Lead Pastor

West Guilford Baptist Church (WGBC), a growing church in the Haliburton Highlands, is seeking a full-time (or half-time) Lead Pastor who will faithfully preach God’s Word, shepherd God’s people, equip believers for ministry, and help lead our congregation into the opportunities God has prepared for us in the years ahead.

We are seeking someone with the following primary pastoral gifts:

• Preacher/Teacher - Able to communicate God’s Word clearly, accurately, and relevantly.
• Shepherd: A caring pastor who provides spiritual care, visitation, encouragement, and counsel.
• Discipler: An equipper who develops disciples and helps believers mature.
• Overseer: A spiritually mature leader who protects and guides the congregation.

Our membership has identified the following leadership qualities as most important for our next spiritual leader:

• Lover of God and People
• Grounded in The Word of God
• Spiritually Mature
• Evangelistic
• Community Oriented
• Mission Minded
• Effective Leader

We are seeking a pastor who demonstrates both strong spiritual character and effective leadership ability.

Desired Ministry Priorities

The desired ministry priorities for our new pastor are:

• Preaching
• Overseeing Discipleship
• Teaching
• Overseeing Outreach and Evangelism
• Theology and Biblical Understanding
• Overseeing Children/Youth Ministry
• Leading Healthy Change

As a church, while we are looking to move forwards, we are not looking for change merely for the sake of change. Rather, we are seeking a leader who can build on existing strengths while helping the congregation pursue its future mission.

Personal Character Expectations

As a church with many mature and fruitful followers of Jesus we place a strong emphasis on personal holiness and Christian character.

The personal qualities most desired in our pastor include:

• A Heart for God and People
• Truthful
• Compassionate
• Approachable
• Enthusiastic
• Good Listener

The church’s Lifestyle Policy further emphasizes:

• Integrity
• Faithfulness
• Spiritual maturity
• Accountability
• Consistency between belief and conduct

The congregation seeks a pastor whose private life reflects the Gospel he preaches publicly. As a community of God, West Guilford Baptist Church values: prayer, which is foundational to our ministry; relationship, where people matter deeply and authentic relationships are essential; biblical truth, as scripture is central to preaching, teaching, and decision-making; servant leadership, where leadership is exercised collaboratively and relationally; community
engagement, where the church desires to increasingly engage and serve the broader community; and discipleship, where spiritual growth is viewed as essential to church health.

The Pastor We Believe Will Thrive Here

The pastor most likely to flourish at West Guilford Baptist Church will be:

• A devoted follower of Jesus Christ
• Spirit led
• A gifted Bible preacher and teacher
• A compassionate shepherd
• Passionate about discipleship
• Committed to evangelism and outreach
• Comfortable in a rural and small-town setting
• Able to build strong relationships
• Skilled at developing volunteers and leaders
• Mission-minded and community-oriented
• Able to lead through influence, trust, and collaboration

Conclusion

West Guilford Baptist Church is a growing, warm, caring, biblically grounded congregation with a rich history and a hopeful future. We value prayer, fellowship, discipleship, worship, and pastoral care. We are seeking a pastor who will join us in faithfully proclaiming the Gospel, equipping believers, reaching our community, and glorifying Jesus Christ in all things.

We believe God is preparing the right shepherd to lead our congregation into its next chapter of ministry and mission.

Please find full prospectus here: