Senior Pastor - St. Paul's United Church of Christ

St. Paul's United Church of Christ is seeking a Pastor who is effective as a preacher and a teacher. Someone who will help St. Paul's United Church of Christ, young and old, to develop spirituality so St. Paul's United Church of Christ leads Christ-Centered lives. Someone who will conduct weekly worship services that encourage members to receive Jesus’ teachings (and other biblical messages) into one's heart and understand how these teachings relate to their own lives.

St. Paul's United Church of Christ understands that to fulfill God’s Will, we need to work together, sharing the gifts in service to the Lord and others. As followers of Jesus Christ, St. Paul's United Church of Christ is looking for a Pastoral partner in the ministerial efforts within the church and out in the community. Someone that the congregation would connect well with, who is self-aware, a good listener and has a sense of humor.

Over the years St. Paul's United Church of Christ has been blessed with Pastoral leadership that became part of the church family. The two previous settled Pastors each served the church for over 10 years, with the 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, St. Paul's United Church of Christ is ready and looking forward to welcoming the next settled Pastor into the church family.

As partners in the ministerial efforts, St. Paul’s UCC congregation members will continue to be seen as a church where no matter who one is or where one is on life’s journey, everyone is welcome here. St. Paul's United Church of Christ will inspire others with the words, ideas, actions and love of music. St. Paul's United Church of Christ wants to expand its Christian programming for youth and adults and will continue to actively support the community and outreach missions (including the Crystal Lake Food Pantry, Kids 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 the 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 submit a resume and responses to the screening questions.