Interim Pastor

Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ; Newberg (OR); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Zion Lutheran Church in Newberg, Oregon is seeking a full-time Intentional Interim or Interim Pastor to guide our congregation through a pastoral transition. We are a warm, Christ-centered community whose mission is to extend God’s kingdom by making disciples who know, love, and follow Christ.

The Interim Pastor will provide steady leadership, preach and teach faithfully, offer pastoral care, support healthy communication, and help prepare the congregation and Call Committee for the next

Qualifications

• Ordination (or eligibility) within LCMC or a compatible Lutheran body.
• Experience (or training) in interim or transitional ministry.
• Good communication skills.
• A pastoral heart marked by empathy, humility, and relational warmth.
• Understanding of the unique dynamics of interim ministry.

Responsibilities

• Lead traditional, Christ-centered worship and preach biblically grounded sermons.
• Guide the congregation through transition and readiness for the call process.
• Collaborate with staff and lay leaders to support ongoing ministries.

Skills

Ordination eligibility

Interim ministry

Good communication

Pastoral empathy

Relational warmth

Job description

Position: Intentional Interim or Interim Pastor

• Position Title: Intentional Interim or Interim Pastor
• Position Type: Full Time
• Description:

  Zion Lutheran Church in Newberg, Oregon is seeking a full‑time Intentional Interim or Interim Pastor to guide our congregation through a pastoral transition. We are a warm, Christ‑centered community whose mission is to extend God’s kingdom by making disciples who know, love, and follow Christ. Our vision is to be united in prayer and purpose as we joyfully embrace Christ’s Great Commission.

  We value traditional Lutheran worship while also striving to engage people of all ages with the Gospel. The Interim Pastor will provide steady leadership, preach and teach faithfully, offer pastoral care, support healthy communication, and help prepare the congregation and Call Committee for the next long‑term pastor.

  Key Responsibilities

  • Lead traditional, Christ‑centered worship and preach biblically grounded sermons
  • Guide the congregation through transition and readiness for the call proces
  • Collaborate with staff and lay leaders to support ongoing ministries

  Qualifications

  • Ordination (or eligibility for ordination) within LCMC or a compatible Lutheran body.
  • Experience (or training)in interim or transitional ministry.
  • Good communication skills.
  • A pastoral heart marked by empathy, humility, and relational warmth.
  • Understanding of the unique dynamics of interim ministry.

  Personal Attributes

  We are seeking an Interim Pastor who embodies:

  • A calm, prayerful, and steady presence
  • A servant‑leader mindset
  • A heart for reconciliation and unity
  • A welcoming spirit that reflects Christ’s love

  Compensation & Duration

  This is a full‑time interim position with compensation aligned to experience and LCMC guidelines. The expected duration is up to 24 months, depending on the progress of the call process.