We are seeking a Pastor who is effective as a preacher and a teacher. Someone who will help us, young and old, to develop our spirituality so we lead Christ-Centered lives. Someone who will conduct weekly worship services that encourage members to receive Jesus’ teachings (and other biblical messages) into their heart and understand how these teachings relate to their own lives.
We understand that to fulfill God’s Will, we need to work together, sharing our gifts in service to the Lord and others. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are looking for a Pastoral partner in our ministerial efforts within our church and out in our community. Someone that our congregation would connect well with, who is self-aware, a good listener and has a sense of humor.
Over the years we have been blessed with Pastoral leadership that became part of our church family. Our two previous settled Pastors each served our church for over 10 years, with our last Pastor serving over 19 years before retirement. After working with an Interim Pastor for the past year focusing on who we are and who God wants us to be, we are ready and look forward to welcoming our next settled Pastor into our church family.
As partners in our ministerial efforts, St. Paul’s UCC congregation members will continue to be seen as a church where no matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, everyone is welcome here. We will inspire others with our words, our ideas, our actions and our love of music. We want to expand our Christian programming for youth and adults and will continue to actively support our community and outreach missions (including the Crystal Lake Food Pantry, Kid’s Hope mentoring, CROP Walks, Purple Moose Preschool, etc.).
Scope of work for full time Pastoral Position
- Be our Spiritual Shepherd by:
- guiding us
- teaching us
- helping us CONNECT as Christ’s Church
- Prepare and Lead Sunday worship services including:
- scripture choice
- crafting of liturgy and bulletin
- sermon preparation with message relating scripture to our daily lives
- guiding and inviting lay members to participate in worship leadership
- planning of music in coordination with musical staff or volunteers
- offering of prayers
- Study and prayer to increase faith and to improve skills so as to lead, teach, and preach more effectively
- Provide Pastoral Care through:
- counseling, listening and referral
- visiting shut-ins, home bound or those in hospital/nursing homes
- officiating at weddings, baptisms and funerals as requested
- community engagement and leading the way for the church to be an ambassador of God’s love
- Encourage Congregation Faith Formation through:
- energizing and deepening the spiritual connections and faith understandings of others in all we do
- prayer
- bible study
- service
- identifying helpful resources and opportunities
- helping church members and friends develop and grow faith
- Participate in Administration responsibilities (shared with support of Church Secretary and Church Council leadership team) such as:
- weekly worship bulletins
- website and social media updates
- emailed monthly newsletter
- Attend meetings and provide leadership as needed to church programs
Interested applicants should email their resume and responses to our screening questions to stppastoralsearch@gmail.com.