Pastor – Hilda Baptist Church

Hilda Baptist Church is located in Hilda, Alberta, and has a formal membership of 35–40, with approximately 60 regular attendees. The adults range in age from the early 20s to late 70s. Children range in age from infant to high school.

The church building is a 45-year-old cedar log structure that can comfortably seat 130. It has a sanctuary, fellowship areas (including vestibule and basement), library, baby room, kitchen, classrooms, sound booth and office. The church grounds also include a parking area and a spacious green space, with two outbuildings for storage. The parsonage is 65 years old, with extensive renovations done in 2010, including a finished basement. It is about 1,300 square feet on the main floor. The lot includes a double garage and a small, tilled area suitable for gardening.

Church ministries currently consist of Sunday School, Sunday morning prayer meeting, and worship service, which regularly includes special children’s features. Vacation Bible School, in the summer, regularly sees about 30 students. There is a high level of involvement in all the ministries, as well as in the administration of church affairs. The church supports and participates in community functions and is involved in a summer camp in the Cypress Hills of Saskatchewan.

Hilda Baptist Church and a local Lutheran congregation are the only churches in the community. Hilda Baptist has usually had the only resident pastor who, in addition to his church duties, has been available to be called on during crises and/or for counselling matters by community people. In this, he may be considered the community pastor.

A unique quality of this church is that its members come from several other evangelical denominations, which makes for a refreshing blend of ideas and experiences. The membership is experienced in administration, as well as service to others. The church is debt free, with a base of strong tithers. It is mission-minded and enjoys contributing to foreign, regional, and local needs.

The Hilda Baptist Church, by God’s grace, has adapted to many cultural and demographic changes over its 115-year history and has withstood the test of crises and peace, drought and abundance. We look forward to seeing where the Lord will direct us in the coming years.

Requirements and Qualifications

Roles of the Pastor

• Biblical Preaching and Teaching for about 47 Sundays per year. This preaching and teaching should be biblically and theologically rooted, engaging, and applicable to the lives of the congregants. (Approx. 20 hrs/week)
• Shepherding by way of meaningful interaction through home and hospital visitation. As well as providing basic counselling and prayer ministries, and officiating weddings and funerals. (Approx. 15 hrs/week)
• Administrative and governance responsibilities are necessary since Hilda Baptist Church is a single staff congregation. Participation in all church board, deacon committee, and congregational (quarterly) meetings is expected, along with other special meetings or occasions that may arise (such as Alberta Baptist Association events, local community gatherings, and personal development opportunities). The pastor is also on the board of Pinecrest Bible Camp. (Approx. 5 hrs/week)

Pastoral Profile

• The pastor will be a devoted and loving follower of Jesus Christ, modelling a life of prayer and careful study of the Bible while helping others to grow as disciples of Jesus.
• The pastor will be able to communicate the HBC vision, working well with fellow church leaders in carrying out that vision, while applying the Word of God to all areas of life and the church ministry.
• The pastor will be careful to maintain a healthy balance related to personal, family, and ministry responsibilities.
• The pastor will be comfortable with the leadership and ministry of others, according to their gifts and calling.
• The pastor will subscribe whole-heartedly to the Nicene Creed, the North American Baptist Statement of Beliefs, the North American Baptist Christian Affirmation of Marriage, and the Hilda Baptist Church Christian Affirmation of Gender & Sexuality.

Organizational Relationships

• The pastor will be an ex-officio member of the board and other committees of Hilda Baptist Church, supporting and encouraging church leaders while providing spiritual counsel and insight.
• The pastor will collaborate with the deacons to discern and address the spiritual needs of the congregation.
• The pastor is accountable, through the moderator and church board, to the membership of Hilda Baptist Church.
• The pastor will maintain a supportive relationship with the Alberta Baptist Association.
• The pastor will maintain a constructive relationship with other local pastors and church/ministry leaders, including those at Pinecrest Bible Camp.

Special Notes

To apply, please send the following, in PDF, to the private and confidential email of our head of the Pastoral Search Committee, andy.kirschenman@gmail.com, noting “HBC Pastor” on the subject line:

• A cover letter explaining who you are, why you are interested in Hilda Baptist Church, and how your experience may have prepared you for this ministry.
• The story of your faith journey.
• Your philosophy of ministry and educational background.
• Online links to your sermons or teachings.
• Your references (2–3 character references & 2–3 ministry references).

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