NOW HIRING

Tabernacle Baptist Church is an energetic, gospel-driven church family in Essex, Maryland dedicated to our three main pillars: Knowing Christ, Growing In His Word, and Showing His Love To Others. As an Elder-led, Deacon-served, and Congregation-Affirmed body of believers, we wholeheartedly believe everything the Bible teaches, and hold to the Baptist Faith & Message (2000) as our statement of faith.


We are looking forward to God's continued work in our community this next year and are excited to begin the search for a part-time Associate (Family) Pastor to join our Elders and church staff! 


Position Overview

Title: Associate (Family) Pastor
Status: Part-time (Up to 10 hours a week) - With intent to grow to Full-Time
Pay Range: $12,000-$22,000 (Based on experience, formal training, etc)
Location: Essex, MD (121 Bennett Road)
Target Start: As soon as possible

Our Ideal Ministry Partner

We are looking for a godly man who has a genuine passion to help families and the next generation fall in love with Jesus and His Word. Since our leadership style values intentional collaboration, you will work closely alongside our existing Elders to shepherd, teach, and care for our church family.

Primary Responsibilities (What the 10 hours will entail):

Next-Gen Alignment: Provide direction, personal care, and pastoral oversight to our Next-Gen ministries (Nursery, Tabernacle Kids, and Youth) and the parents/guardians of children at Tabernacle, collaborating directly with ministry teams to ensure our kids and teens are equipped to answer the fundamental questions about Christ, the Scriptures, and faith.
Family Discipleship: Equipping parents to faithfully tell and show their children who Jesus is at home, ensuring that our young people grow from a place of clear spiritual understanding.
Pastoral Leadership: Assisting the Elders in preaching, teaching elective or small group classes, and shepherding the flock.
Ministry Collaboration: Engaging in local outreach and regular communication to help show Christ’s love within our church walls and outside of it.

Other Opportunities: There are also opportunities to be involved in music, outreach, social media, and other areas at Tabernacle, if you are interested!

Qualifications & Expectations:

Doctrinal Alignment: Must wholeheartedly agree with the Baptist Faith & Message (2000). Someone that would also agree with the 1833 New Hampshire Confession of Faith or Southern Seminary’s Abstract of Principles would be ideal.
Character: Must meet the biblical qualifications of an Overseer/Elder/Pastor outlined in 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1, and 1 Peter 5.
Church Governance: Desires to operate within an Elder-led, Deacon-served, and Congregationally-Affirmed church structure.
Training: We are looking for candidates who have completed formal theological training at a seminary or Bible college. Candidates may also be considered who have at least three years of pastoral experience.

How to Apply

If you feel led to explore this role, we would love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to pastor@tbcessex.com.

God bless,

Bryon Self

Learn more about our church below!

Tabernacle’s beliefs

Our church wholeheartedly believes whatever the Bible says! At Tabernacle, we believe that the Bible is the very words of God, who inspired the writers of scripture as they wrote the various narratives, letters, poetry, and prophecies.

With all Christians through the ages, we confess the central truths of scripture expressed in the Apostles’ Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the Athanasian Creed.

Our church believes that the Baptist Faith & Message (2000) is a wonderful summary of our beliefs as a church body.

The Scriptures — Video - Audio - Outline

Our Triune God — Video - Audio - Outline

Our Salvation — Video - Audio - Outline

The Church — Video - Audio - Outline

Working Together — Video - Audio - Outline

Baptists & Society — Video - Audio - Outline

THE BAPTIST FAITH & MESSAGE (2000)

Tabernacle’s
Governing documents

Tabernacle is a Baptist church, so our local congregation is ultimately responsible for what we believe and practice, under the leadership of our church elders. These documents govern how Tabernacle operates, and list out our responsibilities and commitments to one another as covenant church members.

These documents were adopted September 15, 2024.

Constitution

By-Laws

Church covenant

Tabernacle’s Pillars

Our main mission as a church is to help people know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior, and to disciple them to know Him experientially and doctrinally more and more over the course of their lives. In everything we do, we want to lift up

Our main mission as a church is to help people know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior, and to disciple them to know Him experientially and doctrinally more and more over the course of their lives. In everything we do, we want to lift up Jesus, proclaiming Him, relying on His Spirit, and pursuing Him. If it’s not centered on Jesus, we’re not in!

Tabernacle is called to do what no other entity on earth can, to teach and apply the Bible to God’s people and give them opportunities to grow individually and corporately in their knowledge and obedience to God’s Word. The Bible is God’s revelation

Tabernacle is called to do what no other entity on earth can, to teach and apply the Bible to God’s people and give them opportunities to grow individually and corporately in their knowledge and obedience to God’s Word. The Bible is God’s revelation to us of His nature, character, laws, history, and plans for His world and His people. Tabernacle is dedicated to studying and embodying the truths of scripture. Whatever we do, we want it to be directly tied to God’s Word!

Jesus said that the world will know we are His disciples if we have love for one another. Through our attitudes, words, and actions, we are to show each other that we love one another because He has loved us. Then, that love ought to motivate us to l

Jesus said that the world will know we are His disciples if we have love for one another. Through our attitudes, words, and actions, we are to show each other that we love one another because He has loved us. Then, that love ought to motivate us to love those that do not know Christ, and seek to care for the world around us. If all we do is engage in learning and outward praise, we have fallen short of what God has called us to. Christ wants to love the world through Tabernacle!

Tabernacle’s positions

We are a Great Commission Baptist (also known as “Southern Baptist”) church that intentionally collaborates with the 46,000 other SBC churches in the United States for the purposes of evangelism, worldwide missions, and training ministry leaders. We

We are a Great Commission Baptist (also known as “Southern Baptist”) church that intentionally collaborates with the 46,000 other SBC churches in the United States for the purposes of evangelism, worldwide missions, and training ministry leaders. We hold to the set of doctrines that we wholeheartedly believe Scripture teaches and that have defined Baptist churches over the past 400 years. We believe that Tabernacle exists under the Lordship of Jesus Christ alone, which He exercises through His Holy Spirit and His Word in the lives of those members that have committed themselves to this local body of believers. We believe that, in observance of His Word, our local body of believers is called to submit to and obey our spiritual Elders (also called Pastors) as they follow Christ and lead our church.

We believe that our salvation, from the first moment of belief in Christ to our dying breath into Heaven, is only possible because of God’s unmerited grace. Because of that, we are motivated to live in a way that is not seeking to earn God’s favor, b

We believe that our salvation, from the first moment of belief in Christ to our dying breath into Heaven, is only possible because of God’s unmerited grace. Because of that, we are motivated to live in a way that is not seeking to earn God’s favor, but is operating from God’s favor. His free salvation determines how we teach, talk, and act.

Humans are flawed, sinful, and imperfect images of God. We choose to love them anyway, just as Christ loved us in our sin. We will choose to think the best of others, forgive others when they wrong us, and ceaselessly hope for their joy and growth.

Humans are flawed, sinful, and imperfect images of God. We choose to love them anyway, just as Christ loved us in our sin. We will choose to think the best of others, forgive others when they wrong us, and ceaselessly hope for their joy and growth.

There are many types of churches in our world today, with various ideologies and methods. We intentionally seek to worship in the ways God prescribes for us in the Bible. We preach, read Scripture, pray, sing songs to and about God, give financially,

There are many types of churches in our world today, with various ideologies and methods. We intentionally seek to worship in the ways God prescribes for us in the Bible. We preach, read Scripture, pray, sing songs to and about God, give financially, evangelize, fellowship, and observe the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

Tabernacle’s PURSUITS

There is only one way to live life in a Christian way, and that’s with an honesty about ourselves before God and our fellow believers. We refuse to put on a facade that would stop us (or others) from being truly known and loved. We believe James 5:16

There is only one way to live life in a Christian way, and that’s with an honesty about ourselves before God and our fellow believers. We refuse to put on a facade that would stop us (or others) from being truly known and loved. We believe James 5:16 & Galatians 6:1-2 command us to love one another through sins and flaws, and we can only help one another as we are honest about our imperfections.

How we do something is often as important as what we do. Our God is holy, perfect, and unimaginable in His glory and wisdom. We want to do our best (while retaining our honesty and humility) to uplift Him and showcase Him to the community around us i

How we do something is often as important as what we do. Our God is holy, perfect, and unimaginable in His glory and wisdom. We want to do our best (while retaining our honesty and humility) to uplift Him and showcase Him to the community around us in a manner befitting His greatness.

Our goal is not to merely amuse ourselves through activities or groups, or to be the sole source of spiritual growth in people’s lives. We want to equip disciples to make more disciples of Jesus!

Our goal is not to merely amuse ourselves through activities or groups, or to be the sole source of spiritual growth in people’s lives. We want to equip disciples to make more disciples of Jesus!

We believe that our best days are not 10, 20, or 60 years ago, but still ahead of us! Because of that belief, we want to consistently press towards an optimism and excitement about what God is able to do through His Spirit in our generation.

We believe that our best days are not 10, 20, or 60 years ago, but still ahead of us! Because of that belief, we want to consistently press towards an optimism and excitement about what God is able to do through His Spirit in our generation.

In God’s presence is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11), and one of the first listed fruits of the Spirit is joy! We’re not called to be perpetually angry, annoyed, or suspicious, but to rejoice in every circumstance because of who Jesus is and what He’s

In God’s presence is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11), and one of the first listed fruits of the Spirit is joy! We’re not called to be perpetually angry, annoyed, or suspicious, but to rejoice in every circumstance because of who Jesus is and what He’s done for us. We value joy in how we treat one another, and in how we look at our church and world!

Our Pastor

Bryon Self

Pastor Bryon became the lead pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church in January of 2024. He has a passion to help people fall in love with Jesus and His Word through preaching, discipleship, and music. He is married to Samantha, and together they have two beautiful children, Bryon (III) and Evelyn. In his free time, Pastor Bryon loves playing guitar and piano, enjoying games with friends, and reading books on theology. He previously worked at Moses Lake Baptist Church in Moses Lake, WA for 5 years as a Worship & Small Groups Pastor. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Religious Education with a focus in Church Ministries from West Coast Baptist College. Bryon also serves our local Baltimore Baptist Association on its Leadership Team.

  • Fictional Book(s): The Circle Trilogy by Ted Dekker

    Fast Food: Chick-Fil-A (or Taco Bell)

    Color: Green

    Movie(s): The Dark Knight, Lord of the Rings

    Music Artist: Phil Wickham

    Bible Translation: Christian Standard Bible

    Food: Sushi

    Cookie: Oreo

    Quote: Jim Elliot - "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."

Our elders

  • A bald man with glasses and a mustache, wearing a black jacket, outdoors with blurred trees in the background.

    Myron Campbell

    Myron has served Tabernacle for several years as a small group teacher and deacon. He grew up in a Christian home and accepted Christ as His Lord in childhood. He worked in a local community college for decades, and is now enjoying retirement. He loves to laugh, and to encourage everyone he comes in contact with!

  • A smiling man with gray hair and a mustache standing outdoors with autumn trees in the background.

    Owen Dickerson

    Owen has served as Tabernacle’s Discipleship Director for several years, among several other positions at the church. Each week, he works in our A/V ministry to help the music and preaching portions of the service be impactful and clear. He also is our unofficial IT aficionado. He has a great heart for loving and building up others through God’s work!

  • A man wearing glasses and a gray Nike hoodie standing in front of a blurred outdoor background with trees and a pond

    Jim Newman

    Jim has served in various areas of Tabernacle for 8 years, including teaching children’s classes and men’s Bible studies. For the past few years, he has served as our Men’s Director. He has a big heart to help the hurting, and to see God transform lives for their good and His glory!

  • A man smiling while standing at a music stand, with three musicians seated behind him, including one playing a bass and another behind a drum set, in an indoor setting.

    Bryon Self

    Bryon came to Tabernacle at the end of 2023 and serves as a vocational elder (pastor). Each week, he leads our corporate worship service through music and preaching. He teaches several elective classes throughout the year, and has taught our men’s group, small groups, and senior Bible study. His heart is to see Tabernacle’s light grow through its members loving and serving Jesus within the church and outside of it.

  • A man wearing glasses and a pink shirt with a gold cross necklace standing at a podium in front of a church cross with white cloth draped on it, surrounded by flowers and plants.

    Dr. Ron Smith

    Dr. Ron came to Tabernacle in early 2023 to serve as our Interim Pastor before Bryon Self was hired. He also served for 8 months in 2024 as a Ministry Liaison. Dr. Ron has been involved in full-time ministry for over 40 years, and has degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He now travels around Maryland providing pulpit supply for churches.

    SERMONS FROM PASTOR RON

Our church staff

  • A young woman with long brown hair and blue eyes smiling, wearing a navy blue sweatshirt, sitting on a chair outside near a house with beige siding and white trim, with a railing and some leaves in the background.

    Samantha Self

    ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

    Samantha serves as the Administrative Assistant at Tabernacle. She previously served as an Administrative Assistant for 5 years at a church in Washington state, and has been involved in local church ministry for over a decade. She serves our church in a variety of ways, including scheduling volunteers, preparing all our weekly printed materials, getting our facilities ready for special events, overseeing our social media accounts, organizing our church files, and many other areas. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Religious Education from West Coast Baptist College, and loves to be a part of discipling others to know and love Jesus. In addition, Samantha serves our state convention on the BCM/D Women's Volunteer Leadership Team.

  • A woman with blonde, wavy hair and blue eyes, smiling at the camera, wearing earrings, in a well-lit room with light-colored curtains.

    Janice Rudolph

    CUSTODIAN

    Janice has been with Tabernacle Baptist Church since 1994 and has been employed in the capacity of custodian for 20 years.

Our Deacons/Ministry Coordinators

  • People sitting with eyes closed, appearing to be asleep or meditating, in a conference or meeting room.

    Jerry Simmons

    Deacon Emeritus

  • Gary Strebeck

    Gary Strebeck

    Deacon of Finance & Facilities

  • Two people take a selfie near a river with a modern building in the background. One person is a woman with red hair and a pink jacket, and the other is a man wearing glasses, a cap with a John Deere logo, and a dark shirt.

    Jenn Hall

    Women’s Ministry Lead Coordinator

  • A smiling man with glasses and a beard taking a selfie with a woman with short brown hair and earrings, both smiling, in a cozy indoor setting.

    Dena Wasmer

    Women’s Ministry Assistant Coordinator

  • A young woman with long brown hair, blue eyes, and light skin smiling and sitting outdoors on a porch or balcony. She is wearing a navy blue sweatshirt and light blue jeans, with a house in the background.

    Samantha Self

    Women’s Ministry Assistant Coordinator