NEW BRUNSWICK THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
Senior Pastor Second Baptist Church Of Asbury Park Giving God Our Heart
NEW BRUNSWICK THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, Upper Montclair, New Jersey, United States
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
POSITION
Senior Pastor
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Senior Pastor serves as the spiritual, administrative, and visionary leader of the church, called by God and appointed by the congregation. This dedicated position is responsible for preaching, teaching, pastoral care, and strategic oversight of ministries and community outreach, in alignment with the mission and core values of the church.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
· Deliver Biblically sound, relevant, and culturally resonant sermons each Sunday that inspire spiritual growth and practical application.
· Lead worship services, administer the ordinances of Baptism and Communion, and preside over special services with reverence and care.
· Provide spiritual leadership that speaks to the Black experience and addresses social, racial, and economic justice from a theological perspective.
· Shepherd and equip church leaders, staff, and ministry teams by providing spiritual guidance, leadership development, resources, and mentorship to help them grow in their faith and serve effectively.
· Provide pastoral care including counseling, weddings, funerals, and hospital visits.
· Provide strong support for Christian education and leadership development across all age groups, ensuring Biblically grounded instruction and preparing disciples to serve effectively within the church and community.
· Work in partnership with deacons, trustees, and committees to provide effective leadership in church governance, decision-making, and the fulfillment of the church’s mission.
· Represent the church in civic, ecumenical, and denominational partnerships.
· Maintain a visible and engaged presence in the surrounding communities (e.g., Asbury Park, Neptune), fostering authentic relationships with community members, and serving as a trusted representative of the church in civic, social, and political life, including participation in key community gatherings and forums that shape the future of the community.
QUALIFICATIONS
· A clear and demonstrated call to pastoral ministry
· Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or equivalent theological degree from a seminary or divinity school accredited by a recognized body, ensuring sound theological and academic training
· Minimum of five (5) years of pastoral leadership, preferably in a Baptist or historically Black church
· Strong knowledge of African American religious history, culture, and community needs
· Exceptional preaching, communication, and interpersonal skills
· Proven history of outreach, discipleship, and community engagement
· Experience in church administration and organizational leadership
· A personal life that reflects spiritual maturity, integrity, and humility
PREFERRED ATTRIBUTES
· Cultural competence and empathy across diverse age groups and life experiences
· Passion for social justice, youth empowerment and engagement, and intergenerational ministry
· Experience with strategic planning, church revitalization, or community development
· Demonstrate proficiency in, or a willingness to learn, digital ministry tools that support worship, teaching, and communication
· Experience with youth recruitment and engagement, with a willingness to partner with church leaders and ministries to help expand SBCAP outreach
ABOUT US
Second Baptist Church of Asbury Park is a historically Black Baptist church with 140 years of committed service to God and community. Our church is rooted in the Black faith tradition, an enduring source of strength, resistance, healing, and hope. We are deeply connected to the legacy of liberation theology, civic engagement, and intergenerational worship.
We seek a Senior Pastor who is not only a spiritual leader but a visionary rooted in the Word of God and responsive to the needs of our members and neighbors. We are prayerfully pursuing a servant-leader who can lead with integrity, preach with power, teach with clarity, and shepherd a diverse and vibrant congregation through this next chapter of ministry. We encourage you to visit our website at:
www.sbcapnj.org . HOW TO APPLY Interested candidates should submit the following materials: · A cover letter expressing interest in the position and describing your call to ministry · A resume or curriculum vitae · A written statement of faith and pastoral philosophy · Three (3) sample sermons (must be audio and/or video) · Three references (at least one pastoral, one layperson, and one personal) Please send application materials to: churchoffice@sbcapnj.org Submission of application materials by Friday, October 17, 2025 is preferred to ensure full consideration. JOIN US We are a loving, resilient, and prayerful congregation ready to grow under faithful, Holy Spirit-led leadership. If you feel called to walk with us into a bold and meaningful future, we welcome your application. As a church, we celebrate the rich diversity of God’s people and invite candidates of every background and experience to consider joining us.
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www.sbcapnj.org . HOW TO APPLY Interested candidates should submit the following materials: · A cover letter expressing interest in the position and describing your call to ministry · A resume or curriculum vitae · A written statement of faith and pastoral philosophy · Three (3) sample sermons (must be audio and/or video) · Three references (at least one pastoral, one layperson, and one personal) Please send application materials to: churchoffice@sbcapnj.org Submission of application materials by Friday, October 17, 2025 is preferred to ensure full consideration. JOIN US We are a loving, resilient, and prayerful congregation ready to grow under faithful, Holy Spirit-led leadership. If you feel called to walk with us into a bold and meaningful future, we welcome your application. As a church, we celebrate the rich diversity of God’s people and invite candidates of every background and experience to consider joining us.
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