Pastoral Search Portal
Union Missionary Baptist Church is prayerfully seeking a spiritually grounded, visionary, and servant-hearted pastor to lead us into the next season of ministry and growth.
“And I will give you shepherds according to My heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.”
Jeremiah 3:15
Welcome From the Committee
August 16, 2026
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Welcome to the Pastoral Search page of Union Missionary Baptist Church of Lithonia, Georgia. We are grateful for your interest in learning more about our church and our search for the servant-leader whom God is preparing to shepherd our congregation.
The Pastoral Search Committee has been prayerfully entrusted with the responsibility of identifying the individual whom God has called to serve as the next Senior Pastor of Union Missionary Baptist Church. Throughout this process, we are committed to seeking God’s wisdom, maintaining transparency, and following His direction as we move forward in faith.
We are seeking a spiritually mature, biblically grounded, visionary leader who demonstrates integrity, humility, and a heart for shepherding God’s people. The individual selected should possess a passion for preaching and teaching the Word of God, developing disciples, engaging the community, and leading the church in fulfilling the Great Commission.
If you believe God is calling you to this opportunity, we invite you to prayerfully review our pastoral qualifications and application requirements before submitting your application.
Applications should be submitted electronically through this website. Candidates will be asked to provide the following:
- A current résumé or curriculum vitae
- Recent sermons (preferably within the last six months)
- A statement of faith and ministry philosophy
- Supporting documents as outlined in the application instructions
- Professional/Spiritual/Personal References
All application materials will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality and reviewed solely by the Pastoral Search Committee.
We appreciate your prayers for our church, our committee, and every candidate seeking God’s will during this important season in the life of Union Missionary Baptist Church.
If you have questions regarding the pastoral search process, please contact the Pastoral Search Committee at:
Email: umbcpastoralsearch@gmail.com
In Christ’s Service,
Deacon Robert Scott Sr.
Chairman, Pastoral Search Committee
About Union Missionary Baptist Church
Union Missionary Baptist Church of Lithonia, Georgia, was founded in 1894 by Rev. D. K. Williams of Missouri. What began as a small wooden building located on the north side of the present sanctuary was originally known as Second Baptist Church. At that time, the area was known as Chigger Hill, now called Bruce Street.
Beginning in the early 1900s, Union Missionary Baptist Church experienced steady growth as the original building was renovated and expanded. Over the next century, under the leadership of several dedicated pastors, the church continued to evolve through numerous renovations, ministry expansions, and facility improvements while remaining committed to its mission of serving God and the community.
Throughout its history, Union Missionary Baptist Church has established many impactful ministries and programs, including the F. L. Thomas Bible Institute, Youth Choir, Wednesday Night Bible Study, Junior Church, City-Wide Daily Vacation Bible School, Mission Society, Annual Easter Sunrise Services on Pine Mountain, Fellowship Day, the J. L. Smith Young Adult Choir, and the church’s annual Friends & Family Day celebration. These ministries have strengthened the spiritual growth and fellowship of generations of members and visitors alike.
In September 2004, the church dedicated its current 24,000-square-foot sanctuary, providing expanded worship space along with additional classrooms, meeting rooms, and fellowship areas to support the growing needs of the congregation and community.
In November 2014, Rev. Edward L. Randolph, Jr. was called to serve as Interim Pastor and was officially installed as Senior Pastor in June 2015. During his decade of faithful leadership, Union Missionary Baptist Church experienced significant spiritual, technological, and organizational growth.
Pastor Randolph championed numerous improvements, including the installation of state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment and advanced video technology. These enhancements transformed the worship experience and expanded the church’s outreach by enabling live streaming of worship services and Bible studies through platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and Zoom.
Following Rev. Edward L. Randolph, Jr.’s retirement in January 2025, Rev. Valerie Showell was appointed to serve as Interim Pastor of Union Missionary Baptist Church. Since assuming this leadership role, Rev. Showell has faithfully guided the congregation through a period of transition by providing strong spiritual leadership, maintaining the church’s ministries and outreach efforts, and working alongside church leaders as preparations were made for the calling of the church’s next Senior Pastor. Her dedication and commitment have helped ensure continuity, stability, and continued growth while honoring the church’s rich legacy and mission of proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The City of Lithonia is located in southeastern DeKalb County, Georgia, approximately 18 miles east of downtown Atlanta. Known for its pedestrian-friendly downtown, historic architecture, and rich cultural heritage, Lithonia offers a unique blend of history and community. The downtown district has been nominated to the National Register of Historic Places and features a variety of local businesses and attractions, including the Lithonia Stewart Amphitheater, the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, Panola Mountain State Park, the Bruce Street School, the Lithonia Historic District, the Johnson Granite Company, the Lithonia Woman’s Club, and the historic Railroad Station.
Lithonia’s population is predominantly African American, with a growing and increasingly diverse community. According to recent demographic data, approximately 83.1% of residents identify as Black or African American, 7.63% as Hispanic or Latino, and 4.81% as White (Non-Hispanic). The city’s cost-of-living index is approximately 94.6, making it slightly below the national average.
As Lithonia continues to grow, new residential developments, expanding businesses, and increasing economic investment are attracting families and professionals to the area. This continued growth presents Union Missionary Baptist Church with exciting opportunities to expand its ministry, strengthen community partnerships, and continue fulfilling its mission of leading people to Christ while serving the needs of a changing and diverse community.
Candidate Qualifications
Our Desired Leadership Profile
Union Missionary Baptist Church is prayerfully seeking a Christ-centered, Bible-preaching, Spirit-led shepherd who will lead with humility, integrity, vision, and compassion. We desire a pastor who is committed to biblical truth, passionate about discipleship and evangelism, experienced in developing leaders, and equipped to minister effectively to a multigenerational congregation while guiding our church into its next season of spiritual growth and community impact.
Candidate Qualifications
We prayerfully seek a pastor whose life, ministry, and leadership reflect biblical principles and a sincere commitment to serving God’s people. The following qualifications represent the characteristics and expectations identified through prayer, congregational input, and the work of the Pastoral Search Committee.
Seeking God’s Chosen Servant
The Pastoral Search Committee of Union Missionary Baptist Church prayerfully sought input from our congregation, church leadership, and other stakeholders to identify the qualities, experience, and leadership characteristics desired in our next Senior Pastor. Through prayer and discernment, we have developed the following qualifications and expectations for candidates who believe God may be calling them to serve at Union Missionary Baptist Church.
Spiritual Qualifications
The successful candidate should:
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- Demonstrate a personal and growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
- Love God, the Word of God, and the people of God.
- Be spiritually mature and exhibit godly wisdom in decision-making.
- Be led by the Holy Spirit and encourage an atmosphere where the Spirit of God is free to move during worship.
- Possess a heart for prayer, discipleship, evangelism, and pastoral care.
- Exhibit the biblical qualifications outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:6–9.
Biblical Qualifications
The Senior Pastor shall:
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- Faithfully preach and teach the inspired Word of God.
- Proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ with biblical accuracy and relevance.
- Lead the congregation in spiritual growth through sound doctrine and biblical teaching.
- Administer the ordinances of the church, including Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
- Provide Christ-centered leadership that reflects Baptist doctrine and practices.
Education
Qualifications include:
- Licensed and ordained Baptist minister in accordance with Baptist doctrine and practices (required).
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (preferred).
- Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or other graduate theological degree from an accredited seminary (preferred).
- A demonstrated commitment to lifelong learning, leadership development, and ministry excellence.
Ministerial Experience
Candidates should possess:
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- Previous experience serving as a Minister, Senior Pastor or Associate Pastor.
- A proven record of church growth and discipleship.
- Experience developing and mentoring ministry leaders and volunteers.
- Experience ministering to a multigenerational congregation.
Leadership Expectations
The Senior Pastor should demonstrate the ability to:
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- Provide visionary leadership that aligns with the mission and vision of Union Missionary Baptist Church.
- Develop strategic plans that promote spiritual growth and congregational health.
- Effectively communicate God’s vision to the congregation.
- Lead church ministries through planning, organization, coordination, and evaluation.
- Work collaboratively with the Deacons, Trustees, ministry leaders, church officers, and committees.
- Moderate church meetings in accordance with the church’s Constitution and Bylaws.
- Represent the church with local, state, and national Baptist organizations, as well as within the community.
- Demonstrate sound financial stewardship and administrative leadership.
- Foster church growth, member engagement, and community outreach.
Personal Character
The successful candidate should be:
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- Honest, trustworthy, and above reproach.
- Humble, approachable, and compassionate.
- An effective communicator who connects with people of all ages.
- A servant leader who leads by example.
- A person of integrity with strong moral and ethical character.
- Committed to unity, accountability, and excellence in ministry.
Pastoral Responsibilities
The Senior Pastor will serve as the spiritual leader of Union Missionary Baptist Church and will be responsible for:
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- Proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ through biblical preaching and teaching.
- Planning and leading worship services.
- Administering the ordinances of the church.
- Providing pastoral care through visitation, counseling, and encouragement.
- Conducting weddings, funerals, baptisms, baby dedications, and ordination services.
- Leading Bible Study and other Christian education opportunities.
- Equipping and mentoring church leaders and ministry volunteers.
- Working closely with the Deacons, Board of Directors, and Trustees, ministry leaders, and committees.
- Representing the church within the local community and Baptist organizations.
- Leading initiatives that strengthen discipleship, evangelism, stewardship, and community engagement.
Pre-Employment Requirements
The selected candidate will be required to successfully complete:
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- Criminal and Civil Background Investigation
- Credit History Review
- Drug Screening
These screenings will be conducted through an independent third-party vendor to ensure confidentiality. A valid government-issued ID is required.
Application Requirements
Candidates must submit the following materials through the online application portal:
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- Letter of Intent (Cover Letter)
- Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Copy of Ministerial License
- Copies of Degrees and/or Official College Transcripts
- Driver’s License
- Five References:
- Two Spiritual References
- Two Professional/Work References
- One Personal Reference
- Three Recent Sermon Links (preached within the last six months)
Pastoral Candidate Application
Ready to Answer God’s Call?
If you believe the Lord is leading you to serve as the next Senior Pastor of Union Missionary Baptist Church, we invite you to begin the application process.
Begin Your Application
What to Expect After You Apply
We appreciate your interest in serving as the next Senior Pastor of Union Missionary Baptist Church. After your application is submitted, you can expect the following process:
1. Confirmation of Receipt
- You will receive confirmation that your application has been successfully received.
2. Initial Review
- The Pastoral Search Committee will prayerfully review each application and supporting documents.
3. Candidate Evaluation
- Qualified candidates may be contacted for additional information, references, or interviews.
4. Prayerful Discernment
- Throughout the process, the committee will seek God’s guidance in evaluating each candidate.
5. Confidentiality
- All applications and communications will remain confidential throughout the search process.
6. Ongoing Communication
- Candidates who advance in the process will be contacted directly by the Pastoral Search Committee.
We thank you for your interest in Union Missionary Baptist Church and appreciate your willingness to follow God’s leading. Please continue to pray for our congregation, our committee, and every candidate as we seek God’s direction together.
Important: If you experience any issues submitting your application or supporting documents, please contact the Pastoral Search Committee immediately at umbcpastoralsearch@gmail.com. Include your name, phone number, and a brief description of the issue so we can assist you promptly.
Contact the Committee
Committee Email
– UMBCPastoralSearch@gmail.com
Contact Us
Important note:
To maintain the integrity of the search process, all inquiries should be directed through the Pastoral Search Committee email. Committee members will not discuss applicant information outside the established process.
Prayer Requests
Please Pray With Us
The UMBC Congregation and our Pastoral Search Committee humbly asks for your prayers as we seek God’s wisdom and guidance during this important season in the life of our church.
Prayer Request
Our Prayer
We believe God has already prepared the individual He has called to serve as the next Senior Pastor of Union Missionary Baptist Church. Until that day arrives, we remain steadfast in prayer, united in faith, and committed to following His direction. We invite you to join us in praying for God’s perfect will throughout this journey.
Search Updates
✔ Committee Formed
✔ Church Profile Completed
🟡 Applications Being Accepted
⬜ Candidate Review
⬜ Interviews
⬜ Final Recommendation