Assistant Pastor at First Mount Zion Baptist Church – Dumfries, Virginia

About the Employer:

First Mount Zion Baptist Church has been a cornerstone of the Dumfries, Virginia community for more than 155 years—faithfully serving a congregation of more than 3,000 members and the local community.

We are a premier employer in the area; a vibrant and thriving church with twenty full-time employees who support our mission. If you are seeking an opportunity to share your spiritual and professional expertise in a Christ-centered environment, we invite you to consider joining the ministry team at First Mount Zion Baptist Church—where we strive to connect with people to help them become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.

About the Position:

The Assistant Pastor will play a vital role in supporting the spiritual growth and well-being of the congregation in Dumfries, Virginia. This position collaborates closely with the Senior Pastor to develop and implement meaningful worship services, educational programs, and community outreach initiatives. The Assistant Pastor provides pastoral care, spiritual counseling and guidance to individuals and families, fostering a welcoming and inclusive church environment. Additionally, this position requires active participation in church administration and leadership meetings to ensure alignment with the church’s mission and vision. The Assistant Pastor will work hand-in-hand with the Pastor to demonstrate Christian values and nurture faith within the church and community.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

· Ordination in Baptist denomination.

· Master of Divinity (MDiv) from schools accredited by The Association of Theological Schools (no exceptions made).

· One to three years of experience as an assistant pastor or three to five years of experience as an executive pastor of administration or member care, or Christian education director, or chaplain.

Desired Education and Experience:

· Doctor of Ministry (DMin) from schools accredited by The Association of Theological Schools (no exceptions made).

· CPE credits in any of the following areas: spiritual counseling, spiritual guidance, pastoral care, congregational care, crisis intervention.

· Experience supervising clergy and/or church staff.

Other Desired Qualifications:

· Demonstrated community outreach and/or participation in social justice initiatives.

· Knowledge of church management software and digital and media communication platforms.

Additional Requirements

· Willing to work weekends and various evening hours.

· Proficient in MS Office Suite.

· Able to travel as needed.

Condition of Employment

· Able to pass a background investigation.

Responsibilities:

1. Assists in planning and leading worship services, including preaching and administering sacraments.

2. Provides pastoral care and spiritual counseling to congregation members, offering support during times of crisis or transition.

3. Supports church operations; collaborates with the church business administrator and other church staff.

4. Assists with or officiates funerals, weddings, and other ministerial functions as needed.

5. Conducts hospital and home visitations.

6. Coordinates and leads educational programs such as Bible studies, Officer’s Orientation, and church leadership development.

7. Manages worship, preaching, and teaching assignments for associate ministers and ministers-in-training; develops training content and provides training to facilitate associate ministers’ professional development.

8. Conducts leadership and/or spiritual training to church leaders, volunteers, and church staff.

9. Organizes, coordinates and engages in external community events, service projects, and national campaigns to extend church outreach at the local, state, and national levels.

Competencies:

· Adaptability – Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.

· Change Management – Develops workable implementation plans; Communicates changes effectively; Builds commitment and overcomes resistance; Prepares and supports those affected by change; Monitors transition and evaluates results.

· Collaboration – Actively works within a team-oriented church leadership structure and across offices, departments, organizations, and communities; Leverages multi-generational diverse backgrounds and perspectives to achieve shared goals, foster trust, respect, and collective responsibility.

· Communication – Speaks clearly to deliver sermons and Bible studies and lead discussions; Provides compassionate spiritual counseling; Speaks persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens effectively and responds well to questions; Effective presenter; Writes clearly and informatively.

· Dependability – Responds to pastoral direction and follows instructions; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals.

· Ethics – Treats people with respect; Inspires trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds Christian and organizational values.

· Initiative – Takes independent actions and calculated risks; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities.

· Interpersonal Skills – Displays empathy; Engages in active listening; Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Builds and fosters positive internal and external relationships.

· Leadership – Exhibits confidence in self and others; Inspires and motivates others to perform well; Effectively influences actions and opinions of others; Accepts feedback from others; Gives appropriate recognition to others.

· Planning/Organizing – Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goal and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.

· Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.

· Teamwork – Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone’s efforts to succeed.