The Congregation

In the Baptist churches, under God, the congregation is the final authority in church matters.  The congregation then confers responsibility to the Pastor and the Council to lead in the affairs of the church.  The congregation (members) meets quarterly to review the work of the ministry and the service of its elected officials, along with to receive information from its representatives refining the vision and mission of the ministry.

The Pastor…

The Pastor is likened unto a head coach of a football team.  As the coach is accountable to the owner of the franchise, likewise the Pastor is accountable to our Holy God.  The Head Coach communicates mission and direction to his coaches that they might empower the players to run the game.  Likewise, the pastor confers with the church leadership, mutually determining a plan of action to carryout God’s plan for the church. As shepherd he oversees the health and vitality of the flock.

To the individual member, the Pastor is a Spiritual Advisor, a Discipler, and a Friend.  He may be called upon during his office hours at FBC, or have an appointment made with him at a mutually agreeable time and place.  In the event of a personal emergency, the Pastor may be called upon at his home.

Accountability and Integrity

The Pastor meets quarterly with the Pastoral Relations Committee, where these representatives give forthright and sincere feedback to the pastor regarding, work style, preaching, relationship and more. This allows him to keep a clear sense about the health of the congregation and the effectiveness of his service.  In addition, he has chosen to meet weekly with the Moderator for prayer and to meet monthly with a few senior members whom are invited to speak into His life.  Outside of FBCP, the pastor maintains a professional/accountability relationship with other American Baptist Pastors meeting monthly for ministry and mission training.

Shared Leadership

While the role of visionary and spiritual advisor  for the pastor, and operationalizing ministry characterizes the Council, both work in tandem, as a team to oversee the affairs of the church. In short, they share leadership.