First Baptist Church of Greater Cleveland – Shaker Heights, Ohio

First Baptist Church of Greater Cleveland is a multicultural and intergenerational American Baptist congregation committed to helping people encounter Christ, grow in faith, and impact the world through passionate discipleship and transformative social action.

As our congregation continues to grow and deepen its ministry, we are seeking an Associate Minister for Discipleship and Congregational Life to help cultivate a vibrant culture of spiritual formation, belonging, and congregational connection.

Position Summary

The Associate Minister for Discipleship and Congregational Life will provide pastoral leadership for the spiritual growth and relational life of the congregation. This individual will help people become deeply connected to Christ, one another, and the mission of the church through discipleship pathways, Christian formation opportunities, congregational engagement, and pastoral care.

The ideal candidate will be a collaborative pastor and gifted relationship-builder who is passionate about helping people grow in faith and find meaningful connection within a diverse church community.

Primary Responsibilities

Discipleship and Christian Formation

• Develop and strengthen pathways for spiritual growth across all stages of life.
• Coordinate and support small groups, Bible studies, classes, and other formation opportunities.
• Equip and mentor lay leaders, teachers, facilitators, and small-group leaders.
• Encourage a culture of lifelong discipleship throughout the congregation.
• Collaborate with staff and ministry leaders to create meaningful opportunities for spiritual formation.

Congregational Life and Connection

• Help guests and newer members become fully integrated into the life of the church.
• Coordinate newcomer gatherings, membership pathways, and connection opportunities.
• Foster meaningful relationships across generations and backgrounds.
• Support efforts that strengthen congregational engagement and belonging.
• Help create a welcoming and hospitable church culture.

Pastoral Leadership and Care

• Share in the pastoral leadership of the congregation.
• Provide pastoral care, visitation, encouragement, and support to members and families.
• Participate in worship leadership, preaching, teaching, weddings, funerals, and other pastoral responsibilities as assigned.
• Equip and support lay care ministries and congregational support teams.

Leadership Development

• Identify and mentor emerging ministry leaders.
• Encourage greater participation in the life and ministry of the church.
• Equip volunteers to serve effectively in various areas of congregational life.
• Help strengthen a culture of shared ministry and servant leadership.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated sense of call to Christian ministry.
• Bachelor’s degree required; theological education or equivalent ministry preparation preferred.
• Experience serving in a congregational, nonprofit, educational, or ministry setting preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, pastoral, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and intergenerational environment.
• Commitment to collaborative ministry and team-based leadership.
• Alignment with the mission and values of First Baptist Church of Greater Cleveland.
• Ordination or progress toward ordination welcomed but not required.

Desired Characteristics

• Deep Christian faith and spiritual maturity.
• Strong relational instincts and emotional intelligence.
• Passion for discipleship and spiritual formation.
• Ability to connect with people across generations and backgrounds.
• Creativity, initiative, and flexibility.
• Commitment to lifelong learning and personal growth.

Compensation

Compensation is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

To Apply

Please submit a resume and a brief statement describing your sense of call, ministry experience, and interest in this position to:
Careers@FirstBaptistCleveland.org

First Baptist Church of Greater Cleveland is affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA and welcomes candidates from a variety of ministry backgrounds who can enthusiastically support the mission and ministry of the congregation.

Responsibilities may evolve over time in response to congregational needs, staff configuration, and the gifts of the individual called to serve.