BAPTIST GENERAL ASSOCIATION OF VIRGINIA

Meet Irvington Baptist Church

Established in 1891, Irvington Baptist Church is a cornerstone of the historic Northern Neck community in Virginia. Its origins trace back to "brush arbor" prayer meetings held along the banks of Carter Creek in the mid-1800s before the congregation moved into the town proper. Originally dedicated as Carter Creek Baptist Church, it was renamed in 1895 to match the town’s new name. Today, the church remains a prominent fixture on King Carter Drive, maintaining a traditional sanctuary that has been expanded over the decades to include modern facilities like Memorial Hall.

The congregation describes itself as a traditional Baptist fellowship with a deep commitment to "the Spoken Word, prayer, and music." It is particularly well-regarded for its robust youth programming, claiming the largest Baptist youth group in Lancaster County. Beyond Sunday services, the church maintains an active weekly schedule that includes multiple Bible study sessions and prayer meetings, fostering a culture of lifelong learning and spiritual growth for everyone from toddlers to retirees.

Irvington Baptist serves as a vital civic and social hub for the town of Irvington. The church facilities frequently host community events and serve as an official polling site for local and national elections. Through its mission-minded groups, such as the Irvington Baptist In-Touch Sisters (IBITS), the church partners with numerous local charities, health clinics, and food banks. This blend of historical preservation and active community service allows the church to remain a "Sunday place for everyday Christians" while addressing the modern needs of the region.

About the Senior Pastor

The Senior Pastor serves as the spiritual leader of the church and is responsible for spiritual leadership, pastoral care, and overall administration, in accordance with Irvington Baptist Church. The Senior Pastor’s overall responsibility, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, is to lead members and attenders to a closer and deeper relationship with God, and as such, this role requires a deep commitment to faith, effective preaching, strong leadership, and a passion for guiding the congregation in spiritual growth.

The Senior Pastor's responsibilities include:

Spiritual Leadership

• Prepare and deliver Christ-centered, Bible-based sermons each week, on Sundays and
• A Bible study on Wednesdays.
• Connect with young families and promote spiritual growth within the family, church and community. 
• Prepare Bible studies and teachings that are biblically sound and relevant to our congregation.
• Develop, execute, and communicate the church’s mission and vision by aligning ministerial activities with the church’s overall goals for spiritual and physical growth.

Pastoral Care

• Provide spiritual guidance and counselling to congregation members, in collaboration with ministerial staff and lay leadership.

• Actively participate in visitation to members in hospitals, nursing homes, and private residences. Offer support and prayer during these visits to provide comfort and spiritual care.

• Promote and foster a sense of community within the congregation and encourage outreach efforts to the wider community.

Administrative Duties

• Regularly attend staff and committee meetings.

• Collaborate with lay leadership to manage the church budget and financial resources.

• Ensure compliance with church policies and procedures.

What you bring

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

Education and Experience

• A bachelor’s Degree is required.
• A Seminary degree is strongly preferred.
• 8 - 10 years of pastoral experience.
• Currently an ordained minister.

Personal Characteristics and Qualifications

• Passion for people and reaching out to people who don’t attend church.
• A heart for empowering the ministry potential of the core members.
• Gifted to communicate to different generations through God’s Word
• A leader that is able to listen and connect with staff and congregation. Able to unify. 
• Servant-leadership, exemplifying the humility and attitude of Christ. This person works hard!
• Consistent personal habits of prayer, Bible study/meditation, and financial giving.
• Dedication to his family, exhibiting wisdom in balancing family and ministry.
• Demonstrates the qualities of integrity, responsibility, and teachability as a gracious and loving pastor.
• A demonstrated high level of integrity, guided by a sound set of ethical principles.
• High relational skills and a love for people inside and outside the church.

What it's like to live in the Northern Neck of Virginia

Living in the Northern Neck of Virginia offers a rare opportunity to embrace "Northern Neck time," a slower, more intentional pace of life where the region's 1,200 miles of shoreline actually outnumber its traffic lights. Bordered by the Potomac River, the Rappahannock River, and the Chesapeake Bay, this peninsula is a sanctuary for those who love the water. Residents enjoy a lifestyle defined by world-class oystering, crabbing, and boating, with nearly every winding country road leading to a secluded cove or a pristine state park like Belle Isle or Westmoreland.

Beyond its natural beauty, the Northern Neck is steeped in foundational American history, serving as the birthplace of three of the nation’s first five presidents: George Washington, James Madison, and James Monroe. Living here means being surrounded by a "Cradle of Democracy" heritage, with historic estates, colonial-era churches, and 20 different museums and cultural societies. This rich legacy is balanced by charming, walkable small towns like Kilmarnock, Irvington, and White Stone, which offer a sophisticated mix of local boutiques, fine dining, and vibrant farmers' markets that keep the community connected year-round.

From a practical standpoint, the Northern Neck provides a high quality of life with a significantly lower cost of living and lower property taxes compared to the bustling hubs of Northern Virginia or Richmond. It has become an increasingly popular destination for remote workers and retirees who seek serenity without isolation; the region is just a short drive from major metropolitan amenities while remaining a "place apart." With its mild four-season climate, abundant fresh seafood, and tight-knit community spirit, the Northern Neck offers a peaceful, rural retreat that feels both timeless and perfectly suited for modern, balanced living.