Bethesda Baptist Church is thrilled to welcome Dr. Brandon Powell as the new Pastor of Discipleship and Family Ministries. Brandon has served North Carolina Baptist churches for over 23 years as a Student Pastor, Discipleship Pastor, Executive Pastor, and Senior Pastor. He currently serves as the Student Mobilization Consultant with North Carolina Baptists On Mission where he assists churches, youth ministries, and college ministries in engaging and equipping their students to serve in life impacting missions. He also serves as the Director of Deep Impact Student Summer Mission Weeks through Baptists On Mission.  

Brandon’s calling into pastoral ministry is rooted in Ephesians 4:11-16 which serves as his mission statement for helping families and the church raise disciples who are empowered to use their gifts to glorify God and live on mission for Jesus Christ. God has used Brandon’s heart and giftedness for missional service to lead local, national and international mission trips for students and adults through the church, Baptists On Mission, and North American Mission Board partnerships. 

 

Brandon holds a Doctor of Ministry in Leadership and a Master’s in Christian Education from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and is a graduate from East Carolina University. He and his wife, Gina, have been married for 29 years and they have 3 grown children, Katelyn Foster (husband Preston), Josh Powell, and Madison Jones (husband Lawrence). On Christmas day 2023, Brandon and Gina welcomed their first grandchild, Maggie Foster. 

Beginning December 1, Brandon will be serving our church in the following role.

Position Overview:

The Discipleship and Family Ministries Pastor is responsible for the overall development and implementation of assimilation and discipleship programs for birth – adults across Bethesda Baptist Church utilizing the four parts of our mission, Gather, Grow, Give, and Go. This position will be responsible for expanding the ministry strategies that help parents and families in every life stage. The Discipleship and Family Ministries Pastor will oversee the Directors of youth and children’s ministries.

■ Coordinate with ministry leaders so that the values and culture of Bethesda is present in birth–adult ministries ensuring the teaching and programming highlight missions, outreach initiatives, special needs ministry, adoption ministry, senior adults, and prayer ministry.

 

■ Hold leaders accountable and ensure leadership development and volunteer recruitment are happening in each ministry, helping staff with strategies for raising up, recruiting, leading, and training volunteers.

 

■ Work with ministry leaders in tracking and moving individuals forward with each area of ministry having specific measurable assimilation steps to ensure our discipleship pathway is being followed at all ages (giving, serving, learning, and evangelism).

 

■ Coordinate with Life Groups and Connect ministry leaders.

■ Oversee the assimilation process for birth- adults.

■ Make sure ministries are using one consistent method of teaching evangelism & baptism.

 

■ Develop seasonal events to connect new families.

■ Coordinate and/or lead various discipleship classes.

■ Give input on training, curriculum, and resources, examining age appropriateness and doctrinal integrity.

■ Work with ministry teams to develop smooth transitions from one stage of ministry to the next (children to youth to college)

 

■ Shepherd and develop ministry teams using regular meetings and goal setting for evaluation.

■ Assist in the development and cultivation of the next generation of leaders within the church via internships and other programs.

■ Provide a consistent pastoral presence for the families of our church.■ Assist with the pastoral needs of the entire congregation (care, equipping, leadership, preaching, weddings, funerals)

■ Oversee equitable use of resources.

■ Ministry budget development and maintenance.

Qualifications:

■ Philosophical alignment with church leadership.

■ Passionate about casting vision and developing leaders.

■ Demonstrated leadership for the church and theological discernment.

■ Possess pastoral influence, verbal communication skills, and cultural awareness.

■ Commitment to personal evangelism and church-wide mission involvement.

■ Proven success at multi-tasking, time management, organization, and prioritizing.

■ Proven ability to work with and maintain positive, loyal relationships with those inside and outside the church.

■ Good standing church membership; stable mature Christian walk exhibiting the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

■ Excellent management and leadership skills.

■ Forward-thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

■ Well-developed interpersonal skills and biblical conflict management.

Educational/Experience Requirements:

■ Theological degree from an accredited school.

■ Minimum 5 years’ experience.

■ Experience supervising employees

■ Proven track record in implementing church growth and discipleship.