BAPTIST MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION

WEEKLY ATTENDANCE: 850

Meet First Baptist Church Livingston

First Baptist Church of Livingston is a multigenerational church located in a growing community. We exist to “go and make disciples” by sharing the gospel with one another and throughout Polk County. We exist to serve others by being a church that says yes to being the hands and feet of Christ. We strive to live out the gospel daily through authentic relationships and intentional engagement.

FBC is a member of the Baptist Missionary Association of America and averages over 850 in Sunday worship attendance. With both modern and classic worship styles, as well as thriving student (250) and children’s (150) ministries, FBC represents a unique cross-section of Polk County, a rural community in southeast Texas. We are a staff-led church with a team of eight full-time ministerial staff members and multiple support staff.

About the Lead Pastor

The incoming Lead Pastor will serve as the primary preacher and teacher, tasked with inspiring the congregation to become faithful followers of Jesus while overseeing the direction of weekly services. Beyond the pulpit, this role functions as a "Chief Executive" who oversees church operations, including budget management and strategic planning. The Lead Pastor is expected to partner with leadership to implement long-term vision, provide spiritual mentorship to staff, and fulfill traditional duties such as counseling, baptisms, and weddings.

We are seeking a candidate whose character aligns with the biblical qualifications of 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, possessing strong emotional intelligence and a Master of Divinity or equivalent training. The ideal candidate will have broad experience leading mid- to large-sized organizations and a demonstrated heart for local and global missions. Most importantly, the Lead Pastor must be an engaging communicator who models a life of godliness, fosters spiritual unity, and is passionate about reaching the lost in Polk County.

The Lead Pastor's responsibilities include:

Spiritual Direction and Leadership

• Personally seek God and model a life of godliness through regular prayer, consistent study of Scripture, and active evangelism, while encouraging staff and volunteers to do the same.
• Committed to caring for the people of FBC and is passionate about reaching the lost in Polk County and beyond.
• Provide spiritual mentorship to ministry staff and lay leaders.
• Promote spiritual unity across all areas of FBC
• Partner with ministry staff and leadership to define, communicate, and implement the church’s long-term vision, mission, and strategic goals.

Teaching and Preaching

• Serve as the primary preacher and teacher, ensuring the congregation is challenged, encouraged, and inspired to become faithful followers of Jesus.
• Oversee the purpose and direction of weekly services, ensuring Christ is proclaimed and the body is unified in community.

Shepherding

• Demonstrate a genuine love for the people of FBC and a deep desire to see lives transformed into the likeness of Jesus Christ.
• Invest in the community and develop relationships throughout Polk County.
• Encourage and collaborate with other local churches, organizations, and pastors to build unity and strengthen the witness of Christ in the surrounding community.
• Fulfill traditional pastoral responsibilities, including spiritual counseling, baptisms, church membership, funerals, and weddings.

Administrative Leadership

• Oversee church operations, including budget management, often functioning as “Chief Executive”.
• Work with staff and the financial team to develop the annual church budget for review and approval by the church body.

What you bring

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Lead Pastor:

Education and Experience

• A bachelor's degree is required.
• Master of Divinity or equivalent theological training preferred.
• Broad experience in a mid- to large-sized church or organizational setting,
• including vision casting, strategic planning, and leading staff and congregation.
•  10 - 15 years of ministry experience with at least 5 years in senior leadership.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Character consistent with the biblical qualifications for pastoral leadership as outlined in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1.
• Strong emotional intelligence and relational maturity.
• An effective and engaging communicator, able to clearly convey vision, truth, and ideas to a multigenerational congregation.
• A demonstrated heart for the lost, for the body of Christ, and a hunger and thirst for God, His Word, and His mission locally and globally.
• Agreement with and adherence to the FBC statement of faith.

What it's like to live in Livingston, TX

Livingston, Texas, offers a distinct blend of small-town charm and deep-rooted history in the heart of the East Texas Pineywoods. As the county seat of Polk County, it serves as a central hub for the surrounding rural communities, featuring a developing downtown area that has recently undergone a "renaissance" with new boutiques, local eateries, and antique shops. Residents enjoy a slower pace of life where community events—ranging from the high-energy "Trade Days" at Joe Pedigo City Park to local high school football games—form the social backbone of the town.

The lifestyle in Livingston is dominated by its proximity to Lake Livingston, one of the largest reservoirs in the state. For those who live here, "life revolves around the lake," providing endless opportunities for boating, world-class bass fishing, and lakeside camping. Lake Livingston State Park is a local crown jewel, offering miles of hiking and biking trails through dense pine forests. This natural setting makes the area a popular choice for retirees and outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape the hustle of nearby Houston, which is located about 75 miles to the south.

While the natural beauty and low cost of living are significant draws, living in Livingston also comes with the realities of a smaller, semi-rural economy. The local job market is primarily centered around retail, education, and public administration, and some residents commute to larger neighboring cities for a wider range of professional opportunities. Despite its growth, the town maintains a tight-knit, conservative atmosphere where neighbors often know each other by name, offering a sense of security and belonging for those who appreciate the quietude and hospitality of a traditional Texas town.