First Baptist Church
201 South Main
Benton, Illinois 62812
618-438-7661
bentonfbc@gmail.com
A house of worship since 1841
CONTENTS
SECTION
Our Story................................................................................................................................................... 3
Congregation Information .................................................................................................................... 4-6
Church Reflections
Congregational Style Indicator.......................................................................................................... 7
Goals and Visions for Ministry .......................................................................................................... 8
How Others See Us ............................................................................................................................ 9
Ministry Priorities Summary ............................................................................................................ 10
What We Believe.....................................................................................................................................11
Position Description & Ministry Compensation ............................................................................. 12-13
Community Information ................................................................................................................... 14-15
O UR STORY
In 1841, the city of Benton was the newly established
county seat of Franklin County. At that time, a few
men and women desired to establish a church of their
choice. The Mt. Pleasant Church “granted the arm”—
giving its permission for a church to be established and
any of its members who lived east of the Big Muddy
River to organize that church.
On Saturday before the first Sunday of May 1841, the
organization of the First Baptist Church of Benton was
effected in a one-room log cabin on East Main Street.
Rev. S.M. Williams of Concord Church in Jefferson
County and Rev. John Browning of Mt. Pleasant
Church were the ministers who directed the organization.
A new church building was built and then dedicated
on December 25, 1893. However, by 1922, the lack
of space and declining conditions of this building
prompted the congregation to start building a new
house of worship. The present church building was
completed and dedicated in 1925.
Over the years, the present church building has been
remodeled and updated. The sanctuary was remodeled
in 1976. The Fidelis Class created a chapel in their
classroom in 1982 where small weddings, meetings, and
services have been held. The kitchen was remodeled in
1986. In 1987, a chair lift was added; in 1988, a new
sound system was installed; and in 2002, an elevator
was installed.
On the day the church was organized, Thomas M.
Vance was ordained by the church to the ministry.
The church chose him for their first pastor, a position
which he retained for 19 years.
The church met in the courthouse until 1850, when a
new frame building was built on East Church Street.
In 1877, the
church
purchased the
ground where
the present
church is
located and
erected a brick
building that
was completed
that same year.
On August 26,
1890, this
building was
destroyed by
fire.
At the time the fire started, the members of the Ladies
Aid Society were attending Mrs. Julia Hickman’s Annual
Strawberry Festival. Later that day, they re-convened in
Mrs. Hickman’s home to make plans to raise funds for
the rebuilding of a new church.
The nursery and kindergarten rooms were updated in
2012. The sanctuary was upgraded in 2013 with new
carpet and new pew coverings. We also recently
installed an electronic message board to display
scripture-based messages and publicize activities to
church members and the community.
The last three pastors of our church and their tenure
are as follows:
Rev. Charles Klassen 2006–2011
Rev. Phil Ingle
1999–2003
Rev. Pat Murphy
1983–1998
3
CONGREGATION I NFORMATION
First Baptist of Benton can be described as an established downtown church with potential and need for growth.
Approaching our 174th birthday, First Baptist continues to play an important role in the spiritual health of the
Benton area.
The First Baptist congregation totals approximately 90 members, with average Sunday attendance of 40 to 50.
However, we are currently facing smaller numbers in the winter months as retired members head to warmer weather
for a few months.
The First Baptist Church has been involved in annual meetings of the Great Rivers Region. Our women’s group
remains active in American Baptist Women’s conferences and associated activities. We have also sponsored several
of our youth to attend Baptist Camp in Springfield, Illinois. Members have also served as camp counselors and staff.
Several of our members volunteer their time and talents in community activities. During the last three years, we have
been without an American Baptist affiliated interim minister for leadership and, consequently, have not been as
involved in ABC activities.
Of our total membership, 80% of those in our congregation are over
60 years of age, with 60% of those being at least 70 years of age.
We have 8 to 10 young people in the congregation, with no more than
2 to 4 regularly attending Sunday School. Approximately 12% of our
members are fully employed and 12% have part-time employment.
The remaining 76% of our membership is made up of retired
senior citizens.
F INANCIAL M ATTERS OF THE C HURCH
Our financial base is sound in that we have been blessed over the years with
generous giving in the wills of deceased members. The church continues to operate debt free.
O RGANIZATIONAL S TYLE OF O UR C HURCH
The First Baptist Church operates under a multi-board
organization, each of which deals with subjects under their
jurisdiction. Each board is kept appraised through meeting
minutes of other boards, shared discussions between board
chairpersons, and the minister. The senior minister is a
part of all board meetings to assist with clarification of
topics and issues.
Our structure consists of a Board of Deacons, Board of
Trustees, Board of Christian Education, Pastoral Relations,
and a slate of officers to handle church business.
The church leadership council (made up of all boards and officers) meets quarterly to discuss
existing and future church direction and needs. The senior pastor most often directs these meetings.
4
O UR WORSHIP LIFE (church reflections #6)
Worship is the major focus of life together in the church: It regularly gathers the people of God together.
The following statements help describe our worship experience.
Congregation
 We do not have a designated worship committee to plan our worship services.
 Children seldom participate in worship (lack of children in our church at present).
 Lay leaders:
Occasionally make announcements
Regularly lead prayers
Seldom preach
Do not provide children’s stories (seldom are children in church).
 People always greet each other as part of the worship service.
 Prayer concerns from people primarily come in written form.
 Responsive Readings/Litanies are occasionally used.
 Unison prayers are occasionally used.
 Unison Bible Readings occasionally are included.
 Communion is normally served by the minister and deacons.
 An invitation is always extended to make a decision to join the church or make a public decision for Christ.
Music
 An adult choir always participates.
 Hand bells are available but are currently not used.
 Congregation always participates in singing.
 Praise songs/choruses are always sung.
 Familiar hymns are occasionally sung.
 New songs are occasionally sung.
 Gospel songs are occasionally sung.
 Worship team occasionally leads the congregational singing.
 Song leader always leads congregational singing.
 Soloists participate occasionally.
 Piano and organ are always played.

Other instruments are occasionally used (guitar, drums and flute for Easter and Christmas cantatas).

Computer generated music accompaniment is occasionally used.
5
O UR WORSHIP LIFE ( CHURCH REFLECTIONS 6 CONTINUED)
We Like the Minister to . . .












Be the primary worship leader
Occasionally share leadership of worship with laity
Usually don’t mention all prayer concerns in the
pastoral prayer
Always preach sermons with a Biblical focus
Occasionally to rarely preach sermons on evangelism
Occasionally preach sermons on social issues
Occasionally preach sermons on stewardship
Occasionally tell the children’s story
Use input from the worship committee, if such a
group exists
Never encourage the use of charismatic gifts
Occasionally use a variety of worship styles
Occasionally to wear a robe
6
CONGREGATIONAL STYLE (CHURCH REFLECTIONS #3)
Compared to its opposite, the ideas below help describe how our congregation feels about certain situations.

Our church definitely tends to expect the pastor to share in church leadership.

Our church definitely tends to avoid conflict and confrontation.

Our church definitely tends to be influenced by history and tradition.

Our church’s approach to social issues definitely tends to be educational, leaving any action to
individual conscience.

Our church strongly feels ethical decisions should be based on absolute standards.

Our church puts some emphasis on ABC relationships locally, nationally, and internationally.

Our church tends to be strongly involved in community affairs.

Our church’s ideas and plans definitely tend to be made by the responsible board, committee, or task force.

In making decisions, our church is definitely governed by boards.

Decisions definitely tend to be formally communicated through worship, weekly bulletins, and monthly newsletter.

Our church places some emphasis on giving to ABC national and world missions.
Life at FBC
7
G OALS & VISION FOR M INISTRY (CHURCH REFLECTIONS #8)
What are the strengths of our church?
 Well maintained church facility with room for growth
 Strong financial reserves
 Strong music program, excellent musicians,
well-regarded choir
 Elevator for physically handicapped and elderly
 Prayer for others
 Concern when people are ill or recently passed
(family dinners from church)
 Church fellowship
 Members work together when called upon
 Long-time positive reputation in the community
What do we do well?
 Brown Bag ministry to feed children, grades K-4,
in need
 Home communion for shut-ins
 Mission outreach—Community Needs Fund
 Music, especially Christmas and Easter cantatas
What are the needs of our church?
 Minister who will guide our leadership into changes
that are necessary for growth
 Strong, dynamic minister to draw more members
 Younger families and more members
 Outreach to seniors
 Revival to energize our elderly congregation
 Ways to reach out to visitors in our area
 Youth leader, when ready, to bring more youth to
our membership
 Music that appeals to all ages
What do our neighbors need from us as a church?
 Outreach to seniors who live in the church
neighborhood
 Being friendly to visitors to our church
 Invitations to others to fellowship activities
 Our continued support of the Benton/West City
Ministerial Alliance and its Food Pantry
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8
HOW O THERS SEE US (church reflections #4)
Input was received from our former interim minister and pastors of a neighboring church.
What are the present ministries of this church as you perceive and/or experience them?
 Worship Ministry
 Music Ministry, including performances by the Gladheart Gospel Quartet
as well as our own cantatas at Christmas and Easter
 Lucy Helm Mission Circle, very active women’s group
 Brown Bag Ministry, providing supplemental weekend food for
K-4 school children in need (during school year)
 Partner in the Benton-West City Ministerial Alliance, assisting with
food pantry, Christmas food baskets, and Lenten Luncheon series
 Sunday School—available for children and adults.
 Christian Education
 Children and Youth (few children available)
 Outreach, including van transportation to and from church
 Vacation Bible School partnership with other churches
 Make church building available for outside use (Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, etc.)
What new opportunities of ministry do you see for this church?
 Youth Programs
 Seniors Programs, targeting people who are age 50+ to begin new member outreach
 Founders Group for new Christians
 New Member’s Class
 Prison Ministry
 Men’s Group—presently no organized group for men
 Bible Study and Book Studies
 Baptist Orientation
What are potential areas of growth for this church?
 Programs for seniors
 New membership—organized effort to find new members
 Prayer support
 Tape ministry for shut-ins
 Nursing home visitation
 Hospital visitation
 Member visitation program
 Mission work
 Ministries to children and youth
9
M INISTRY PRIORITIES SUMMARY (CHURCH REFLECTIONS #10)
What We Want Our Pastor to Do
1.
Preaching—Support preaching ministry with time for preparation/reflection on the Word, and commitment
to listen for the Word’s power and its relevance for individuals, the church, the community, and the world.
2. (tie) Visitation—Make formal and informal connections with church members or others in their homes, at work,
on in other settings.
2. (tie) Evangelism—Seek to lead persons to make decisions for Christ.
3. (tie) Interpreting the Faith—Communicate a comprehensive understanding of the Bible and Christian theology in
terms relevant to persons’ lives.
3. (tie) Worship Preparation and Leading—Participate actively in worship, offering suggestions for greater
participation and effectiveness in the expression of praise and thanksgiving to God.
4. (tie) Pastoral Care—Provide by word and presence an empathetic concern for persons in the routine and joys as
well as the crises and transitions of life, giving assistance where appropriate and feasible.
4. (tie) Church Growth—Develop and maintain programs and activities for enlarging the membership and/or the
church’s vision for ministry.
5.
Counseling—Provide opportunities for individuals, couples, and families to enter a healing relationship.
6.
Program Development—Design and help implement social, educational, religious, and/or recreational
programs of ministry.
10
W HAT WE BELIEVE
Bible
The members of the First Baptist Church base their belief on the
Bible, which is the inspired word of God. It is the authority for
our doctrines and practice.
We believe that God is Almighty. We believe that Jesus Christ is
the Son of God, who was born of the Virgin Mary. He was
crucified, buried, and resurrected and ascended into heaven.
We believe that all have sinned and Jesus died to save us from
our sins. Those of us who believe this are forgiven by God and
enter into a new life. This is what it means when we say we are
born again.
It does not make us perfect, but we know God loves us and forgives our sins.
Holy Spirit
We believe in the Holy Spirit, which dwells within us.
Baptism and Lord’s Supper
We observe two ordinances, Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. We baptize by immersion. We believe this as a
symbol of death to an old life and resurrection to a new life in Christ.
We celebrate the Lord’s Supper in memory of the suffering of Christ. We practice open Communion
monthly and invite all believers to participate in this celebration.
Laity and Clergy
We believe that all American Baptist laity and clergy are called together to be a family of Disciples for
Jesus Christ. We are to witness and to act with love and mercy to our fellow man. We believe that Christ is
the head of each congregation.
American Baptist Church—USA—Great Rivers Region
We are a member of the American Baptist Churches of the Great Rivers Region. We also support the
educational and mission programs.
Local
Our church is active in the Benton Ministerial Alliance. We represent a cross section of our community and
are evangelical and ecumenical. It is our purpose to build up the Body of Christ within the First Baptist
Church and to reach out to our community and to the world.
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POSITION DESCRIPTION
S ENIOR P ASTOR
F IRST B APTIST C HURCH
B ENTON, ILLINOIS
Spiritual Leader
The Senior Pastor is the spiritual leader of the church. The pastor works cooperatively with the following church
boards and their areas of responsibility:
 Deacons—ministry, worship, and outreach
 Trustees—church property, finances, and personnel
 Christian Education—Christian education
 Church Relations—communications with the pastor
The Senior Pastor provides leadership to the following ministry priorities:
 Preaching
 Church Growth
 Interpreting the Faith
 Pastoral Care
 Evangelism
 Nurturing the Fellowship
Reporting Responsibilities
The Senior Pastor reports to the Board of Deacons, but is accountable to the other boards/committees
regarding their areas of church responsibilities.
The Senior Pastor has supervisory responsibilities for the church staff.
Vision and Leadership
An important responsibility of the Senior Pastor is preparing the members of the congregation for the work
of the ministry. The Senior Pastor will oversee the development of ministry strategies for each area of ministry.
The Senior Pastor casts a vision for the church. The Senior Pastor is the primary spokesman, although the
church boards participate in the process of discerning the vision and determining how to articulate that vision
to the congregation.
The Senior Pastor oversees the process of evaluation and aligning of all programs into the broader vision of
the church.
The Senior Pastor is encouraged to develop a strategic plan for the First Baptist Church of Benton, Illinois.
This should include dialogue, consultation, and approval from the church Leadership Council.
Teaching/Preaching
The Senior Pastor will be the primary teacher for the worship services of the church. The Senior Pastor will
oversee filling the pulpit on the Sundays he is not present.
12
Personal Growth and Renewal
The Senior Pastor may attend educational and professional conferences that will enable him to better perform
his responsibilities.
Relationships
The Senior Pastor communicates with and represents the First Baptist Church of Benton, Illinois with the
Great Rivers Region of the American Baptist Church.
The Senior Pastor represents the First Baptist Church with the Benton/West City Ministerial Alliance and other
appropriate organizations.
The church Relations Committee is expected to meet quarterly with the Senior Pastor to facilitate communications
from the congregation and provided evaluative feedback regarding the pastor’s job performance.
This position description has been reviewed by the pastor and the chair of the Board of Deacons.
PASTOR COMPENSATION PACKAGE
We offer a competitive compensation package for our pastor. This package is composed of the following items:
Competitive salary based on education and experience
Benefits include:
Housing Allowance
M&M Retirement
Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Social Security Offset
Paid Vacation
Expense reimbursement for:
Auto Allowance
Conventions
Relocation Expenses (as negotiated)
13
ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY
Benton, the county seat of Franklin County, was founded in 1841, and incorporated in 1902. Benton was named
after Thomas Hart Benton, a senator from
Missouri. West City was incorporated in 1911.
The first area school, the Benton Academy, opened in
1841. The first church was also organized during the
same year. Of critical importance to the town’s
development, a railroad came through Benton in 1879.
Benton and West City are the “Sister Cities of Hospitality”
for Rend Lake. Each May, local citizens celebrate the
building of Illinois’ second largest man-made lake,
Rend Lake, with the annual Rend Lake Water Festival.
This fun-filled 5-day event is sponsored by the Benton/
West City Area Chamber of Commerce. Many other
community events are scheduled each year, providing the
residents with family activities and entertainment.
General Information
The estimated population of Benton and West City is
8,000. An additional 276,000 residents live within a
35-mile trade area. More than 4 million tourists visit our
area annually since the development of Rend Lake.
In the past, coal mining and agriculture were the major
industries. Today, government jobs at the city, county,
state, and federal levels employ more than 300 people
the Benton/West City area. The healthcare industry has
also grown in Franklin County, making it one of the top
five employers. Small plants in the area manufacture
tools, water-well bits, and other items. The tourism
industry is also a rapidly growing source of employment
in this area. Benton has two industrial parks that include
very diverse businesses.
Recreation
Rend Lake, with 162 miles of shoreline and 19,000 acres
of water area, is home to Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park.
This facility offers a restaurant, marina, boatel, cabins,
convenience store, and bait and tackle store.
Visitors can enjoy
boating, water skiing,
Find out more about the
and swimming. In
Benton/West City Area
addition, camping,
bentonwestcity.com
picnicking, bike trails,
benton47.org
and restroom
facilities are provided
bentonhighschool.org
at various locations
rendlake.com
around the lake.
Spectacular fishing,
hunting, and golfing are also available.
Benton offers skating, fitness facilities, and a number of
activities at the Benton Community Park. The park
district was formed in July 1974 with the purchase of
109 acres of land adjacent to I-57 in the southwestern
part of town. The entire park is lighted including ball
fields, tennis courts, public restrooms, and shelters.
The park has an active summer program for all ages,
with 500 participants in various ball leagues.
Hunting & Fishing
Hunting and fishing licenses may be purchased at several
sporting goods shops as well as other retailers. For
specific information regarding licensing, open seasons,
limits, and other regulations, contact the Department of
Conservation—Division of Fish and Wildlife at
618-435-8138 or the Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park in
Whittington, Illinois, 618-629-2320.
Municipal
Benton has a non-political commission form of government. Four commissioners and the mayor make up this
decision-making body. In West City, six village trustees
and the mayor are elected to the village board.
Healthcare
The Franklin Hospital has 115 beds, an 84-bed skilled
care nursing unit, and a 17-bed psychiatric unit. This
hospital serves Franklin County and provides skilled
nursing care, social services, and physical therapy. Home
Health aides make it possible for the recovering patient
to leave the hospital sooner. Services and help are also
available for the chronically ill or disabled patients,
making it possible for them to remain at home in
familiar surroundings. There are additional nursing
homes and senior care centers as well.
14
Housing
Education
Subdivisions have been constructed all over Benton.
New homes are being constructed on Lake Moses and
Mirror Lake in addition to many other sites in town.
There are 70 units of low-income housing and 70 units
of housing for the elderly. Benton and West City also
have a number of apartment units and other rental
properties available.
Nearly 2,000 Benton/
West City citizens attend
school each year. Benton
is in the Rend Lake
Community College
district; the campus is
located north of town.
In addition, Southern
Illinois University at
Carbondale is only a 35-mile commute.
Media
The Benton Evening News, the local town and county
newspaper, is published five days a week. The Southern
Illinoisan is a regional newspaper that covers the entire
southern Illinois area. Benton’s local radio station,
WQRL, 106.3 FM, is known for its “oldies” genre.
WSIL-TV3, the local ABC-affiliate based in Carterville,
provides local and regional news coverage.
Intercity Water System
Rend Lake provides water to Benton as well as
several neighboring towns through the Rend Lake
Conservancy District.
Accommodations
Benton has four motels within the city limits. Just north
of town, a resort, boatel, townhouses, and cabins
overlooking Rend Lake are available. In addition,
camping is offered at several facilities.
Community Buildings
The Benton Civic Center was purchased in 1989. This
complex, located next to the Benton Community Park,
offers an auditorium with a seating capacity of more than
1,500, a dining hall with complete kitchen facilities, a
chapel, and more. This building is home to concerts,
proms, graduations, wedding receptions, and other
special events.
Other community facilities include the Kiwanis Hall and
the Benton Township Community Building.
Churches, Clubs, and Civic Organizations
The Benton/West City area has more than 30 churches
in a variety of denominations.
Benton and West City are home to numerous clubs and
civic organizations including Boccie Ball Club, Booster
Club, Clean & Green, Garden Club, Eagles, Elks,
Knights of Columbus, Habitat for Humanity, Kiwanis
Club, Lions Club, Ministerial Alliance, and more.
Tourist Attractions
The Franklin County
Historic Jail and Museum,
at 209 West Main Street,
Benton, serves as a
tourist information
center and headquarters
for the Franklin County
Tourism Bureau. This
1905 structure represents
a metaphor of the gang and prohibition era which
existed in Franklin County during the 1902 era. There is
also a tribute to General John A. Logan. A Hall of Fame
features former Benton natives including actor John
Malkovich, NBA basketball star Doug Collins, and
Beatles musician George Harrison.
Built in 1910 as a Ford Garage, the Franklin County
Garage at 211 North Main Street, Benton, has been
faithfully restored to its original condition. On display
are vintage cars and the belt-driven machinery used in
their repair. The museum also depicts items and events
with historic connections to the Jail Museum. The
Chamber of Commerce office is housed in this building.
The Benton Community Park District, at 600 South
DuQuoin Street, is one of the most beautifully
landscaped public parks in Southern Illinois. Activities
abound from spring through fall.
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