It was such an honor to meet this faithful group of Christ-followers in Bridgeport, WV, who have stayed true through the years to who God has called them to be. They teach the Bible, love one another well, and care deeply for their community. This opportunity will be the right fit for the pastor who sees ministry as a family endeavor and who greatly values team!
The origins of FBC were rooted in-home Bible study. Nine individuals who attended area churches met once per week for study, prayer, and fellowship. Their shared desire was to earnestly learn from and sincerely apply God’s Word as faithful followers of Jesus Christ. After meeting for several months as a home Bible study, the group began to hold Sunday morning gatherings at a local Holiday Inn. An open-door policy was maintained, and the group was taught by various men within the church, with occasional guest speakers. Five men provided leadership by sharing the teaching, pastoral, and administrative responsibilities.
Subsequent years did not bring high numerical growth. However, the church did develop spiritually, financially, and organizationally as it carried out weekly gatherings and home Bible studies. Approximately two years after the first Sunday gathering, the Elders became convinced that the ministry of the church would be enhanced by calling a full-time pastor to join the leadership team. A high standard of teaching and preaching was desired, so a man was sought who would devote his full efforts to the study and communication of God’s Word. He would specialize in teaching while functioning as an equal team member on the Elder Board. Together the leadership monitored and coordinated the direction of the church. A lengthy and exhaustive search ended in the fall of 1982 when a full-time pastor was incorporated into the Eldership. With this goal realized, the church was ready to enter its next phase of development.
From 1982 until 1992, the church met weekly in rented facilities, including hotel meeting rooms, local schools, and a daycare center. The property was acquired in 1990, and the church was able to construct an 8,000-square-foot building for ministry by September 1992. This facility allowed for growth and established FBC in the community of Bridgeport. In 2005 a second service was added to accommodate the growing congregation. Over the next five years, adjacent land was acquired in anticipation of future expansion. In May 2012, Phase I of a planned three-phase expansion was initiated and completed by July of 2013. During the next few years, the completion of planned classrooms and offices was carried out, with the basement area being completed in 2022.
In this season, FBC stands firmly on the heritage which has brought them to this point while concurrently looking expectantly and excitedly into the future of all that God might do over the coming years in Bridgeport and beyond!
The Lead Pastor provides pastoral oversight and care to the church body at FBC. The Lead Pastor will team with the Elder Board as we work to provide organizational vision, leadership, and administration to the church. The Lead Pastor will serve as the primary teacher and communicator for weekend services and other services as needed.
Key Responsibilities:
What a Strong Candidate Would Look Like: