Hiring

SENIOR PASTOR PROFILE

A high-angle view of a full church sanctuary. The congregation stands in wooden pews, facing a choir in robes and a speaker at the podium during a service.

Our Calling  
First Baptist Valdosta is seeking a Senior Pastor who will faithfully lead, feed, and shepherd the church in accordance with Scripture, helping us develop spiritually healthy followers of Jesus Christ. 

Biblical Qualifications  
The Senior Pastor must meet the qualifications of 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:6–9, demonstrating:  

  • Godly character and integrity
  • Spiritual maturity and humility
  • Faithfulness in family leadership
  • Doctrinal soundness and commitment to Scripture 
  • Adherence to the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message
  • Ability to teach and lead effectively

Primary Responsibilities  
In alignment with our bylaws, the Senior Pastor will: 

  • Preach and teach the Word of God with clarity and application  
  • Shepherd the congregation, providing spiritual care and leadership  
  • Lead the church as its spiritual leader and chief overseer  
  • Equip others for ministry, developing staff and lay leaders  
  • Pray for and guide the church in fulfilling its mission  
A view from the audience of a worship band performing on a brightly lit stage during a church service, with some attendees raising their hands.

Preaching & Teaching
We are seeking a pastor who:  

  • Communicates Scripture clearly and faithfully  
  • Provides practical application for daily life  
  • Balances depth with accessibility  
  • Leads the congregation toward spiritual growth and maturity.

Leadership Profile  
The ideal candidate will:  

  • Lead with clarity, humility, and conviction  
  • Equip and empower others rather than centralize control  
  • Provide steady, thoughtful leadership appropriate to the church’s season
  • Foster unity across generations and worship styles

Shepherding & Relational Ministry  
The Senior Pastor should:  

  • Be present and engaged with the congregation  
  • Demonstrate genuine care for individuals and families
  • Provide leadership during times of need and transition

Ministry Priorities  
Biblical teaching and discipleship.  Prayer and spiritual formation.  Leadership development.  Strengthening church unity.  Outreach and evangelism.

Our Desire  
We are seeking a pastor who will honor our foundation while helping lead us forward, guiding our church with wisdom, biblical conviction, and a heart for people.

Aerial view of a historic downtown at sunset. A vibrant orange and blue sky sits above classic brick buildings, a courthouse dome, and church steeples.

Life in Valdosta


Valdosta is more than a dot on the map between Atlanta and Jacksonville. It's a genuine community with small-town warmth and more to offer than most people expect. 

Known as "Titletown" and the Capital of South Georgia, Valdosta sits in Lowndes County and is home to around 60,000 residents. The pace of life is unhurried. The cost of living is low. And the people are the kind who show up for each other.

What you'll find here:


  • A vibrant downtown with local restaurants, art galleries, live music, and community events
  • Wild Adventures Theme Park, the Valdosta Wake Compound, golf courses, trails, and parks for outdoor recreation
  • World-class sports facilities that draw regional and national tournaments
  • Valdosta State University, which brings arts, culture, and energy to the community
  • Easy access to farms, local markets, and authentic South Georgia food
  • Surrounding towns like Hahira and Lake Park that each carry their own charm

The weather is warm most of the year. The Florida state line is less than 15 miles away. And the church community here is deeply woven into the fabric of the city.

For a pastor and family looking to plant roots, Valdosta offers the rare combination of affordability, community, and a pace of life that allows you to actually be present.