastoral leadership for weddings, funerals, and times of need

· Partner with deacons and lay leaders in congregational care

 

Leadership

· Serve as spiritual leader, Church Council chair, moderator of congregational meetings

· Lead and supervise ministerial and professional staff

· Work collaboratively with lay leadership in a congregational governance model

 

Missions

· Champion a strong culture of outreach and service

· Strengthen engagement both within the church and in the broader community

Key Priorities (Early Season)

· Build trust and relational connection within the congregation

· Provide consistent, Scripture-centered preaching

· Strengthen organizational health and ministry alignment

· Help the church clarify and pursue a shared vision for the future

Qualifications

· Demonstrates deep Christian faith, integrity, humility, and emotional intelligence

· Strong preaching, teaching, and communication skills

· Ability to lead with both conviction and grace in a diverse congregation

· Collaborative leadership style with capacity to guide change wisely

· Commitment to thoughtful, Scripture-centered ministry

· Appropriate theological education and ministry experience

· Ordination in the Baptist tradition (or willingness to serve within Baptist practice)

Compensation

· Competitive compensation package (commensurate with education and experience)

· Health insurance and retirement benefits provided

· Church-provided parsonage is available

How To Apply

Please read our Pastor Search Profile and submit the following materials to memorialbaptistsearch@gmail.com:

 

· Resume or CV

· Cover letter describing your sense of calling

· Links to recent sermons (video preferred)

· Any additional relevant materials

 

All inquiries will be handled confidentially.