Eastanallee Baptist Church (the “Church) is seeking a Lead Pastor that will provide spiritual leadership to the congregation through biblically sound and expository preaching, discipleship, and by exemplifying godly character. The Lead Pastor will demonstrate a high level of competency and excellence in the study of the scriptures, Church leadership and organization, and equipping the Church to be disciples. The Lead Pastor will be a man who is called, ordained, and set apart by God to the gospel ministry, evangelical in theology and is committed to living and serving in a manner consistent with the standards set forth in the Bible.

Qualifications – The Bible provides specific qualifications for those who will lead a congregation of the people, which has been adopted within the Church By-Laws. The following are the Lead Pastor
qualifications:

• He must meet the Biblical qualifications laid out in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9.
• He must be a lifelong learner who commits to professional development and personal growth.
• He must have earned a master’s degree or higher from an accredited seminary or be actively pursuing this degree.
• He must have at least five (5) years in a pastoral leadership role.

Responsibilities – The Church By-Laws outline the following responsibilities of the Lead Pastor:

• By his calling, he is the spiritual leader of the Church, and is dedicated to the ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ. He shall shepherd the Church by preaching the Word, giving spiritual vision and guidance to his flock.
• He acts as Executive Officer for the Corporation, coordinating with the Trustees, the Treasurer, the Secretary, and other Church leadership in conducting Church business.
• He is the Church moderator in business meetings.
• He is an ex-officio member, without vote, on all committees.
• He is the leader of the Church, representing it throughout the local community and beyond. He shall represent the Church and its members at ceremonies, meetings, and services throughout the area.
• He is the supervisor for the Church staff and overseer of the overall Church ministry.

Pastor Profile – In the search for an accountable Lead Pastor, the Search Committee has identified the
following key characteristics outlined for the man they are searching for fulfill this role:

Teaching

• Strongly believes and teaches that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God, rebuking those who contradict it.
• Loves to study and teach the Word with strong conviction and skill in a clear, enthusiastic, and understandable manner.
• Teaches for the heart to receive and challenges the congregation to apply such teaching to their relationships and daily lives.
• Emulates his teaching in his own life serving as an example to others within and outside the Church body.
• A person of grace who encourages and inspires spiritual growth in our relationship with the Lord with genuine humility.

Leadership

• Uphold biblically based moral standards so his character is unquestionable, and followers can trust his decisions and guidance.
• A good communicator and positive influence with Church leaders, staff, and ministries within the Church, as well as outside the Church.
• A servant-leader who leads by his own example, in love, as patterned in Christ and is accountable to his own faith.
• A cultivator of new leaders that identifies, grows, and invests in their success.
• A good steward of Church resources with strict adherence to biblical principles and Church By-Laws.
• A strong leader of his own family that leads them to follow Christ and receives support from them in his ministry.
• Willing to be humble enough to accept input from those he is leading.
• Willing to share the pulpit with other great teachers in the Church.

Missions/Evangelism

• Supports children, youth and senior ministries at the Church in developing Godly families.
• Possesses a heart for reaching out to the local community and beyond, through missions supported by the Church.
• Encourages and leads the Church in proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ locally, nationally and to the world.
• Reaches out to those in the local community who are searching for a church or for spiritual teaching.

About Eastanallee Baptist Church – Located in Riceville, Tennessee, about 7 miles south of the McMinn County seat in Athens, and conveniently located half-way between Knoxville and Chattanooga. The Church was founded in 1819. After a major land purchase in 2007, across the street from the old building, the Church moved into a brand-new facility built with a vision for the future. Phase two was completed in 2016 with the addition of a large balcony and a new children’s wing. The campus now includes a sanctuary designed to hold over 800 people, an expanded stage, a new children’s wing with a secure, enclosed playground, classrooms, kitchen, and staff offices. The old building by the creek is now known as the Creasman Chapel and is home to multiple adult classes, Team Kid, student ministry, a full-service kitchen and fellowship hall.

The new children’s wing paved the way for the opening of Valley Christian Academy in the Fall of 2017. VCA is a pre-K through 10th grade school striving to be academically excellent and distinctively Christian.

The purpose of Eastanallee Baptist Church is to do whatever it takes by God’s grace to be active disciples of Jesus Christ by observing the Great Commandment and the Great Commission (Mt. 22:36-40; 28:18-20). The Church is Southern Baptist and ascribes to the Baptist Faith and Message 2000.

The Church’s total members are 1594, with an average worship attendance of 517, and average Life Link (Sunday School) attendance of 347. The Church’s total annual budget is $1,215,000.

How to Apply? Interested candidates should submit their resumes to resume@eastanallee.church. The Lead Pastor Search Committee will begin reviewing resumes on July 5, 2023; however, resumes will be accepted until the position is filled.