Position: Pastor

LCMC; Perham (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

New Creation Lutheran Church in Perham, Minnesota is seeking a full‑time pastor ordained (or working toward ordination) and certified (or willing to become certified) through Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC). The ideal candidate will share a passion for youth outreach, engage with the community, and faithfully preach, teach, and shepherd the congregation.

The pastor will work with staff and lay leaders, foster evangelism and discipleship, and participate in Perham community

Qualifications

• Ordained (or working toward ordination) and certified (or willing to become certified) through Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC).
• Grounded in Lutheran theology and Scripture
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, lay leaders, and Church Council

Responsibilities

• Faithfully preaching and teaching God's Word, administering the Sacraments, leading weekly worship and seasonal services, and collaborating in worship planning, including music selection.
• Providing pastoral care through visitation, counseling, weddings, funerals, care for the homebound, and spiritual guidance for individuals and families.
• Leading Christian education through confirmation, new member instruction, premarital counseling, and oversight of curriculum for children, youth, and adult discipleship.
• Providing spiritual leadership for evangelism, outreach, church staff, ministry leaders, and congregational ministries while working closely with the Church Council.
• Representing the congregation through active participation in the Perham Ministerial Association and engagement with the ministries of LCMC and the Augustana District.

Job description

Established in 2006, New Creation Lutheran Church is a mission-minded congregation of approximately 150 members, with 80 or more gathered for worship each Sunday. The congregation began worshiping on Easter Sunday in a local movie theater before members joined together to build their current church home, reflecting a spirit of faith, generosity, and shared ministry that continues today. Rooted in the authority of God's Word and the saving grace of Jesus Christ, we are committed to worship, discipleship, and sharing the Gospel in our congregation and community. New Creation is a welcoming, multigenerational church where members actively serve through blended worship, Christian education for all ages, outreach, and fellowship. From free weekly community meals to partnerships with local and global ministries such as New Hope Mission Society and Friends of Madagascar, we seek to live out our mission of "God's Word in Action" by proclaiming Christ, serving our neighbors, and making disciples for generations to come.

About Our Position

New Creation Lutheran Church is seeking a full-time pastor who is ordained (or working toward ordination) and certified (or willing to become certified) through Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC) and who faithfully adheres to the LCMC Statement of Faith. The ideal candidate shares our passion for reaching youth and their families, desires to increase the church’s visibility and engagement within the community, and serves as a faithful preacher of God's Word, a compassionate shepherd, and a servant leader who equips God's people for ministry. We are seeking a pastor who is grounded in Lutheran theology, proclaims Scripture clearly, and faithfully applies God's Word to everyday life with grace and conviction. Our next pastor will embrace opportunities for evangelism, encourage discipleship, and provide thoughtful leadership to our growing ministries. We value a pastor who works collaboratively with our staff (including a worship coordinator, office manager, and director of youth and family ministries), key lay leaders, and the Church Council while fostering unity, encouraging volunteer involvement, and supporting ministries for all ages. Active participation in the life of the Perham community, LCMC, and the Augustana District is also an important part of this call. Key responsibilities include:

• Faithfully preaching and teaching God's Word, administering the Sacraments, leading weekly worship and seasonal services, and collaborating in worship planning, including music selection.
• Providing pastoral care through visitation, counseling, weddings, funerals, care for the homebound, and spiritual guidance for individuals and families.
• Leading Christian education through confirmation, new member instruction, premarital counseling, and oversight of curriculum for children, youth, and adult discipleship.
• Providing spiritual leadership for evangelism, outreach, church staff, ministry leaders, and congregational ministries while working closely with the Church Council.
• Representing the congregation through active participation in the Perham Ministerial Association and engagement with the ministries of LCMC and the Augustana District.

About Our Community

Nestled in the heart of Minnesota's lakes country, Perham is a thriving community of approximately 3,700 residents that offers an exceptional quality of life while preserving its welcoming small-town character. Surrounded by hundreds of lakes, the area is a year-round destination for fishing, boating, camping, golfing, biking, and countless outdoor activities. Perham's vibrant downtown features locally owned shops, restaurants, and community events, while its strong manufacturing and business base provides economic stability and opportunity. Families are drawn to the community's highly regarded school district, outstanding healthcare services, and excellent recreational amenities, including an indoor aquatic center, parks, trails, and a 27-hole golf course. Community pride is evident in cherished traditions such as the famous International Turtle Races and Turtle Fest, which bring residents and visitors together each summer. Combining a strong local economy, outstanding schools, abundant recreation, and a genuine sense of neighborliness, Perham is an outstanding place to live, raise a family, and serve in ministry.

Applications will be accepted through November 2, 2026.