Senior Pastor

LCMC; Giddings (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Giddings, Texas seeks a Senior Pastor to lead worship, theology education, discipleship, ministries and missions. The pastor will guide staff, volunteers, and the congregation in a biblically grounded, pastorally caring ministry.

The ideal candidate will hold a Master of Divinity, be on the LCMC clergy list, and demonstrate a track record of leadership and effective teaching in diverse worship settings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent and an M.Div from an accredited theology school.
• LCMC clergy list and certified by the LCMC.
• Thorough understanding and commitment to LCMC doctrines.
• Experience as a pastor in both contemporary and traditional worship.
• Strong teaching, preaching and communication skills.
• Willingness to serve in a small town/rural setting.
• Strong leadership and visionary abilities.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary preacher.
• Provide weekly and long-range worship planning for traditional and contemporary settings.
• Oversee Christian Education needs, including confirmation.
• Train staff and lay members to assist as needed.
• Maintain awareness of needs of members, organizations and community.
• Oversee Care Ministries and coordination of care ministries.
• Develop strategies with church council for multi-generational ministries.
• Lead in administering the sacraments.
• Provide Christian counseling as needed.
• Conduct weddings, funerals, and baptisms.
• Represent Martin Luther Lutheran Church in ecumenical community activities.

Skills

Leadership

Preaching

Communication

Pastoral leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Master of Divinity (M.Div.)

Job description

• Address: 573 North Main Street, Giddings, Texas 78942

Position Available: Senior Pastor – Full Time

Basic Responsibility:

The Senior Pastor has overall responsibility for the worship life, faith formation, discipleship growth, ministries, and missions of the congregation.

The Senior Pastor serves as the leader of the pastoral staff and is responsible for leading and overseeing the ministry of the congregation and for coordination of pastoral duties with church staff and lay volunteers.

The Senior Pastor shall diligently commit him/herself to preaching and teaching the Word of God, guiding Martin Luther Lutheran Church’s ministry in the community, and perform the work prescribed in the letter of call and in the bylaws and constitution of the congregation.

Desired Qualities:

• Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent and a Master of Divinity degree from an accredited theological school or its equivalent
• Candidates must be on the LCMC clergy list and certified by the LCMC
• Candidates must possess a thorough understanding and commitment to the doctrines of the Lutheran Church in Mission for Christ (LCMC)
• Experience as a pastor in both the contemporary and traditional worship style
• The ideal candidate for Senior Pastor should excel at and enjoy being a teacher, preacher, and communicator
• The candidate should desire to be a part of a Christian community in a small town/ rural setting
• The ideal candidate should be a strong leader and a visionary with the desire and ability to expand in a growing culturally diverse community
• The Senior Pastor should care for his/her own spiritual, mental, physical health and well-being

Specific Responsibilities:

• Serve as primary preacher
• Provide weekly and long-range worship planning and provide ministry for both traditional and contemporary settings
• Oversee Christian Education needs of the congregation, including confirmation
• Train staff and lay members to assist where needed
• Maintain an awareness of needs of church members, church organizations and community activities
• Senior Pastor will have oversight of the Care Ministries of MLLC and oversight over all who are engaged in the Care Ministry
• Work with church council and church staff to develop collective strategies and objectives for church ministries that address multi-generational needs
• Work with the church council to assist and support ongoing ministries to develop and implement new ministries as required
• Lead in administering the sacraments
• Provide Christian counseling as needed
• Conduct weddings, funerals, and baptisms
• Participate as a representative of Martin Luther Lutheran Church with community ecumenical ministries like the Ministerial Alliance

Personal Characteristics:

• Must possess the qualities and characteristics found in 1 Timothy 3: 1-7,Titus 1:5-9 and 1 Peter 5: 1-4
• The candidate must have the ability to successfully shepherd a Christian congregation and manage the church staff
• The candidate must have a commitment to his/her continued Spiritual growth and rely heavily on prayer for wisdom and guidance from our Lord God
• The candidate must place a high value on integrity in relationships and in his/her personal life
• The candidate must be a model of faith
• The candidate must have the desire to inspire others to read and study the Bible

Leadership Characteristics

• The candidate must have demonstrable leadership and management abilities
• The candidate must have a desire to know, feed and lead the congregation
• The candidate must have a demonstrable ability to preach with a deep knowledge of God’s word and excitement and passion to teach and motivate
• The candidate must possess the desire and ability to relate to and care for multiple generations
• The candidate must be able to envision change and guide any change with confidence and clarity in a positive and inclusive manner
• The candidate should possess experience leading a ministerial and lay staff and have the ability to delegate effectively, encourage and develop talents.
• The candidate must be able to effectively and clearly communicate with staff, church council and the congregation to identify and explain the goals and needs of the ministry

Martin Luther Lutheran Church, Giddings, Texas

Overview

Martin Luther Lutheran Church is a vibrant Lutheran congregation affiliated with Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC) since 2010. It is located in the heart of Giddings, Texas at 573 North Main Street. The church serves as a spiritual home for approximately 250 members with 130 average Sunday attendance. We emphasize love of God and love of our church family and our neighbors. Our community outreach includes our Day School, Sunday School, in house children’s and youth programs, Women of the Word, Men in Mission and other faith-centered activities. Beyond us, we support and encourage ministries that share our common values and opportunities for ministry involvement through the local Ministerial Alliance. We are currently led by Interim Pastor John Waak.

Church History

Founded in 1895 by Pastor Johannes Mgebroff, a Lutheran missionary who settled in Giddings after immigrating from Germany, Martin Luther Lutheran Church has deep roots in the region's German heritage. The church celebrated its centennial in 1994, and now marks nearly 132 years of continuous ministry.

Our sanctuary features an 1887 Carl Barckhoff organ. It is a centerpiece of worship services. We emphasize our love of music, both traditional and contemporary and we have an excellent choir.

The Congregation and Demographics

The congregation at Martin Luther Lutheran Church is welcoming and family-oriented, drawing from Giddings' diverse community. The demographic data for the congregation broadly reflects the town's makeup and growing multicultural population. Many congregants are involved in local agriculture, education, and small businesses, fostering a close-knit, supportive church family.

Benefits of Living in Giddings, Texas

Giddings offers an appealing quality of life for those seeking a balance between small-town serenity and access to urban opportunities. Located just 55 miles east of Austin and 60 miles west of Bryan-College Station, residents enjoy proximity to major city amenities while benefiting from lower costs.

Median home prices range from $137,600 to $252,300. Rental properties range in cost for $850-$900 for a one bedroom-one bath to $1125-$1250 at current rates.

Community highlights include family-friendly events like the annual rodeo, bowling alley, and municipal parks with ball fields, pool, and a golf course.

Public schools have exemplary ratings and excellent facilities.

Giddings has a low crime rate and excellent emergency ambulance and fire services. Healthcare is accessible with urgent care clinics and doctor offices. There are four hospitals within 60 minutes.

Giddings has a historic downtown which provides local events, diverse dining, and a strong sense of community. The city surrounds our recently restored and beautiful Court House that was built in the late 1800’s. In addition, Giddings and Lee County are in the Texas Triangle that is a major U.S. megaregion encompassing the metropolitan areas of Dallas-Ft, Worth, Houston-Austin-San Antonio corridor. The Triangle is a hub for economic output with growth, trade and diverse industries from energy to technology all producing growth locally and in the surrounding area.

Demographics of Giddings and Lee County, Texas

Giddings, the county seat of Lee County, has a population of approximately 5,085 to 5,324 (2023-2024 estimates), with a median age of 36.6 and a median household income of $51,397. The racial and ethnic composition includes 34.5-49.4% White (Non-Hispanic), 13.3-15.7% Black or African American, 0.7-0.8% Asian, 0.8% Native American, and 37.8-37.9% Hispanic or Latino. About 19.1% of residents are under 18, and 19.3% are 65 or older, with females comprising 48.7% of the population.

Lee County, encompassing Giddings, has a population of 17,954 to 18,451 (2022-2024 estimates), growing at about 5.5% since 2020. The median age is 41.4, with a median household income around $60,379 (county-level estimates vary). Racial demographics include 60.2% White (Non-Hispanic), 10.4% Black or African American, and 26.2% Hispanic or Latino overall. Educational attainment is strong, with 86.5% of adults holding a high school diploma and 16.6% having a bachelor's degree. The county's rural character supports a family-focused lifestyle, with 21.0% under 18 and 21.4% over 65, and females making up 49.5% of residents.

The Mission of Martin Luther Lutheran Church

This overview highlights Martin Luther Lutheran Church as a faithful, community-embedded congregation in a growing, affordable region. Our mission is to:

Love the Lord with all our hearts and provide excellent worship.

Make disciples of all people locally and beyond especially to our children, youth and families.

Provide strategic and dynamic programming that supports spiritual growth and fervent love for all ages.