Senior Pastor

Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ; DeKalb (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ is seeking a passionate Senior Pastor to lead Trinity Lutheran Church in DeKalb, Illinois. The ideal candidate will be responsible for preaching, providing pastoral care, and developing future ministry opportunities.

This full-time role offers a chance to engage with a welcoming congregation committed to spiritual growth and outreach in the community.

Salary and benefits are negotiable based on experience. Interested candidates should submit a resume, statement of faith, and professional references.

Qualifications

• Demonstrate agreement with the theological convictions of LCMC.
• Possess a vibrant personal faith and commitment to Scripture.
• Exhibit joyful and approachable personal characteristics.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and deliver biblically grounded, Christ-centered sermons.
• Lead weekly worship services and special seasonal services.
• Visit members in hospitals, nursing homes, and homes.

Skills

Strong preaching and teaching abilities

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Collaborative leadership

Heart for outreach and community engagement

Education

Ordained or eligible for ordination within LCMC

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

• 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?

This position offers an opportunity to serve a congregation with:

• 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.

To Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit:

• Resume
• Statement of Faith
• Ministry Philosophy
• Three Professional References

Applications will be received prayerfully and confidentially.