We are currently in the process of searching for a new Pastor at FLBC. As of April 5th of this year, Dr. Lee Kliewer has been serving as our interim pastor. God has brought Lee to us and we are very blessed to have his experience and wisdom during this most critical time for our church. Please read below about his ministry... 

Dr. Lee Kliewer joined the administrative team of Baptist Bible Seminary in July, 1998, after serving in pastoral ministry for 20 years. He serves as the Seminary Registrar. He also holds adjunct faculty status, teaching in both the masters programs and the Doctor of Ministry program. In 2003, he earned his Doctor of Education degree in Higher Education Administration from Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Dr. Kliewer is a member of AACRAO (American Association of College Registrars and Admissions Officers), and the Phi Gamma Sigma professional society of the Fischler Graduate School of Education and Human Services of Nova Southeastern University. His role at BBS often involves traveling to represent the seminary, student advising and records, and teaching in the areas of church worship and strategic planning. The following is a short description of his ministry as an interim pastor...

PURPOSE

To provide Bible believing churches who are without a lead pastor with an intentional interim pastor during the church’s interim period between pastors. The Paraklesis Interim Pastor Ministry is intended to provide a temporary undershepherd for the church who can “comfort, exhort, and come along side” a church in a paraklesis ministry, such as the Apostle Paul did in Acts 9:31.

BIO SKETCH

Dr. Lee Kliewer joined the administrative team at Baptist Bible Seminary, Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania in June, 1998. He serves as the Assistant Seminary Dean & Registrar. Prior to that, Dr. Kliewer served in full-time pastoral ministry in Baptist churches for 20 years. Since coming to Baptist Bible Seminary, he has continued to be very active in church ministry, serving in an interim pastor role for 6 churches. He has experience as a pastor, interim pastor, educator, counselor, and a conference and workshop speaker. Dr. Kliewer received his Master of Ministry degree from Baptist Bible Seminary, and his Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration from Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He is married to Colleen, and has three grown children; Paul, Amanda, and Jeff.

BENEFITS OF AN INTERIM PASTOR TO A LOCAL CHURCH

Ø Provide regular, consistent expository preaching every Sunday, which results in a consistent feeding of the flock. This also “unburdens” the church leadership (deacons, search committee, other staff members) of the extra time and responsibility to secure pulpit supply speakers.

Ø Provide consulting services as an advisor/mentor to the deacons/search committee in the process, protocol, and resources necessary in the successful search for a new lead pastor.

Ø Provide an outside, impartial perspective for church health and growth during the interim period by a godly, experienced pastor

THE ROLE OF AN INTERIM PASTOR: WHAT DOES HE DO?

An interim pastor usually provides the following functions for a church. Each church may have differing needs and situations; therefore the actual functions that the interim pastor will perform will be discussed and agreed upon with the church leadership at the initial Consultation Appointment:

Ø Preaching each week for the Sunday morning and/or evening services. There are some weekends (very few) when Dr. Kliewer is traveling in his role for Baptist Bible Seminary. Dr. Kliewer will take responsibility for securing a qualified pulpit supply speaker for any Sunday that he is away.

Ø Meet as an advisor/mentor with the church staff and/or deacons, on a monthly basis, or as otherwise needed, as agreed upon with the church leadership at the Consultation Appointment.

Ø Meet as a church consultant with the search committee, on a monthly basis, or as otherwise needed, to assist in the process, protocol, and resources needed to successfully secure a new lead pastor, as agreed upon with the church leadership at the Consultation Appointment.

Ø Help to continue to develop congregational trust and confidence in the church leadership team.

Ø Assist in the areas of refining church organization and vision; conflict resolution; and emergency counseling situations; as these needs arise, and as desired by the church leadership.

Ø Attend or give leadership to other ministry leadership meetings on Sundays, as needed and desired by the church leadership.