Faith Formation Pastor

Bethel Lutheran Church / Bethel Highlands; Hudson (WI); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused church is seeking a Faith Formation Pastor to lead and oversee key discipleship initiatives, fostering spiritual growth within children, youth, and families. The role requires a member of the ELCA clergy, with a minimum of 3 years of ministry experience. Responsibilities include developing vision and goals, managing volunteers, and evaluating ministry curriculum. The ideal candidate is self-motivated and possesses strong organizational and communication skills, committed to the church's mission.

Qualifications

• Ministerial experience as a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America.
• Self-motivated with administrative skills.
• Positive Christian faith and leadership abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop vision and goals for ministry areas.
• Recruit, train, and empower leaders.
• Oversee curriculum and discipleship budget.

Skills

Leadership in discipleship ministry

Strong communication skills

Organizational abilities

Knowledge of God's word

Public teaching and preaching

Education

Member of the ELCA clergy

At least 3 years of ministry experience

Tools

MS365

Job description

Join the Mission. Fuel the Ministry.

At Bethel Lutheran Church, we believe that every role—whether in the pulpit, in the classroom, or in the office—is a vital part of the ministry God has called us to. Rooted in the grace of Christ and driven by a deep love for our community, Bethel is a vibrant, welcoming church where faith is lived out daily.

For over 150 years, Bethel has been a cornerstone of faith, hope, and service in our community. With two thriving campuses—including one that houses a joyful, Christ‑centered preschool for 3‑ and 4‑year‑olds—we’re committed to nurturing lives at every stage. Our mission is simple but powerful: To connect, grow, and serve God and others. Whether it’s through worship, outreach, education, or care ministries, we’re here to make Christ known and bring His love to life.

We’re currently seeking an individual to join our ministry team. This isn’t just a communication job—it’s a calling to support a church that’s making a real difference.

Why Bethel?

• A Christ‑centered, mission‑driven team that values faith, integrity, and service
• A welcoming workplace with a deep history and a vibrant future
• The opportunity to use your gifts to support something eternal.

Come be a part of what God is doing at Bethel.

POSITION SUMMARY

This position is primarily responsible for developing, managing, and executing the aspects of a church that encourage the living out of Bethel Lutheran Church’s mission. They lead and oversee key discipleship initiatives, such as small groups, and activities that help members grow in their faith. The Faith Formation pastors also work with staff, assess church members’ skills, and enlist and equip lay leaders and volunteers.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Overall

• Work with the Ministerial team to develop vision, goals, and benchmarks for children, youth, adult, and family ministries.
• Develop a clear and effective strategy to help attendees easily and efficiently take the next step in their relationship with God and assimilate into our church community.
• Evaluate and recommend curriculum.
• Continually recruit, train, and empower leaders and equip them to disciple others.
• Create and manage appropriate discipleship‑related budget lines.
• Fulfilling other pastoral and administrative duties as requested by the Executive Pastor/Lead Pastor.

Children, Youth, and Family

• Continually work with the children, Youth, and Family (CYF) team to build the ministry with qualified leaders (volunteers) so that more responsibilities are shared by capable people and strong relationships of spiritual growth are fostered.
• Support CYF ministries, helping to keep and implement a top‑notch, theologically sound, engaging, transformative experiences in both lessons and events, for our preschool and elementary‑aged students, middle school students, confirmation students, high school and college‑aged ministry and their leaders.
• Coordinate and involve in church camp ministry or mission trips of CYF.

Adult

• Help coordinate adult Bible study, book study, circles, or small group studies; offer support as necessary.
• Provide intergenerational opportunities and direct pastoral care for CYF.
• Oversee the New Disciples Class along with the other pastors.
• Bring in speakers to foster the spiritual, moral, and educational development of the congregation.

Supervision

• Oversee and give direct staff support to the children, youth, and family ministry team so that they are better equipped to meet the rising demands of the church.

REQUIREMENTS

• Member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America’s (ELCA) clergy.
• Consistent with the faith and practice of the ELCA.
• At least 3 years of ministry experience.
• A positive Christian faith and willingness to serve in a leadership role that stimulates the ministry of discipleship.
• Self‑motivated worker with developed administrative skills.
• A conviction that within His church, God provides all necessary gifts for mission to be realized.
• Commitment to the Vision for Mission of Bethel Lutheran Church.

SKILL/ABILITY

• Growing relationship with Jesus Christ evidenced by action, attitude, and behavior.
• Possess strong belief in and extensive knowledge of God’s word.
• Organizational and administrative abilities to lead multiple areas of ministry and coordinate many volunteers.
• Strong giftedness and confidence in public teaching, preaching, and various forms of communication.
• Proven skills in discipleship ministry contexts, specifically in the areas of group leadership and leader training.
• Strong ability to work with people of various temperaments, gifts, passions, and church backgrounds.
• Desire to work closely with others (especially staff) to develop meaningful relationships.
• Proficiency with technology in an MS365 environment using software required for the position.