Pastor

Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ; Milbank (SD); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A local Lutheran congregation in Milbank, SD, is looking for a full-time pastor who adheres to Lutheran Confessions. The ideal candidate should hold a Master of Divinity and have at least five years of parish experience. Responsibilities include preaching, administering sacraments, and supporting various ministries within the church. The position involves engaging with the community and fostering strong relationships. A welcoming town, Milbank offers plenty of recreational opportunities and a family-friendly environment. Applications are accepted via email until April 6, 2026.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of parish ministry experience in a Lutheran context.
• Certified by Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC).
• Willingness to engage with the Augustana District through the endorsement process.

Responsibilities

• Preaching and teaching God’s Word using the LSB Revised Common Lectionary.
• Administering the means of grace and providing pastoral care.
• Participating in Church Council meetings and budget oversight.
• Supporting congregational ministries including youth and adult discipleship.
• Maintaining an active community presence through outreach activities.

Skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Leadership

Biblical knowledge

Teaching

Education

Master of Divinity from an accredited Lutheran seminary

Job description

• Address: 101 E. Northridge Drive, Milbank, South Dakota 57252

Living Word Lutheran Church – Milbank, SD
Pastoral Job Description

About Our Congregation
Founded in August 2010, Living Word Lutheran Church has spent more than 15 years faithfully proclaiming the Gospel. God calls us to uphold the Bible as his inerrant and holy Word, grow in faith and knowledge of that Word, and boldly proclaim the forgiveness of sins and salvation in Christ. Living Word gathers an average of 100 people each Sunday for intentionally traditional worship and seeks to be a grace-filled community marked by faith, obedience to God’s Word, and loving concern for others. We offer weekly Bible studies, an active quilting group, regular domestic and international mission opportunities, and community coffee fellowship. Youth ministry is central to our life together, including K–12 Sunday school, confirmation, children’s bells, a high school youth group, and Dynamic Disciples, a weekly Christian after-school program for K–6 students launched in 2023. Our 11-year-old building features a sanctuary, fellowship hall, meeting rooms, storage space, and a large commercial kitchen.

About Our Position
Living Word Lutheran Church is seeking a full-time pastor who faithfully adheres to the Lutheran Confessions in faith and practice. The ideal candidate will hold a Master of Divinity from an accredited Lutheran seminary, have a minimum of five years of parish ministry experience in a Lutheran context, be certified by Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC), and be willing to engage with the Augustana District (LCMC) through the pastoral endorsement process and their events. Key responsibilities include:

Faithfully preaching and teaching God’s Word using the LSB Revised Common Lectionary, and planning and leading weekly traditional worship.

Administering the means of grace and providing pastoral care through teaching, confirmation, marriage, counseling, visitation of the sick and homebound, and conducting funerals.

Providing spiritual leadership in partnership with the Church Council, including participation in meetings, budget oversight, and other duties as assigned.

Supporting congregational ministries, including Christian education, youth and children’s ministry, adult discipleship, stewardship, benevolence, and evangelism.

Building strong relationships within the congregation and maintaining an active community presence through outreach and local partnerships.

Contributing to congregational communication, including a monthly pastor’s letter, and supporting staff and office operations.

Demonstrating mature Christian faith and pastoral leadership, grounded in prayer and study of Scripture, marked by strong interpersonal skills, time management, strategic leadership, and a commitment to ongoing professional development.

About Our Community
Milbank, South Dakota, is a welcoming town of about 3,500 people in the scenic Whetstone Valley, known for its friendly, community-oriented lifestyle and affordable living. Ten miles from Big Stone Lake, Milbank offers abundant outdoor recreation, including walking trails, parks, an 18-hole golf course, and nearby Hartford Beach State Park for hiking, boating, fishing, and camping. The community hosts events such as Farley Fest and Fourth of July celebrations, along with local museums, shops, restaurants, and an active Chamber of Commerce. With close-knit neighborhoods, quality schools and health care, and easy access to regional centers, Milbank blends small-town charm with opportunities for fellowship and engagement. The Milbank School District serves approximately 1,000 students, emphasizes technology with a 1:1 student-to-computer program beginning in grade 3, and offers a wide range of extracurricular activities.

Next Steps
To apply, please submit a cover letter describing your call to ministry and a résumé detailing your education and ministry experience to Scott Maas at [e-mail] . Scott Maas may also be reached at 320-760-8507. A full congregational profile and job description will be made available upon receipt of these documents. Applications will be accepted through April 6, 2026.