Job Description
Countryside Christian Church in Nixa, MO seeks a pastor with a deep love for Jesus Christ, a commitment to faithful biblical preaching, and a heart for people. The pastor will serve alongside the elders, ministry staff, and volunteers to help the congregation grow in biblical understanding, spiritual maturity, meaningful relationships, and service to others. This position offers an opportunity to serve an active congregation that values thoughtful study of Scripture, practical Christian living, and outreach.
About the Church
Countryside is a Bible-based, nondenominational Christian church located between Nixa and Ozark in southwest Missouri. The congregation draws families and individuals from across Christian County and surrounding communities. Average Sunday attendance is approximately 225–250, with roughly 400 members and regular attenders. The church offers two identical Sunday worship services at 8:30 and 10:45 a.m., with Bible classes at 9:45 a.m. Weekly observance of the Lord’s Supper is an important part of congregational worship. Countryside is debt‑free and financially stable. The church recently completed a building addition and remodeling project funded entirely without borrowing, with further improvements planned to support its ministries and community outreach.
Ministries and Community Outreach
Countryside provides opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship, recovery, and service across generations, including:
- Children’s ministry:
- Biblical teaching and age‑appropriate opportunities for children to grow in faith, including Sunday programming and midweek activities.
- Youth ministry:
- An active ministry helping students develop biblical understanding, Christian friendships, and a growing commitment to following Jesus.
- Young adult ministry:
- Opportunities for young adults to build community, study Scripture, and serve.
- Adult discipleship:
- Sunday Bible classes, midweek studies, and small groups that encourage deeper understanding and application of God’s Word.
- Celebrate Recovery:
- A Christ-centered ministry supporting people working through hurts, habits, and hang‑ups.*
- Al‑Anon:
- The church hosts a group supporting people affected by another person’s drinking.
- 417 Skate Ministry:
- Outreach serving marginalized people and those experiencing homelessness in the area, demonstrating Christ’s love through relationships, compassion, and practical support.
- Men’s and women’s ministries, prayer ministry, and Young at Heart:
- Opportunities for fellowship, encouragement, prayer, and spiritual growth.
- Missions and local partnerships:
- Service through Least of These, participation in the Nixa Ministerial Alliance, and support for students and families in surrounding communities.
Primary Responsibilities
- Preaching and Teaching
- Prepare and deliver biblically faithful, engaging sermons for both Sunday worship services.
- Teach Scripture with depth, clarity, and practical application.
- Work with church leadership to develop sermon series and teaching plans that support the congregation’s spiritual growth.
- Participate in adult Bible teaching and encourage discipleship throughout the church.
- Pastoral Care
- Build relationships with members, regular attenders, and guests.
- Provide spiritual encouragement, prayer, visitation, and pastoral guidance.
- Care for those experiencing illness, grief, crisis, or other significant life challenges.
- Conduct weddings, funerals, and other pastoral services as appropriate.
- Leadership and Ministry Collaboration
- Work cooperatively with the elders in supporting the church’s mission and spiritual direction.
- Collaborate with ministry staff and volunteer leaders to strengthen existing ministries.
- Equip members to use their gifts in service and develop additional ministry leaders.
- Encourage unity, healthy communication, and responsible stewardship.
- Evangelism and Community Engagement
- Help the congregation share the gospel and welcome people into Christian community.
- Support outreach to people facing isolation, hardship, addiction, and homelessness.
- Build relationships within the surrounding communities and participate in appropriate local ministry partnerships.
- Encourage a church culture in which members actively live out their faith beyond Sunday worship.
- Desired Qualifications
- A mature, growing relationship with Jesus Christ, demonstrated through prayer, integrity, humility, and compassion.
- A strong commitment to the authority of Scripture and agreement with Countryside’s core beliefs.
- The ability to explain biblical texts accurately and communicate effectively with people at different stages of faith.
- A pastoral heart and the ability to build relationships across generations and backgrounds.
- A collaborative approach to leadership and a willingness to work alongside elders, staff, and volunteers.
- Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
- Relevant ministry experience and biblical or theological training that demonstrate readiness for the role.
About the Area
Countryside is situated along Highway 14 between Nixa and Ozark, south of Springfield and north of Branson. Nixa is a growing community within the Springfield metropolitan area, offering a hometown atmosphere with access to regional amenities.
The area provides opportunities to enjoy the Ozarks’ outdoor recreation and the attractions of Springfield and Branson. Continued growth in Nixa, Ozark, and surrounding communities creates meaningful opportunities for the church to welcome new families, develop relationships, and expand its ministry.