Lead Pastor

The Christian and Missionary Alliance; Appleton (WI); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Christian and Missionary Alliance in Appleton, Wisconsin, is seeking a Lead Pastor to shepherd and disciple a multi-ethnic congregation. The role emphasizes relational ministry, spiritual growth, and cultural competency, with responsibilities including preaching, mentoring leaders, and fostering community.

The ideal candidate will have pastoral experience, align with the church's values, and possess a commitment to discipleship.

Join us in our mission to inspire people toward vibrant faith and community involvement.

Qualifications

• A growing and vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Alignment with the theology and mission of The Alliance (C&MA).
• Experience in preaching and teaching Scripture.
• Ability to build relationships across cultures and backgrounds.
• Demonstrate pastoral, shepherding, and discipleship gifting.

Responsibilities

• Provide spiritual care and shepherding for the church body.
• Develop a culture of discipleship and spiritual growth.
• Invest personally in mentoring and developing leaders.
• Help cultivate authentic biblical community.

Skills

Relational ministry

Discipleship

Biblical preaching

Cultural competency

Spiritual care

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in ministry

Job description

Refuge Church is seeking a Lead Pastor who will faithfully shepherd, disciple, and lead our congregation with a deep love for Jesus, His Word, and His people.

We are a growing and intentionally multi‑ethnic church in the heart of Appleton, Wisconsin, committed to keeping the gospel central in all we do. We desire a pastor who prioritizes relational ministry, discipleship, prayer, and spiritual care.

Our church family is longing for a shepherd/leader who will know people personally, invest deeply in relationships, and help cultivate a healthy culture of discipleship, unity, and spiritual growth.

About Refuge Church

Refuge Church exists to ignite a movement of multi‑ethnic Christ‑followers to reach, develop and send the next generations.

Our current average Sunday attendance is approximately 125 people, with a membership of around 65. We recently completed a renovation that doubled our ministry space and positioned us well for future ministry opportunities. https://www.refugeappleton.com/

Our Ministries

• Sunday worship gatherings
• Children’s ministry
• Youth ministry
• Men’s and women’s ministries
• Life groups
• Church planting and Greenhouse Environment Residencies

Our Core Values

Simply the Gospel

We believe that the gospel of Christ is entirely applicable and relevant and therefore at the very center of all we do.

Authentic Relationships

We, in like manner to Christ, look to show the character and priorities of Jesus in relationships even when we fall short.

Intentionally Multi‑Ethnic

The gospel transcends culture and context and because of this every tribe and tongue will proclaim the glory of God.

Multiplying Disciples

Every gospel‑centered ministry will, at its core, fulfill the call to make disciples of Jesus Christ.

Crazy Generosity

Just as God’s generosity was ludicrous, ours should be equally crazy!

Who We Are Looking For

• Is a shepherd/leader and discipler.
• Loves people deeply and engages relationally.
• Prioritizes discipleship and spiritual formation.
• Leads through humility, prayer, and presence.
• Preaches and teaches Scripture faithfully and clearly.
• Builds unity within the church body.
• Values intentional multicultural ministry.
• Equips others for ministry rather than carrying ministry alone.
• Models personal spiritual maturity and dependence on Christ.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide spiritual care and shepherding for the church body.
• Develop a culture of discipleship and spiritual growth.
• Invest personally in mentoring and developing leaders.
• Help cultivate authentic biblical community.

Preaching & Teaching

• Faithfully preach and teach the Word of God.
• Prepare gospel‑centered sermons with practical application.
• Lead the church in biblical truth and spiritual maturity.
• Model a life of prayer and dependence on the Holy Spirit.
• Lead the church spiritually with humility and wisdom.

Leadership & Vision

• Serve as a member of the elder team and chairman of the Governing Board.
• Help guide the church toward healthy growth and mission.
• Support and strengthen Refuge’s multi‑ethnic mission and identity.
• Equip the congregation to engage the community and make disciples.

Desired Qualifications

• A growing and vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Alignment with the theology and mission of The Alliance (C&MA).
• Be fully licensed/ordained as an official worker of the Christian and Missionary Alliance. If not already licensed with the C&MA, be willing to be licensed with the Western Great Lakes District prior to hiring and then pursue ordination.
• Demonstrate pastoral, shepherding, and discipleship gifting.
• Experience in preaching and teaching Scripture.
• Ability to build relationships across cultures and backgrounds.
• Humility, emotional maturity, and relational wisdom.
• A heart for unity, care, and spiritual formation.
• Formal ministry training and pastoral experience required (Bachelor’s preferred / 5+ years of experience preferred).

About Appleton, Wisconsin

Appleton is a vibrant city in the Fox Valley region of Northeast Wisconsin. The area offers a strong sense of community, excellent schools, outdoor recreation, and a growing and diverse population. Refuge Church is uniquely positioned in the heart of Appleton to engage people from a variety of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.