Position: Senior Pastor

LCMC; Palm Bay (FL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Peace Lutheran Church in Palm Bay, Florida is seeking a Senior Pastor to lead the congregation with a deep commitment to Biblical teaching and compassionate shepherding. The pastor will inspire involvement, build foundations with youth and families, and foster connections with seasoned members as the church grows toward a thriving future.

The position requires an M.Div. or equivalent, 5+ years of pastoral experience, and a heart for service.

Qualifications

• Education: Master of Divinity or equivalent theological degree from an accredited institution.
• Experience: 5+ years of pastoral leadership in a church setting preferred.
• Character: Mature faith, integrity and service-minded.

Responsibilities

• Preach biblically grounded sermons and lead Bible studies.
• Provide pastoral care during life events (baptisms, weddings, funerals).
• Develop and implement church mission, mentor staff and volunteers.
• Coordinate worship planning with committees and church leadership.
• Engage in community outreach and represent the church locally.

Skills

Pastoral leadership

Preaching

Pastoral care

Education

Master of Divinity (M.Div.)

Job description

Peace Lutheran Church in Palm Bay, Florida is seeking a new pastor. Peace was formed in 1965 and became a member of the LCMC in 2010. The campus style church sits on 10 acres of land with eight different buildings serving various functions. Our beautiful main sanctuary seats over 300, was built in 1995 and has the feeling of being inside Noah’s Ark. We have ~125 members and worship about 60 saints and sinners in the summer with attendance of 70 when the snowbirds return.

Our food pantry gives away more than $350,000 worth of meats and vegetables each year. Meals on Wheels serves 250 meals a day from our door step to the seniors in our community. AA meets every day, feeding a different type of hunger. And Vacation Bible School is a focus every summer.

Our original sanctuary has been remodeled and now hosts “In Season Ministry,” a Pentecostal style congregation. And, all day Saturday a French speaking Seven Day Adventist Church worships on our campus. Our two rear buildings are occupied by Life-Line Christian Academy, serving 75 high school students, insuring a constant presence of joy. Peace keeps her doors open for HOA’s, Stamp clubs, weddings and all kinds of celebrations. Peace Lutheran is busy, seven days a week.

We are seeking a pastor called by God to lead our congregation at Peace Lutheran with a deep commitment to Biblical teaching and compassionate shepherding. This individual will inspire active involvement in our church life, build a strong foundation among youth and younger families, foster connections with our seasoned members, and engage in the broader community. We pray the Holy Spirit guides us to a loving, Scripture-grounded leader who will nurture our faith, expand our congregation, and walk alongside us into a thriving future. If you're sensing that divine nudge, we're waiting and praying for the Holy Spirit to call YOU to join US!

Position Description

The Senior Pastor of Peace Lutheran Church serves as the primary spiritual leader and visionary of the church, responsible for guiding the congregation in faith, preaching inspiring and biblically grounded sermons, and overseeing all aspects of church life, including worship and ministries. This role involves developing and implementing the church’s mission, mentoring staff and volunteer leaders, providing pastoral care through counseling and community engagement, and representing the church in community affairs. The Senior Pastor collaborates with the Church Council to ensure strategic growth, and alignment with the church’s core values, fostering a vibrant, inclusive community dedicated to spiritual growth and service.

Job Responsibilities

• Preaching and Teaching: Deliver biblically grounded, engaging sermons during worship services, to inspire and educate the congregation. Develop and teach Bible studies or other educational programs to deepen spiritual understanding.
• Spiritual Leadership: Work with the Church Council to develop and implement the vision and mission for the church. Ensure alignment with its core values and theological beliefs. Guide the congregation in spiritual growth through prayer, worship, and discipleship initiatives.
• Pastoral Care: Provide counseling, support, and care to congregants during life events such as baptisms, confirmations, marriages, funerals, illnesses, or personal crises. Visit members in hospitals, homes, or other settings as needed.
• Ministry Development: Support and encourage various church ministries (e.g., worship, food pantry, VBS and other outreach), coordinating tasks to volunteers while ensuring alignment with the church’s goals.
• Community Engagement: Represent the church in the broader community, building relationships with local organizations, other churches, or denominational bodies. Lead outreach and mission efforts to serve the community and expand the church’s impact.
• Mentorship: Mentor and support church staff, lay leaders, and volunteers, fostering their growth in leadership and faith to strengthen the church’s ministries.
• Worship Planning: Work with Worship Committee, Altar Guild, Music Committee and Church Council leaders to plan and coordinate services, ensuring they are meaningful, inclusive, and aligned with the church’s vision.
• The pastor shall review this job description and recommend changes to the council within the first year and annually thereafter.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: A Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or equivalent theological degree from an accredited seminary or institution, and a demonstrated proficiency in the understanding of Lutheran theology, history, and practice is required. The Pastor is strongly encouraged to be engaged in continuing education to enrich pastoral ministry.
• Experience: 5+ years of pastoral experience with a proven track record of leadership in a church setting preferred. Experience in preaching, pastoral care, and collaboration with congregational committees is highly valued.
• Character and Faith: A mature, growing faith and personal integrity, modeling a Christ-centered life. Must exhibit compassion, humility, and a heart for service.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to navigate the challenges of a dynamic church environment, including diverse congregational needs.

Weekly Schedule

A normal weekly schedule will be 40 hours per week, and can vary by the church calendar. There is a weekly 5:00 p.m. Saturday evening casual service, as well as a 10:00 a.m. traditional Sunday service preceded by Bible Study.

About Palm Bay Florida

Palm Bay is nestled along Florida's Space Coast in Brevard County, and offers a vibrant blend of coastal living and high-tech innovation—home to Kennedy Space Center, pristine beaches, and a thriving aerospace hub. Enjoy year-round sunshine, outdoor recreation, and a growing community less than an hour from Orlando and ~90 minutes from Palm Beach. Palm Bay is the 10th fastest growing town in the state of Florida. You can find more information about Palm Bay here .