Senior Pastor

Woodland Baptist Church is prayerfully seeking a full-time pastor to shepherd us as we carry out our mission to develop disciples of Jesus Christ who love God, love others, and live on mission.  We are a long established, multi-generational congregation located in a mid-sized metro area in Central Illinois, with a membership that extends to local communities.  Our mission-minded congregation has a strong foundation on which to continue building.

The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership qualities, a deep understanding of Christian teachings, and the ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds. As a Pastor, you will play a vital role in fostering spiritual growth, providing support during challenging times, and promoting a sense of belonging among church members. Woodland Baptist is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, Illinois Baptist State Association, and Metro Peoria Baptist Association.

If you are interested and feel God is calling you to join with us in our mission, please submit a cover letter and resume to SearchTeam@woodlandbaptistchurch.net .  We will be accepting resumes until August 15, 2025.

For more information about Woodland Baptist Church, visit our website at https://wbcpeoria.churchcenter.com/home  

Responsibilities:

• Deliver engaging and meaningful sermons that inspire and educate the congregation.
• Provide pastoral care through counseling, crisis intervention, and spiritual guidance. 
• Conduct ceremonies such as weddings, baptisms, and funerals.
• Lead Bible studies and educational programs to deepen understanding of scripture.
• Facilitate community outreach programs to strengthen connections with local organizations.
• Communicate effectively with church members through various channels.
• Mentor and develop church leaders and volunteers.

Qualifications:

• A strong personal relationship with Jesus Christ and a commitment to Christian faith.
• 5-10 years experience in pastoral leadership, preaching, and teaching.
• Master of Divinity or similar degree
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to provide spiritual counseling and support.
• Passion for discipleship and outreach.
• Maintain a lifestyle that meets the biblical guidance for believers and the  specific requirements for overseer detailed in 1 Timothy 3:1-7.
• Believe in the inerrancy of the Bible, believe the Bible is the inspired word of God and is completely relevant to today’s world.
• Uphold and agree to the Baptist Faith and Message

Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Health insurance and retirement plan options.
• Paid time off and professional development opportunities.