Pastoral Search
April 15, 2024
Greetings in the name of our Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. The Pastoral Search Committee of Union Missionary Baptist Church of Lithonia, Inc. is initiating a call for a new Senior Pastor to lead our congregation. Our current Pastor, Reverend Edward L. Randolph, Jr. is retiring from Pastoral Ministry. Accordingly, we are seeking a qualified individual who is capable and willing to continue to lead us on the path of spiritual growth and development.
Individuals who are interested in this rewarding opportunity should be able to articulate their vision for leading our church and the surrounding communities towards Christ’s salvation. We are asking that those interested respond electronically by way our website: www.umbclithonia.org. Here you will find an online application and instructions for submitting your resume, recent sermons within the last six months, and supporting documents.
The deadline for submissions is May 31, 2024. Thank you for your time and consideration. Any additional questions should be directed to our email address umbclithoniapastoralsearch2024@gmail.com.
Sincerely,
Deacon Robert E. Scott, Sr.
Chairman, UMBC Pastoral Search Committee
Senior Pastor Profile & Job Description
Senior Pastor Profile
Union Missionary Baptist Church Pastoral Search Committee sought the input of various stakeholders to understand the type of leader we need in our next Senior Pastor. The Committee determined the following qualifications as essential for our next Senior Pastor:
- A person who loves God, the Word of God, and the people of God.
- Someone who has Godly wisdom.
- Someone who will allow the Spirit of God to freely move during worship services.
- Someone who is an approachable person and able to communicate with a multi-generational member audience.
- A teacher, meeting the spiritual needs of our congregation and community.
- Desire for growing a church or experience as an associate/senior pastor at a church of similar size (approximately 200 members).
- Passionate for reaching people and families, inspiring their growth and development at Union Missionary Baptist Church Lithonia.
- Honest and trustworthy, using Godly wisdom.
UMBC Senior Pastor’s Job Description
Principal Function: The Senior Pastor is responsible for proclaiming the gospel, teaching biblical revelation, growing church ministries, and providing administrative leadership in all areas of church life.
Responsibilities/Minimum Requirements:
- Must embody the qualities outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9.
- Plan and conduct worship services, deliver sermons, and lead ordinance observances.
- Lead effective witnessing and caring ministries for both the church and community.
- Visit sick, shut-in, and bereaved members and families.
- Conduct counseling sessions, perform ceremonies, and ordain church members.
- Collaborate with the Church Leadership Team in planning and evaluating church ministries.
- Work with deacons, officers, and committees.
- Act as moderator in church conferences.
- Stay informed about denominational and civic matters.
- Conduct Bible studies and educational programs consistent with biblical teachings.
Qualifications for Successful Candidates:
- Pastoral experience preferred.
- Licensed, ordained Baptist Minister adhering to Baptist Doctrine.
- Bachelor’s degree preferred; Master of Divinity from an accredited seminary preferred.
- Strong record in church administration and organizational skills.
- Effective communicator and teacher.
- Committed to church growth and member retention.
Candidates will undergo credit checks, background investigations, and drug tests performed by a third-party vendor for confidentiality.
All applicants must provide:
- Letter of Intent (Cover Letter)
- Resume
- Copy of Ministerial License
- College transcripts or degrees copies
- Completed online application
- Three references (spiritual, personal, work-related)
- Links to three sermons within the last six months
- Any additional supplemental materials (recognitions, member feedback, links, certifications, training).
Church History and Community Profile
Union Missionary Baptist Church of Lithonia, GA, was founded in the year 1894 by Rev. D. K. Williams from Missouri. What started as a small wooden building located on the north side of the present building, which held the name Second Baptist Church. At that time, the location was Chigger Hill, now known as Bruce Street.
Starting from the early 1900s, UMBC began to grow with the building being renovated and enlarged. And over the next 100+ years under the leadership of our previous Pastors, many additional changes and upgrades occurred.
Various organized events and ministries have been pursued such as the F. L. Thomas Bible Institute and youth choir, Wednesday night Bible study, the Junior Church, City-Wide Daily Vacation Bible School, Mission Society, Annual Easter Sunrise Services held on Pine Mountain, Fellowship Day, J.L. Smith Young Adult Choir, and our currently celebrated Friends & Family Day.
In September 2004, the current 24,000 square foot sanctuary was built to include additional upper and lower-level rooms used to facilitate meetings, classes, and celebrations.
In November 2014, Rev. Edward L. Randolph, Jr. started as the interim Pastor, being installed in June 2015 and currently serves as our Pastor.
Pastor Randolph has been the inspiration for multiple upgrades including the installation of audio-visual equipment and advanced video technology. This significant upgrade has enhanced the worship and teaching experiences with the ability to stream via the internet on platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, and Zoom.
The city of Lithonia is in southeastern DeKalb County, Georgia, 18 miles east of the center of Atlanta. Lithonia is pedestrian-friendly with interesting architecture and an amazing history. Downtown Lithonia was recently nominated to the National Register of Historic Places and is home to a variety of businesses. The city is known for the Lithonia Stewart Amphitheater, Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, Panola Mountain State Park, and Davidson-Arabia Mountain Heritage Area. With historic sites such as Bruce Street School, Lithonia Historic District, Main Street, Johnson Granite Company, Lithonia’s Woman’s Club, and Railroad Station, Lithonia is a growing community for visitors and residents! The ethnic demographics of Lithonia are as follows: 83.1% Black or African American, 7.63% Hispanic or Latino, 4.81% White (Non-Hispanic). The cost-of-living index in Lithonia was 94.6 (less than average, U.S. average is 100). DeKalb County Public Schools operate public schools. Lithonia Middle School is the only school located in the city limits of Lithonia. As the population of Lithonia is increasing and demographics are becoming more diverse, new construction homes, developers, and businesses are targeting Lithonia and its surrounding areas as a great place to live and raise a family!
Application
FAQ's
Submit your general inquiries about the pastoral search below. We value your input and welcome any questions or suggestions. Please provide your contact information so that we can respond to your inquiry promptly. Thank you for your interest in our church!
Pastoral Search Inquiry