In an effort to continue highlighting the W's of churches and what makes them awesome communities, we thought it was only fitting to also feature the individuals who actually make it their job to teach, preach, and live out this amazing calling of leading a church family.   

Reverend Jim Somerville has been the pastor of First Baptist Church of Washington, DC since July 2000.  Here is a glimpse into his role as pastor and what that entails.  

Who impacted and inspired you to become a pastor?

Mostly, it was a Baptist pastor named Bill Treadwell, who invited me to work with the youth at his church, and later asked me if I had ever considered pastoral ministry.  I told him "no," said that I wanted too much to become "rich and famous."  But once he asked I couldn't stop thinking about it.  As Eli was to Samuel, so Bill was to me, helping me hear God's call and answer it.

What are some "creative ways" you and your church have used to spread the Gospel?

We have a Fall Festival here in our Dupont Circle neighborhood each year, complete with live music and a moon bounce.  For the past two summers we have offered "Movies by Moonlight," showing feature-length films and giving out free popcorn on our parking lot.  We use these as an opportunity to form friendships with our neighbors and invite them into the life of the church.

Tell us about a typical day in the life of Pastor Jim?

I get up early (5:00), start the coffee, say my prayers, exercise, cook the oatmeal, and write in my prayer journal.  Then I get dressed for the day and take the Metro to my office at church.  On Mondays I do pastoral care; on Tuesdays I spend the day in the study; on Wednesdays I spend a day in the office; on Thursdays I write my sermon; on Fridays I tie up loose ends; and I spend Saturdays with my family.  Sunday, of course, is the Lord's day all day.

What is the biggest challenge you find about being a pastor, and what advice would you give to someone considering becoming a pastor?

The biggest challenge is that the job never ends.  I'm always thinking about how to make the church healthier and stronger, always thinking about people in need.  I'm not complaining.  I love my job.  But it is a challenge that never ends.  The advice I would give is the same advice I received: "If you can do anything else and be happy, do it, but if you can't, then throw yourself into your ministry with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength."

What do you hope first time visitors to First Baptist Church can walk away with?

A sense that they have experienced genuine worship, that is, that they have been in the presence of God and somehow--through the preaching, praying, singing, or silence--heard a word from him.

What is your favorite breakfast item?

See number 3 above.

What's one of your favorite quotes?

"The central task of ministry is the formation of a community with an alternative, liberated imagination, that has the courage and freedom to act in a different vision and a different perception of reality."  --Walter Brueggemann