Position: Senior Pastor

LCMC; DeKalb (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Trinity Lutheran Church in DeKalb, Illinois, is seeking a Christ-centered Senior Pastor to lead worship, teaching, and pastoral care for a congregational community rooted in LCMC faith.

The pastor will shepherd the church, collaborate with council and ministry teams, and expand outreach ministries while guiding long-range plans and disciple‑making opportunities. Ordination eligibility and strong preaching are essential.

Qualifications

• Be ordained or eligible for ordination within LCMC.
• Agree with the theological convictions of LCMC.
• Have a vibrant personal faith and commitment to Scripture.
• Possess strong preaching and teaching abilities.
• Exhibit excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Demonstrate collaborative leadership.
• Have a heart for outreach, discipleship, and community engagement.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and deliver biblically grounded, Christ-centered sermons and lead weekly worship.
• Provide pastoral care, visit members, and offer counseling and support.
• Collaborate with Church Council and ministry leaders to guide the church.
• Encourage and develop volunteer ministries and outreach initiatives.
• Plan long‑range ministry strategy and healthy communication across the congregation.
• Inspire members to discover and use their spiritual gifts.

Skills

Preaching

Pastoral care

Leadership

Communication

Collaboration

Discipleship

Outreach

Education

Ordination eligibility

Job description

DeKalb, Illinois
Affiliated with Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC)
Position: Senior Pastor
Employment: Full-Time Preferred (Part-Time Considered)

Position Summary

Trinity Lutheran Church is prayerfully seeking a passionate, Christ-centered Senior Pastor to lead our congregation into the next season of ministry. We desire a shepherd who faithfully proclaims God's Word, provides compassionate pastoral care, and equips the congregation to grow in discipleship, outreach, and service.

This is a unique opportunity to serve a welcoming congregation with established ministries, an engaged volunteer base, and a strong commitment to serving the DeKalb community. The successful candidate will build upon an existing foundation while helping us envision and pursue new opportunities for sharing Christ's love.

About Trinity Lutheran Church

Our mission is:

Embracing spiritual development by sharing God's Word, God's Son, and God's Grace—All Are Welcome.

We strive to be a congregation where every person experiences Christ's love through authentic worship, meaningful relationships, community outreach, and faithful discipleship.

Worship & Preaching

Prepare and deliver biblically grounded, Christ-centered sermons.

Lead weekly worship services and special seasonal services.

Administer Holy Communion and Holy Baptism in accordance with Lutheran teaching.

Provide spiritual leadership for the congregation.

Encourage discipleship and Christian growth.

Help develop future ministry opportunities.

Inspire members to discover and use their spiritual gifts.

Pastoral Care

Visit members in hospitals, nursing homes, and homes.

Provide pastoral counseling and encouragement.

Officiate weddings and funerals.

Leadership & Administration

Collaborate with Church Council and ministry leaders.

Support and encourage volunteer ministry teams.

Attend council meetings and provide spiritual guidance.

Assist in long-range ministry planning.

Encourage healthy communication throughout the congregation.

Community Outreach

Build upon Trinity's established outreach ministries, including:

Vacation Bible School

Monthly Community Breakfasts

Media and digital ministry

Community partnerships

Seek opportunities to develop additional ministries that connect people to Christ and the church.

Qualifications

The successful candidate should:

Be ordained or eligible for ordination within LCMC.

Demonstrate agreement with the theological convictions of LCMC.

Have a vibrant personal faith and commitment to Scripture.

Possess strong preaching and teaching abilities.

Exhibit excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Demonstrate collaborative leadership.

Have a heart for outreach, discipleship, and community engagement.

Desired Personal Characteristics

We are seeking someone who is:

Joyful

Approachable

Energetic

Vision-minded

Spiritually mature

Organized

Adaptable

Our Transition

Trinity is blessed to have a thoughtful pastoral transition.

Our retiring Senior Pastor looks forward to supporting the incoming pastor by:

Visiting members who are unable to attend due to health concerns

Introducing the new pastor to members and the community

Assisting with new or developing ministries, such as future Bible studies, as time and workload allow

Providing support where helpful during the transition

This collaborative approach is intended to create continuity while allowing the incoming pastor to establish his or her own ministry.

Why Trinity?

Established outreach ministries

A unique community presence through TLC Playtown

Strong media and communications ministry

Healthy leadership

Most importantly, Trinity is a congregation eager to welcome a pastor who will faithfully proclaim the Gospel, love people well, and help us continue sharing Christ's love throughout our community.

Compensation

Salary and benefits are negotiable and commensurate with experience and qualifications.