Lead Pastor Position

Samples Memorial Baptist Church (Cleveland, TN) – Senior Pastor

The Big Picture 

Samples Memorial Baptist Church (SMBC) is looking for a Senior Pastor who shares our desire for church growth through solid biblical preaching and community involvement and outreach.

The Overview 

We are located in beautiful Cleveland, TN which is in near of the Ocoee River and Appalachian Mountains and about 30 minutes from Chattanooga. Due to our pastor retiring, we are seeking a full-time senior pastor to provide spiritual leadership, conduct weekly worship services, oversee an administrative staff, and guide the church’s mission and outreach programs. Cleveland is a growing community of around 126,000 with many newly built residential areas and thriving businesses which present great growth potential for the church. Typical Sunday morning services follow a blended style whereby a mix of contemporary Christian songs and hymns complement sermons that are relevant, practical, and biblically centered. SMBC is associated with the Southern Baptist Convention and the Tennessee Baptist Convention, and we adhere to the Baptist Faith and Message 2000.  We also support many missionaries around the world. 

Primary Job Responsibilities

  • Develop and deliver weekly sermons and facilitate a meaningful worship experience.

  • Actively develop relationships with church members to effectively disciple, equip, support, and encourage them with compassion.

  • Strong social skills

  • Serve and minister to individuals during times of crisis.

  • Provide oversight to church leadership

  • Guide the direction of the church’s ministries and outreach programs.

  • Provide counseling support to church members as needed.

  • Build gospel community through evangelism, building relationships, and discipleship.

  • Perform baptisms, weddings, and funerals.

  • Preferably married

Minimum Qualifications

  • Deep love for Jesus Christ and His Word and a clear testimony of a growing relationship with Him.

  • Baptist Ordained minister with 5-10 years of pastoral experience.

  • Subscribes to the Baptist Faith and Message 2000 and exemplifies the biblical requirements of a pastor as defined in 1 Timothy 3:1-10, Titus 1:5-16, and 1 Peter 5:1-2.

  • Demonstrated ability to articulate biblical theology in a manner that is understandable and applicable to church members.

  • Servant leader who exhibits strong communication skills (written & verbal) and collaboration to interact with the congregation, leadership, and teams.

Salary and Benefits

  • Salary will be commensurate with educational level and experience.

  • Benefits package 

The Process 

Please look over this job description and the church website. Along with your resume please answer these questions:

  1. Why do you believe that you might be a good fit as the Pastor for Samples Memorial Baptist Church?

  2. Describe your experiences in ministry and how you may be qualified to serve as the Pastor at Samples Memorial Baptist Church.

  3. In just a few sentences please give a summary of your theology and how that is in line with the doctrine of the Baptist Faith and Message 2000.

Please send your resume, the answers to these questions and a link to at least one online sermon using the form on this page.