We are seeking a full time pastor for a friendly and active congregation. Someone who gives evidence of a Christ-like spirit, and is in close touch with God through devotion and prayer.  This person has a mind which is open to innovation and new ideas that lead to church growth. This person will help articulate and empower a comprehensive vision for our future.  Our pastor needs to deliver thoroughly prepared, intelligent and expressive sermons. Our mission is to intentionally embody and reflect Jesus Christ through acceptance and unconditional love for all, aiming to achieve God’s plan and purpose for our congregation.

Community Overview
Simcoe is located in Norfolk County (Pop: 73,015 in 2023) growing 14% over eight years from 2016 to 2023.  Located near many beaches and parks on Lake Erie, It is the “city” for a number of communities including Delhi, Waterford, and Port Dover. The median age of the population is 50. Many people are retiring to Norfolk County due to lower costs of real estate and a quieter pace of life.  There are two high schools in Simcoe as well as an active branch of Fanshawe College.  It boasts a hospital, indoor pool, splash pad, farmer’s market and arena.  There are many local family friendly festivals. The local economy benefits from seasonal agricultural workers who come for several months each year from Caribbean islands and Mexico.  Like all communities, homelessness is an issue but is being addressed by two locations of Indwell and a winter overnight shelter in the basement of our church, “Home for the Night.”  For more information on the community go to https://www.norfolkbusiness.ca/

Church Overview
First Baptist Church was established in 1836 in Simcoe’s early days. The current building was constructed in 1921 with a significant renovation completed in 1989. As a member of CBOQ (Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec) and CBON (Canadian Baptists of Norfolk) we strive to provide a safe place of worship and fellowship for all believers and those seeking God.  The church sanctuary boasts a beautiful Casavant organ (rebuilt by Ghibault Therien in the early 2000’s) as well as a grand piano. These instruments testify to the high value placed on music by the First Baptist congregation historically and currently. Added to those instruments are a drum set, keyboard, guitar, and bass. There is an adult choir that presents anthems four Sundays per year: The congregation has a number of highly adept musicians with a wide variety of training and musical preference. For this reason, the church prefers a blended style of worship with a variety of instrumental accompaniment.  No particular century or decade of music is given preference.  New music is intentionally taught to the congregation so they can sing meaningfully and confidently.  All lyrics, scripture, prayers, as well as announcements are projected on a wall for every worship service.

Currently, the congregation consists of 110 active people. There are approximately 26 people under 18 years old, 43 people age 18 to 64, and 36 people age 65 and older. The congregation includes a wide variety of education, income, and theological understanding. This diversity is valued and protected. It is expected that the paradoxes, challenges, and questions found in Scripture and in people’s everyday lives will be acknowledged and explored from the pulpit and in smaller group conversations.  Questions are permitted and even valued; theological reflection is encouraged.

Leadership/Activities
Organizationally, church leadership exists in two boards (Deacons and Managers) along with three trustees.  An active Christian Education Committee oversees many church programs:  Godly Play (Sunday School), Youth Group, Vacation Bible School (one week each summer), Small Groups, Parenting for Faith/Kid’s Activities, Reading Room, Games Nights, and campfires at different family homes.  Lay leadership is strong and social events are organized by members of the congregation.  All programming with children and youth is led by talented and dedicated volunteers.  Each year, a training session is provided for all volunteers who work with vulnerable populations such as children and seniors.  References are checked for all volunteers and police checks must be completed every five years.  Our services are posted each week on our YouTube channel for those who are unable to attend in person.  Each week people meet with the minister  for Talkback, to delve into greater detail on the previous Sunday sermon.  Coffee and Conversation happens each Thursday morning.  We have an excellent website and a monthly newsletter.  Weekly emails keep everyone informed of what is happening.  Coffee, tea and goodies are provided after every Sunday morning service.

Outreach Mission
The congregation has a long history of concern for the poor and marginalized, locally and globally. They were instrumental many years ago in the establishment of a local food bank (Simcoe Caring Cupboard) and continue to support that ministry. Through First Serving, a hearty homecooked free meal for 100 – 150 people is prepared each Monday and Friday at 11:00 am.  First Baptist volunteers cook and serve the meal every fourth Monday of the month while groups of volunteers cover the other weeks.  Over the last few years, they have partnered with a local chapter of the Rotary Club to support the work of Operation Eyesight International. Additionally, most members of the congregation are involved in non-church related service organizations and volunteer in countless ways to make the local and global community more representative of Christ’s kingdom.

Outside Groups
Currently the building hosts a number of community groups such as the following: Narcotics Anonymous; 10,000 Villages annual sale of globally acquired, fair trade products; pottery sale; Coats for Kids; office for a counseling practice; pickle ball four nights per week.  While the upkeep and maintenance of the building is a significant expense, the congregation continues to embrace the words of the cornerstone: To the glory of God and the service of humanity.

As a Christian church, we exist to honour God by helping local people worship God, grow spiritually, serve others, and reach their communities and the world with the message and love of Jesus Christ.

• Previous leadership experience
• A theological degree from a recognized seminary or college, or equivalent experience
• Credentials in good standing with CBOQ is preferred; Ordained or eligible for ordination
• Current police check, including vulnerable sector

• Plan weekly worship services in coordination with the Music Director and provide worship leadership in partnership with lay worship leaders. This includes leadership of communion services on the first Sunday of each month. Additional services are held on Good Friday and Christmas Eve.
• Prepare and deliver sermons weekly.
• In coordination with the Board of Deacons, visit, encourage, and counsel congregants.
• Conduct funerals, weddings, baptisms, child dedications and other rites as requested.
• Support, equip and encourage lay members in leadership roles; develop teamwork and shared leadership.
• Be actively linked to the community, Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec, and Canadian Baptists of Norfolk.

• Able to make the Gospel plain, clear, relevant; a student of the Scriptures
• Committed to Visitation: Caregiver, visitor, effective counselor, shepherd of the flock
• Able to receive, process and analyze information; speaks and writes clearly; is a good listener
• Concerned and involved in community life; concerned for social needs and matters of injustice
• Able to appreciate and relate to a wide variety of personalities; able to guide people and groups to the achievement of common goals
• Fosters a deep connection with our diverse congregation and community
• Leads with humility and wisdom; Loves and leads with a strong personal faith

For inquiries or to submit your resume and possible sermon video please contact Janet Dickson at Firstbaptistsearchcommittee1@gmail.com - Janet Dickson – Chair of Pastoral Search Team

First Baptist, Simcoe welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.