We are looking for a full time Senior Pastor for Merlin Community Baptist Church near Grants Pass in southern Oregon. We are a medium sized conservative church with approximately 200 in attendance in two Sunday services. We had our long term pastor retire in July 2015 who was followed by a younger pastor for 10 months who passed away suddenly. We currently have an interim pastor in place. We provide both a traditional and contemporary worship experience to reach different groups. As a body of New Testament believers, we affirm our belief in the inspired authority of the scriptures; in the virgin birth and essential deity of our Lord; in His atoning death and bodily resurrection; in His ascension into Heaven and the promised indwelling of the Holy Spirit; in His personal, visible return; and His ultimate and undisputed Kingdom and reign. Our vision is to expand our reach into this community to attract more people, young, old, children, single adults, and families to have a saving faith in Jesus Christ and then join us in our ministry to spread the good news. The Senior Pastor has the primary role as the teaching shepherd of the church. He shall feed the flock, equip the saints, protect the church from false teachers, and love the family of God. Primary emphases are: ***Preach a biblical message that is true to the Bible that encourages and teaches the congregation in an uplifting manner. ***Interpreting the faith – communicate a comprehensive understanding of the Bible and Christian theology in terms relevant to people's lives. ***Leadership – attempt to turn vision into reality and to sustain it in the church. ***Nurturing fellowships – maintain a friendly warm and welcoming atmosphere so that people feel accepted, included and cared for. ***Pastoral care – encouragement at times of need and joy (visit members in hospital or recovery homes). ***Counseling – provide counseling as needed for individuals, couples, and family to enter a healing relationship. ***Leadership development – recognize and call potential persons as leaders with training and growth. ***Conflict management – resolve conflicts as they arrive. Additional information can be obtained at: http://www.merlinchurch.org/Candidate.html. Click on "Our Church Profile". Resumes and or questions may be sent to: Search@merlinchurch.org All submittals will be held in confidence. Please provide your appropriate contact info.