POSITION VACANT – PASTOR – WEST ORANGE BAPTIST CHURCH

As our Pastor is retiring in June 2020, applicants are sought for suitably qualified men.

West Orange Baptist Church (Inc) is an autonomous Baptist church located in the thriving city of Orange N S W.   Located 254 km west of Sydney, at an altitude of 862 metres, population of 41,000.

We are basically fundamental in principal, pre millennial and conservative by choice.

Although predominantly an older congregation we would look for one who could build families while appreciating the contribution of the mature. Preach the Word, Pastor the flock.

Interested applicants, after prayer, may enquire with Steve Smedley on Mob 0417577834 or Wayne Sherwood Mob 0417291362 or email the Pastoral Committee on gitamae.smedley@gmail.com for further information.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

WEST ORANGE BAPTIST CHURCH is a nonaligned Independent Baptist Church. Not part of the Baptist Union nor the Independent Baptist Churches. It is purely autonomous.

We hold dear to Biblical principles with the Word being an essential instruction for life.

Currently two services are held each Sunday with 10 am attendance numbers between 45 – 70 and 25 to 30 in the 5pm service. (Currently there are 21 Members). Other activities are Ladies meetings, KYB, Friday night fellowship & Midweek prayer & Bible study. A spirit of love is very evident in the fellowship and value attendee’s contributions.

It is important to include the fellowship in the running of the church & each service as this trains & enhances their gifts.

A Statement of Faith & Constitution are available on request.

------------------------------------------------------------

WEST ORANGE BAPTIST CHURCH  (Incorporated)

Relevant background information

WEST ORANGE BAPTIST commenced services in the latter months of 1980 with humble beginnings with dedicated folk who wanted to adhere to God’s word,

Fellowship was held in homes at first but numbers soon grew to be too many for this. With approximately 40 believers, agreement was reached that a new fellowship be born in Orange. At first services were held on Sunday afternoons so as not to impede on other service times. These services were then held in the now demolished Cherry Blossom Hall.  The name of ORANGE COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH was then adopted.

After a time, services were relocated to the C W A Hall in Robertson Park with 100 in attendance. Preaching was carried out by a number of men from the church who took up the mantle to faithfully preach the Word. Various visiting speakers were invited and appreciated.

Eventually the Lord provided for the purchase of a large block of land on the western side of Orange, 79-85 Molong Rd. (initially half the block was sought however the Lord enabled the whole block). This was made possible partly through 2 interest free loans which lead to the building of a large worship building & bus/youth shed.

Programs covered 2 Sunday services, All Age Sunday School, men’s & lady’s meetings, midweek Prayer and Bible study, teenage program, 20-40 age fellowship, a very large youth work which at one stage utilised 3 buses to bring the children in from the 4 quarters of Orange.

The name of ORANGE INDEPENDENT BAPTIST CHURCH was then adopted. The fellowship was completely autonomous of any denomination or group. This remains in place to today.

All through this time the fellowship had no Pastor but was led by the Elders & Deacons. This continued for many years when it was voted to call a full time Pastor. Rev John Howard was appointed, followed by Dr Richard Wright, Pastor David Thompson, Rev Steve Caswell. In 2003 Mr Geoffrey Langdon joined us and has faithfully served the Lord till his impending retirement in June 2020. The quality of his preaching is acknowledged.

The church changed its name to WEST ORANGE BAPTIST CHURCH during the term of Pastor Steve Caswell in 1999, to better reflect the autonomous entity.

The role involves;

• Full-time pastoral role in an established autonomous Baptist Church
• Preaching in majority of 2 services each Sunday
• Leadership of at least 1 Bible Study group
• Love and appreciation of people of ALL ages
• Pastoral care of the fellowship including visitation
• Encouragement of congregation’s gifts and abilities
• Remuneration via agreed stipend and expenses packaged with periodic reviews

 Essential

• Godly man and committed to Christ
• Bible believer and in agreement with the Constitution’s Statement of Faith & the ethos of W O B C (constitution available on request)
• Previous Pastoral experience with Pastoral care
• One who lives & breathes Christ in all aspects of his life
• A firm knowledge and understanding of God’s Word
• Demonstrated ability to preach & teach in an interesting, simple & vibrant way to convey the truths of the Word
• Ability to work with the leadership team; being pastor and elected Deacons
•  

 Desirable

• Part time candidates will also be considered
• Musical gifts
• Possibly an early commencement to work with current Pastor prior to his retirement

 Your Application

Please email your letter of interest and CV outlining relevant experience to  gitamae.smedley@gmail.com to obtain further information. Mobile 0418577834