Job Description of a Southern Baptist Preacher
Southern Baptist pastors have several roles and responsibilities in the church. They are the worship leaders for services and the spiritual leaders of their congregants. Once ordained, they can perform marriage and funeral services and baptize and serve Communion. Ministers teach as well as preach and moderate business and deacons' meetings. They may be called on to offer counseling and spiritual support in times of crisis. Pastors have a direct influence on the present and future growth of the church.
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Significance
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Southern Baptist pastors evangelize as often as they are led by the Holy Spirit. While evangelists, by definition, do not usually shepard a local church body, pastors are to follow the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:18-20 in which Jesus commands His followers to "make disciples" and "baptize and teach them." Jesus was not just singling out pastors for this duty, but certainly pastors should lead their church in evangelism efforts through revival services, visitation programs and prayer vigils.
Functions
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Southern Baptist churches rely on ordained ministers to perform specific tasks, mainly administration of the Lord's Supper and the baptism of converts. They also officiate at weddings and funerals. Pastors are responsible for equipping potential church leaders as well. They help church members realize their spiritual gifts and give them the support necessary to fulfill the roles God has given them.
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Features
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Southern Baptists pastors are responsible for teaching congregants God's word as presented in the Holy Bible. Their teachings should not contradict the Bible, and they should defend it as being "without error," as stated in "The Baptist Faith And Message," the Baptists' statement of doctrinal beliefs.
Special Emphasis
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The Southern Baptist Convention strongly supports the efforts of its home- and foreign-based missionaries. Pastors are expected to be proponents of mission work by leading and encouraging their church in mission projects. This participation includes a variety of activities like financial and prayer support, direct mission work or a combination of those activities.
Effects
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Although the pastor in a Southern Baptist church is not autonomous, the pastor's leadership credentials affect the spiritual life of the church body and its potential for growth. The pastor should not be valued for his charisma or ability to attract people to the church. Rather, he should lead through humble service in such a way that God's work is evidenced in his life. A pastor who fosters an attitude of "service in God's name" will positively impact the congregation and the people in the community.
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References
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