Senior Pastor

Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ; Yoakum (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Holy Cross in Yoakum, TX seeks a Senior Pastor to provide spiritual leadership, biblical teaching, and pastoral care while guiding the congregation to grow in faith and service. The pastor will oversee worship, sacraments, and ministry operations, working with Council and staff in a supportive, community-focused environment.

The role requires seminary-level education, public-speaking experience, and strong biblical knowledge.

Qualifications

• Requires degree from an accredited theological seminary (M-Div) or equivalent; active enrollment in seminary acceptable.
• Experience in public speaking and ministry leadership.
• Strong knowledge of the Gospel and Scripture.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead weekly worship and preach biblically grounded, relevant sermons.
• Lead adult Sunday School, confirmation, first communion, and Bible studies.
• Encourage and equip lay leaders to teach and lead small groups.
• Administer sacraments; conduct weddings, funerals, and baptisms.
• Provide pastoral counseling to members and others in need or at their request.
• Visit hospitals, nursing homes, and members in need.
• Communicate clearly and effectively in both written and oral form.
• Encourage and support outreach to inactive members.
• Work with Church Council and staff; supervise personnel; oversee ministry operations.
• Participate in community ministry and local service organizations.

Skills

Public speaking

Leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

M-Div or seminary degree

Job description

The Senior Pastor serves as the spiritual leader of Holy Cross, providing vision, biblical teaching, pastoral care, and administrative oversight. The pastor will guide the congregation to grow in faith, serve others, and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead weekly worship and preach biblically grounded, relevant sermons


• Lead adult Sunday School, confirmation, first communion, and Bible studies


• Encourage and equip lay leaders to teach and lead small groups


• Administer sacraments; conduct weddings, funerals, and baptisms


• Provide pastoral counseling to members and others in need or at their request


• Visit hospitals, nursing homes, and members in need


• Communicate clearly and effectively in both written and oral form


• Encourage and support outreach to inactive members


• Work with Church Council and staff; supervise personnel; oversee ministry operations


• Participate in community ministry and local service organizations

Desired Personal Characteristics

• A good listener who is compassionate yet firm when needed


• Able to connect with people of all ages, from children to older adults


• Passionate, approachable, and visibly caring in daily ministry


• Demonstrates a strong and growing personal relationship with Jesus Christ

Qualifications

• Degree from an accredited theological seminary (M-Div) or a M-Div equivalent certified by LCMC or actively enrolled in seminary classes working toward a M-Div or equivalent


• Experience in public speaking and ministry leadership


• Strong knowledge of the Gospel and Scripture


• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills