The Pastor Search Team is following a process developed within Baptist communities and time-tested by numerous Southern Baptist churches.  We are using guidebooks published by both SBC and Southern Baptists of Texas (SBTC), in conjunction with lessons learned and best practices gleaned from other churches who have travelled the path of pastor search.  Additionally, we have consulted with mentors at both SBTC and San Antonio Baptist Association (SABA). 

      The list of activities provided here represents the team’s progress as of the day of posting, 03 March 2022.  Many steps and actions already have been accomplished, and so are not listed below.  Going forward, there will be numerous sub-tasks and activities also not listed below.  In other words, these represent only major activities and milestones.

 
      As we progress, the team will update the list by color-coding activities accomplished (green), activities in work (blue), and activities not yet started (black).  Note that if the top candidate is already a VPBC staff member, many activities below will not be necessary.  The search team welcomes questions or observations.

• Develop profiles of the church (organization) and of the congregation (people)
• Conduct a church-wide survey to create the congregational profile
• Combine the survey results with Scriptural qualifications to develop a Pastor Profile
• Develop related yet separate Pastor Qualifications and a Senior Pastor Position Description
• Set “open” and “close” dates for receiving resumes
• Seek referrals from the congregation
• Post position open notifications to select (vetted) web sites and publications
• Receive resumes for the stated period
• Upon closing of the receiving period, assess resumes
• Through a set of highly focused discussions, iteratively reduce the total number of resumes to the top five (5)
• Verify the five are still interested
• Send questionnaire to each
• Obtain permission to run background checks and contact references
• Request web links to sermons, or DVDs; observe and assess sermons
• Conduct background checks
• Contact primary & secondary references
• Evaluate questionnaire responses
• Conduct a short, initial interview as appropriate
• Pray intensely, discuss, decide on the top candidate
• Contact candidate to confirm he is still considering VPBC
• Provide information such as church documents the candidate requests
• If feasible and practical, two or three team members attend the candidate’s church on a Sunday morning to observe the candidate in his current church
• Conduct an in-depth interview with the candidate
• Discuss team observations
• Conduct a final interview, including the candidate’s wife accompanying him if possible
• Assuming all is “yes” at this point, coordinate setting a date for “in view of a call” weekend
• Discuss and agree on a Compensation Package and a Covenant Agreement
• Coordinate with the church staff to plan activities for the “call” weekend
• Announce to the congregation the “call” weekend date and schedule of activities involving the candidate
• [“Call” weekend activities will be added here as appropriate near to that time]
• Candidate leads the worship service Sunday morning (then is excused)
• Congregation votes following the service, in a Special Called business meeting
• [Additional activities to be added, depending on vote outcome]

Village Parkway Baptist Church Profile

Village Parkway Baptist Church (VPBC) of San Antonio, Texas, is a church family that values Biblical preaching and heartfelt.  Overall, VPBC is a warm and welcoming church family who is serious about the Great Commission, and reaching the next generations in our community.  We value expository preaching and practical community ministries.  VPBC is a missional church, seeking to communicate God’s message of love and forgiveness through relevant preaching and teaching.

In 1981, VPBC was a church plant of Castle Hills First Baptist church (now known as Mission City Church).   VPBC started by renting space in Timberwilde Elementary School, located in the nearby Great Northwest neighborhood.  The church members themselves constructed much of the first building, which is now the fellowship hall wing of the facility. Through the years, other buildings have been added to the campus: the Education Wing (added to the Fellowship Hall), the Worship Center, and finally the stand-alone Education Buildings, which originally served the Village Parkway Christian School (which closed in recent years) and now continues to serve the Sunday School needs of the church.  Overall, VPBC currently has approximately 44,000 square feet of building space on its 5.876-acre lot.

At 42-years-old, VPBC has seen the city of San Antonio evolve and grow, and we have done the same.    VPBC now sits in an area that, at the church’s founding, was on the fringes of the city growth but now is well inside that frontier. The area is still vibrant and families are still attracted to it. 

The current weekly in-person Sunday attendance is averaging 199.  Pre-Covid, the weekly Sunday attendance was averaging 389.  Like many modern churches, VPBC used the Covid years to better develop and maintain an online worship presence.  This online presence was an integral part of the church’s identity and it continues to this day.  The peak attendance for VPBC was during the period around 2010, sitting at 600-650.  Baptisms in recent years have averaged 15-20 annually, down from 20-25 in previous years.  Historically, VPBC has been considered to be a military-friendly church.  The morale of the church family is positive and engaged. There is an excitement in the air and a fresh wind of expectation as we search for our next senior pastor. 

In 2021 our total annual budget was set at $1.155 million, with our receipts totaling $1.091 million.  Our final expenditures for the year were $1.17 million. This atypical overage was due to additional building maintenance and extra media expenditures.  Village was able to handle these overages thanks to a budget surplus at the end of the previous fiscal year due to Covid-related PPP funds.  As of February 2022, our receipts are at 51% and our expenses are at 55% of our budget set at $1.2 million. 

VPBC has a long history of being a missions-oriented and service-minded church.  Covid has indeed hampered those efforts, but we are hopeful to be in a position to renew those efforts in the near future.  VPBC helped found Life Choices in 1996.  This is a Christian based pro-life organization which is significantly supported by the church from inception to this day. VPBC partners with local organizations such as Mission of Hope (which helps provide necessities to those in need along the Texas/Mexico border), the Arabic Baptist Church of San Antonio and Children’s Hunger Fund.  VPBC participates with annual giving opportunities such as Lottie Moon, Annie Armstrong, and Operation Christmas Child.  Additionally, we have regularly sent mission teams to Costa Rica and Honduras in partnership with missionaries in those respective countries.  These international missions have been on hold for the last couple of years due to Covid, however we look forward to sending out teams again in the near future. Further information is available on our website.  We believe in encouraging people to discover, develop, nurture, and use their God-given gifts and talents for Kingdom purposes.  Whether in the Praise Band or the Choir, whether participating in Adult, Senior Adult or Youth or Children’s Ministries, the congregation has a long history of seeking out the appropriate ministry in which their gifts can best be used to bring glory to God.

Senior Pastor Profile

     The Senior Pastor of VPBC embodies the following qualities, character traits, beliefs, and experience.  In that there is no one except Jesus Christ who is (ever was, ever shall be) perfect, VPBC does not demand perfection in the expressed characteristics of our Senior Pastor. The church does expect demonstrated fruit in these areas, given that we are ever growing more and more into the image of Christ.  Where the Pastor honestly recognizes limitations, the church does expect that he is forthcoming regarding those limitations and is diligently at work strengthening any such area.

     VPBC’s Senior Pastor is firmly and unmistakably called by Jesus Christ and is under conviction to shepherd the flock.  He is a bold preacher, or proclaimer, of the good news of Christ.  He has an unwavering dedication to the theology and doctrines of God as expressed in the Scriptures.  He is a man who preaches the Word and teaches the Truth as an outflowing of graciousness from a shepherd’s heart.

     The order of priority for his life is: serving God first and foremost; then taking care of his family; thirdly shepherding the flock of Jesus Christ; and finally, being a friend and neighbor to all others.  He does not neglect himself in this regard, but he does have and reflects the attitude of considering others to be of greater importance than himself.

     He has demonstrated in prior pastorates an ability to build, encourage and nurture relationships across – as well as among – generational groups within the church.  He wholeheartedly supports ministries and missions and endeavors to equip the saints for service as appropriate. 

     The VPBC Senior Pastor is not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and stands firm on God’s perspective regarding cultural issues of the day.  He is uncompromising in affirming and sharing God’s Truth in this regard, however he does so with love and compassion, understanding the impact such issues may have in the lives of church members and our community.

     The Pastor is passionate about all the following, without neglecting one in favor of another: prayer, worship, fellowship, Biblical teaching, discipleship, evangelism, and stewardship.  He takes a whole-Bible, whole-church, whole-person approach to all his pastoral responsibilities.

     The VPBC Senior Pastor has internalized and embodies key Scriptures such as 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9, 1 Peter 5:1-5, 1 Corinthians 13:4-5, and Galatians 5:22-23, without any diminishment or neglect of the whole counsel of God.

     He is a wise and humble leader of VPBC in its diverse activities, relying on staff, Deacons, and other lay leaders to inform and strengthen his leadership.  He seeks counsel of the Deacons in all matters impacting the life of the congregation and the functioning of the church, ensuring that decisions in such regard are collaborative.  

     Our pastor may not have been a Christian nor specifically aligned with the Southern Baptist tradition his entire life, but in his calling he will have been ordained in a Southern Baptist church.  He affirms in its entirety the Baptist Faith & Message 2000.   

     He has undertaken diligently to gain an appropriate education at a school accredited by the Association of Theological Schools, earning at least a Master of Divinity degree.  As a life-long learner he continues to seek to know Christ more deeply through prayer, study of God’s Word, and study about God’s Word.

     Our Senior Pastor will have grown into the man as described above through experience serving in a Southern Baptist church as at least an Associate Pastor for a minimum of five years, with at least three years as Senior Pastor.  In all his previous callings, his service honored God, honored his family, honored his congregation, and honored himself.  In other words, he is a man of deep and unshakable integrity, above reproach.

Pastor Profile Q&A

The week of April 3rd, the Pastor Search Team will be sharing with the membership a Senior Pastor Profile.  The Profile will be available in multiple media formats (e-mail, web site, info handout).  What will a Pastor Profile accomplish?  The Pastor Search team offers the following in a Q&A format.  

Q:  What is the Pastor Profile?

A:  The Pastor Profile is a somewhat broad narrative describing required and desired characteristics of the next Senior Pastor of Village Parkway Baptist Church.  There are other documents which address specifically Qualifications and Position Description.

Q:  How was it developed?

A:  The Pastor Profile was developed through Biblical study, prayer, feedback of the congregation and staff through surveys, the experience of team members, and search team member discussions.   During discussions the team was reminded to set aside personal preferences, to filter considerations through non-negotiable Scriptural qualifications, and to focus on the best fit for VPBC.

Q:  What will it be used for? / What is the purpose?

A: The Pastor Profile will be one input to the more specific Qualifications and Position Description documents.  All of these collectively will be used to develop the position opening announcement which will be posted on select web sites (hosted by SBC and SBTC).  This interrelated set of documents will help to ensure that a candidate pastor clearly understands the qualifications and characteristics necessary to fulfill the role of VPBC Senior Pastor. They will also aid the search team in the resume screening and candidate interviewing phases of the search process.

Q:  What are we (the congregation) to do with this information?

A:  The Senior Pastor Profile is presented to the congregation for prayerful review and comment.   Each congregation member should review the Profile, including Scriptural references. Pray over the Profile and discern whether this addresses God’s expectations of our Senior Pastor. Provide feedback via the Pastor Search page on VPBC.net, or by e-mail to pastorsearch22@vpbc.net.   We will accept comments until April 9th.

This is a key milestone on our path to meeting the man God is sending to be the next Senior Pastor of VPBC. Therefore, we look forward to your comments and prayers, most specifically that we remain under conviction in our responsibility, responsive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and keeping focused on the goal which God has set before us to identify God’s man in God’s time.

Thank you.

Pastor Search Team

SENIOR PASTOR QUALIFICATIONS

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATION

Before ever standing in the pulpit of Village Parkway Baptist Church a pastor must have had an unequivocally clear and compelling divine call by God to the ministry (for example, Acts 13:2, 1 Corinthians 9:16).

CHARACTER QUALIFICATIONS

God calls out these specific, non-negotiable character qualifications of an elder or overseer (pastor) in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 (NASB; also reference to 2 Timothy 2:24-25 and Titus 1:5-9).  Therefore, the Senior Pastor of Village Parkway Baptist Church will be a man who measures up to these at the very least.  “Measures up” does not require perfection, but does require fidelity to, and demonstrable fruit in, each qualification.

• Above reproach (most essential)
• Husband of one wife
• Temperate
• Self-controlled
• Respectable
• Hospitable
• Skillful in teaching
• Not overindulging in wine
• Not a bully, but gentle
• Not contentious
• Free from the love of money
• Manages his own household well
• Keeping his children under control with all dignity
• Not a new convert
• Good reputation with those outside the church

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURAL QUALIFICATIONS

• The pastor is under conviction that the Bible is God’s Word, that it is true from Genesis to Revelation, and that it is the sole authoritative source for spiritual understanding and growth (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Romans 15:4, 2 Peter 1:20-21).
• The pastor teaches and preaches the whole counsel of God without omittance, exclusion or shame (Romans 1:16, 2 Timothy 2:15, 2 Timothy 4:2, Titus 1:9).
• The pastor has the heart of a shepherd and is motivated to love, guide, and protect the flock (1 Peter 5:1-4, Acts 20:28, Psalm 78:72, John 21:15-17, Psalm 23).
• The pastor exhibits the fruit of the spirit as expressed in Galatians 5:22-23.
• The pastor has a comprehensive prayer life (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Ordination:  Since accepting Christ as Lord and Savior, the pastor was ordained to the pastorate in a Southern Baptist-affiliated church.
• Doctrinal Stance:  The pastor is conversant with the Baptist Faith & Message 2000 and agrees with the doctrinal teachings expressed or implied therein.  As to the cultural issues of the day, the pastor affirms God’s Word against even the most challenging pressures, and he does so with understanding and compassion for those affected by such issues.
• Philosophy of Ministry:  The pastor will have developed a philosophy of ministry which comprehends the other qualifications expressed herein and that fits the personality of VPBC.
• Spiritual Gifts:  The pastor will have demonstrated fruit in the gifts of (at least) leading, teaching, serving, and encouraging.
• Practical Skills & Abilities:  The pastor will have experience demonstrating skills in, at the very least, counseling, conflict resolution, church administration, and financial management.
• Leadership Style:  The pastor leads but does so humbly with a collaborative and cooperative spirit, taking counsel with the deacons, staff, and ministry leaders, as appropriate, for all major decisions.
• Experience:  The pastor should have at least five (5) years’ continuous experience as an ordained pastor or associate in at least one SBC-affiliated church of a size similar to VPBC.  At least three (3) years will have been in the role of Senior Pastor. 
• Education:  The pastor will have earned at least a Master of Divinity or Theology degree from an Association of Theological Schools-accredited seminary or Bible college. 
• Affiliations:  The pastor is willing to affiliate and cooperate with San Antonio Baptist Association, Southern Baptists of Texas Convention, and Southern Baptist Convention.  Cooperation does not necessarily imply absolute agreement with everything each of those associations says or does.

SENIOR PASTOR

POSITION DESCRIPTION

ACCOUNTABILITY

While Christ is head of the Church, the church body has authority (exercised representationally by the Deacons, in consultation with the Personnel Committee) over the Senior Pastor who, in turn, has authority over other ministerial and support staff members.  The Pastor, in cooperation with the Deacons, is responsible for leading the church to function as a New Testament church. The Pastor leads the congregation, the organizations, and the church staff to perform the tasks to which they are called and serves as leader of pastoral ministries of Village Parkway.

OVERVIEW

The Senior Pastor provides spiritual leadership to the congregation through Biblically sound preaching, discipleship, and exemplification of godly character. He demonstrates a high level of competency and excellence in the study of the Scriptures, church leadership and organization. He endeavors to lead VPBC members to fulfill both the Great Commission and the Great Commandment by equipping them to carry out the five functions of the New Testament church: worship, ministry, fellowship, discipleship, and evangelism.

FUNDAMENTAL QUALIFICATIONS

The Senior Pastor is called, ordained, set apart by God to the gospel ministry, evangelical in theology, and is committed to living and serving in a manner consistent with the standards of a pastor as set forth in Scripture.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Worship

• Coordinate with the other staff pastors to set the preaching schedule for worship services
• Serve as the primary proclaimer on Sunday mornings, and ensure that the pulpit is filled by faithful preachers when absent
• Lead Sunday morning worship in a way that engages the congregation spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally, motivating commitment and action
• Administer the ordinances of the Lord’s Supper at least once a month and Believer’s Baptism as needed
• Lead in planning special services
• Work closely with the Music Ministry to integrate music into worship services and other church events

Prayer

• Model the commands and examples of Scripture during public prayer at church gatherings
• Lead the church in a culture of prayer, in which members regularly pray for one another and the world

Pastoral Care

• Shepherd (with other staff pastors) the congregation by visiting, counseling, and praying for members and prospective members in their life circumstances (e.g., hospitalized, in long-term care, at home)
• Provide personal counseling, and make referrals to competent outside individuals or agencies when needed (marital & premarital; bereavement; crisis; relationship challenges; life struggles, etc.)
• Lead in celebrations and other significant life events (e.g., baby dedications, memorial services, funerals) as appropriate
• Perform weddings for members, within Scriptural strictures
• Oversee all church discipline matters, demonstrating strong problem solving, conflict resolution, and listening skills

Teaching

• Lead midweek services for prayer and Bible study
• Provide general oversight of Christian education in the church, supporting the efforts of other pastors (primarily the Associate Pastor for Education) who are directly responsible for those programs
• Oversee instruction to new members, deacons, trustees and staff in discipleship and leadership 

Leadership / Administration

• Coordinate planning of church activities with staff members and deacons
• Schedule and lead weekly staff meetings and annual staff retreats
• Plan the church calendar to keep staff informed of future events and topics
• Provide oversight of staff and others in their responsibilities
• Ensure the church’s operations and systems are kept current
• Serve as the chief officer of the church in executing, with the staff and deacons, the policies and mandates duly approved by the congregation
• Assist with church financial matters, such as advising on the annual church budget and approving expenses that do not require congregational approval
• Oversee the Deacon ministry; communicate church needs to the deacons and delegate appropriate tasks to the Deacon body
• Act as moderator of the church business meetings (unless another leader is elected moderator)
• Serve as an ex-officio member of all committees, advising and providing mentorship as appropriate

Stewardship

• Model stewardship for the congregation
• Work with the appropriate ministries and committees to promote, educate and advocate responsible biblical stewardship in the congregation

Evangelism

• Lead the staff and the church in a program of evangelism and outreach
• Coordinate efforts in managing, evaluating, and expanding outreach programs
• Plan evangelism events throughout the year to engage the community with the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Missions

• Lead the church to understand, embrace, and accomplish its mission to make disciples in San Antonio, Texas, the United States, and the world
• Assist the church organizations in providing opportunities for members to be directly involved in missions and ministry

Membership

• Coordinate with ministerial staff to conduct membership interviews, recommend candidates for the church’s affirmation of membership, and assist transitioning members with finding a new church home
• Encourage members to discern their own spiritual gifts, develop their gifts and their own leadership abilities, and engage in the ministries to which they are called
• Provide oversight over all internal communications with the congregation through articles or announcements, written and spoken

Denominational Relationships

• Participate with SABA, SBTC, and SBC leaders in matters of mutual interest and concern, and to support the work of Southern Baptist missions and the Cooperative Program

Civic Relationships

• Serve as spokesperson for VPBC in all dealings with the public, media, and other organizations
• Promote programs that reach out to the community and to inactive members, to share good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and make known available opportunities to serve in God’s work at or from VPBC.

COMPENSATION

The Senior Pastor receives a compensation package, typically with negotiable allocation across a range of benefits in addition to base salary, with reference to policies set forth in the Personnel Policies & Employee Handbook (dated 2011).  The package is in line with those of the Associate Pastors, and is developed with the advice of the Deacons and Personnel Committee, oversight by the Financial Administrator, and approval by the Finance Committee.

SCHEDULE

The Pastor’s schedule requires great flexibility in hours available for work, including evenings and weekends.  The pastor should be in the office a sufficient amount of time for accessibility to members of the congregation and for regular communication with members of the staff.  In addition to time dedicated to visitation, he also must allocate reasonable time for rest, relaxation and recreation to maintain a healthy balance in his life and in that of his family.