Lead Pastor Forge Christian Church

Kentucky Christian University; Hastings (NE); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A faith-based educational institution in Hastings, Nebraska, is seeking a Lead Pastor to provide visionary and spiritual leadership. The role includes preaching, pastoral care, and community outreach. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in ministry, experience in preaching and leadership, and a commitment to building relationships within the community. This is a half- to full-time position requiring active involvement in church life and engagement with civic leaders.

Qualifications

• Experience in preaching, pastoral care, and organizational leadership.
• Demonstrates spiritual maturity and obedience to Scripture.
• Strong communicator with a servant-hearted mindset.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary, spiritual, and organizational leadership.
• Preach biblically sound and relatable sermons.
• Deliver pastoral counseling and prayer support.
• Build relationships with civic leaders.
• Ensure healthy communication and budgeting.

Skills

Preaching

Leadership development

Pastoral care

Community outreach

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in ministry or related field

Job description

Church Overview

Forge Christian Church is a Restoration Movement church in Hastings, Nebraska, that exists to glorify God and make disciples by actively seeking the lost and forgotten. The church embraces the motto “Come as you are,” and emphasizes being “church as a verb”—an active, reproducing organism impacting homes, workplaces, and the community.

Mission

We believe the Church is meant to be an active, living, reproducing organism. Our biggest concern is not what happens on Sunday mornings, but the ministry that happens in the homes and workplaces of our members. We seek to meet needs, change lives, and pursue those who feel forgotten in Hastings.

Position Summary

The Lead Pastor provides visionary, spiritual, and organizational leadership for Forge Christian Church. This includes preaching, shepherding, leadership development, and strategic ministry oversight. The Lead Pastor champions Forge’s mission of “church as a verb,” modeling authentic discipleship and equipping the congregation for ministry in everyday life.

Primary Responsibilities

Preaching & Teaching

• Preach biblically sound, practical, and relatable sermons.
• Oversee and plan the teaching calendar.
• Develop and mentor a teaching team.

Vision & Leadership

• Cast God’s vision for the church.
• Uphold and cultivate Forge’s identity as an active, outward‑focused congregation.
• Lead strategic ministry planning and church‑wide initiatives.

Shepherding & Pastoral Care

• Provide pastoral counseling and prayer support.
• Perform weddings, funerals, and visitations.
• Address conflict biblically, lovingly, and promptly.

Community & Outreach

• Build relationships with civic leaders.
• Champion Forge’s outreach to the lost and forgotten.
• Support ministries including Kids, Youth, College, Men’s, Women’s, and Small Groups.

Staff & Volunteer Development

• Equip leaders to carry out ministry functions.
• Support development of Small Groups.

Administration & Oversight

• Partner with the Elder Board/Management Team for major decisions.
• Ensure healthy communication, budgeting, and ministry coordination.

Character & Competencies

• Demonstrates spiritual maturity and obedience to Scripture.
• Lives with integrity, generosity, and Christlike character.
• Strong communicator and team‑servant‑hearted mindset aligned with Forge’s mission.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in ministry or related field preferred.
• Experience in preaching, pastoral care, and organizational leadership.

Workload & Expectations

• Half- to full‑time pastoral role.
• Active involvement in church life, community engagement, and outreach.
• Regular presence at Sunday services and events.