Pastor of Faith Formation

Central Baptist Church of Bearden, referred to as Central Bearden herein, has an immediate opening for Pastor of Faith Formation. We are a multigenerational congregation, actively involved in the community, sharing the gospel and Christ's love through service and creative engagement in Knoxville, TN and around the world. Central Bearden is a church that actively supports the equal roles of men and women in leadership, including the role of ministers and deacons.

Central Bearden partners with the Southern Baptist Convention, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, and the Baptist World Alliance. We are adherents to the 1963 Baptist Faith and Message. Compensation will be commensurate with education and experience. Applicants can learn more about our mission at centralbearden.org and explore our church profile at   centralbearden.org/employment. Resumes should be sent to faithformation@cbcbearden.org.

The Pastor of Faith Formation is a key ministry leader on the Executive Team responsible for nurturing spiritual growth and discipleship across all ages and stages of life within the congregation. This role integrates congregational life, spiritual care, and discipleship ministries, ensuring that faith formation is embedded in the church’s culture and daily life.

Core Responsibilities

1. Congregational Life & Spiritual Care

• Serve as the staff leader and coordinator for the Faith Formation Team to integrate mission, vision, and values into all ministries. The Faith Formation team includes leaders of Senior Adult, College, Young Adult, Student, Children and Preschool ministries including the Weekday Education program.
• Work with the Faith Formation Team in developing a master plan for spiritual, emotional, and relational growth for all ages. 
• Assist Faith Formation Team with identifying, equipping, and shepherding leaders/volunteers in the church and community.
• Help existing and new people build connections in small group settings and bible studies.
• Create a ministry environment of spiritual formation and engagement for those who are unchurched or seeking and far from God.

2. Discipleship & Faith Formation

• Work with Faith Formation Team to develop a comprehensive education and discipleship program and sustain a culture of discipleship for children, youth, young adults, and adults.
• Research, recommend, and select appropriate literature and studies for all discipleship training.
• Strengthen leaders through mentoring, training, and support.
• Empower members to grow in their relationship with God and to live out their faith in mission and volunteering.

3. Secondary Ministry Support

• Periodically preach and teach the congregation at the request of the Senior Pastor.
• Support the Newcomers Deacon Ministry to develop pathways to build opportunities that will foster deeper connections within the church.
• Plan and administer appropriate sections of the church budget.
• Participate in pastoral care, staff meetings, and worship.

4. Accountability & Reporting

• Works closely with and reports to the Senior Pastor.
• Is a full-time, salaried position.

5. Skills & Qualifications

• Strong leadership, mentoring, and pastoral skills.
• Five plus years of church or ministry leadership experience.
• Experience in community building and motivating, encouraging, and nurturing leaders and volunteers.
• Proficiency in program development and intergenerational ministry.
• College degree required; Seminary training and/or relevant experience is preferred.
• A burden for adult discipleship, spiritual formation, community, and equipping people to follow Jesus in everyday life.

Central Bearden exists to help people know Jesus Christ, grow as His disciples, and share God’s love with others. That mission is the foundation for Central Bearden’s vision to be a church that seeks to follow the ways of Jesus and pattern our lives and his church after him.