Jobs

Pastor
Pastor

The Call

Mount Carmel Baptist Church of Washington, DC, seeks a visionary leader sent by God to serve as its 12th pastor. The position is full-time and requires a dynamic individual with spiritual and managerial gifts. Bi-vocational applicants will be considered.

About Mount Carmel

Organized in 1876, Mount Carmel has a rich history of engaging in missionary, community involvement, and social justice activities impacting members of the African diaspora and marginalized members of society. Its previous pastors have been known for their visionary and progressive preaching and an emphasis on Christian teaching and education. Mount Carmel is a 200-member, family-oriented, spirit-filled church with a long tradition of having strong teaching, preaching, and music ministries.
Mount Carmel is governed by the Bible, a Constitution and By-Laws. It has been a longstanding Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc. member, including its DC Laymen group. We are also members of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.; the Interdenominational Church Ushers' Association; the District of Columbia Baptist Convention; the Missionary Baptist Ministers Conference DC & Vicinity; and the Ministers and Missionaries Benefit Board, which is part of the American Baptist Churches, USA.
Located in downtown Washington, DC, Mount Carmel is one of the original residents of the Mount Vernon Triangle (MVT) community, part of DC's Ward 6. MVT is the ninth most populous neighborhood in DC and plans for further development and building will continue in this multi-faceted and increasingly diverse community. Mount Carmel remains actively engaged in activities and has partnerships in some development plans within the rapidly evolving community.
Learn more about Mount Carmel via our website, www.themcbc.org.

Responsibilities of the Pastor

The Pastor will serve as the spiritual leader of Mount Carmel and will be responsible for leading, overseeing, and attending its religious activities. S/he will guide members of the Department of Spiritual Life, including the Ministerial Staff, the Diaconate, and the Director of Music, in conducting religious services and ordinances and providing pastoral care. The Pastor is responsible for promoting and supporting the spiritual growth of Mount Carmel's diverse membership, spanning multiple generations. Consistent with federal and state regulations, Mount Carmel's Constitution and By-Laws, and the Board of Trustees, the Pastor will direct the church staff; moderate church business meetings; and administer church programs and initiatives. Additionally, the Pastor will provide marital and grief counseling, officiate weddings, eulogize funerals, and represent the church in public forums when necessary. The Pastor will also represent Mount Carmel and serve as a liaison for the Mount Vernon Triangle Community Improvement District.

Required Skills and Experience

    • An ordained minister, preferably within the Baptist tradition
    • A Master’s degree from an accredited seminary, divinity school, or theological institution
    • At least five years (or more) of pastoral experience as a ministerial staff member, Executive pastor, or Senior pastor
    • Demonstrated experience in membership growth and community engagement
    • Excellent organizational skills
    • Proven sermon exegesis, preparation, speaking, preaching, and oratory skills
    • Ability to direct the work of staff who have varying levels of capacity
    • Possess the unique ability to transcend generational and cultural boundaries, inspiring and motivating people from all walks of life
    • Possess leadership, decision-making, and organizational skills
    • Competency with Microsoft Office/O365 applications, Zoom, and Google email management tools or similar tools
    • Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
    • A courteous, compassionate, respectful demeanor and a love for people
    • Demonstrated business acumen
    • Ability to hear God's manifested vision, articulate it, lead, and guide the congregation using specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time- bound goals
    • Ability to counsel individuals with personal and spiritual problems (grief, marriage, substance abuse, etc.)
    • Proven ability to demonstrate Christ's love by serving and providing emotional, social, and spiritual support
    • Provide leadership, oversight, and ongoing development direction to the Ministerial Staff Team

Preferred Skills and Experience

Demonstrate knowledge or have formal training in the following areas is highly recommended):

    • Leading a ministry within a culturally and economically diverse environment,
    • Providing counseling to youth (ages 0-17) and young adult (18-35) ministry,
    • Managing a nonprofit organization
    • Encouraging fundraising and stewardship
    • Willingness to shepherd Ministerial Staff and Diaconate through training, mentoring, coaching, ordination, and providing opportunities for experience and knowledge.
    • Implementing change management strategies
    • Familiarity with conducting strategic social media and digital outreach
    • An affiliation with a local or national religious association or a social justice association or organization is a plus

Position Details

The base salary and overall compensation package will be commensurate with experience and education. Benefits will involve eligibility for family health care, a housing allowance, life insurance, disability, and retirement savings. Mount Carmel may support job-related business expenses such as an auto allowance, attendance at conventions, book subscriptions, and a continuing education allowance.

Recruitment Process

Only applicants who meet the minimum requirements will be contacted. The Pastoral Search Committee will interview semi-finalists in person. Finalists will be invited to Mount Carmel to deliver a sermon during a worship service in addition to a Tuesday Night Bible Study Lesson. Employment at Mount Carmel requires the successful completion of a background investigation. This investigation will involve credential evaluation, employment history, drug testing, and criminal and reference checks.