What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Pastor position at FaithPoint Lutheran Church?
FaithPoint Lutheran Church Congregational Overview
FaithPoint Lutheran Church, located in New Prague, was founded on October 9, 2011. The congregation began its journey with a Ministry Center donated by the State Bank of New Prague in November 2011. After nearly a decade of growth, the church purchased 14 acres of farmland in April 2016 to accommodate its expanding needs.
To further support its growing congregation, FaithPoint raised capital to construct a new church building. This led to the groundbreaking ceremony on July 12, 2020, and the start of construction the following day. A year later, on July 11, 2021, the church celebrated its first worship service in its beautiful new facility, welcoming nearly 300 attendees. FaithPoint is excited about the future and believes the new space will allow expanding outreach and better serve its congregation and the wider New Prague community.
The church's growth over the last few years has been remarkable. From 2021 to 2024, FaithPoint's programs for children, youth, and adults have flourished, including Vacation Bible School (VBS), Sunday school, and confirmation classes. The church's Sunday worship attendance has steadily increased, reaching 326 in 2024, with active membership around 745 and 239 family units.
FaithPoint Lutheran Church continues to thrive as New Prague and its surrounding area experience steady growth, projected at 2-5% annually. With its strong foundation and commitment to serving others, FaithPoint is poised to continue making a positive impact on its community.
New Lead Pastor Role
Vision
FaithPoint is a church on fire for Jesus, seeking to be a beacon of God’s truth and shining His light to positively impact our world by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Mission
The mission of FaithPoint is to offer a dynamic, Christ-centered ministry that invites people into a living, vibrant relationship with Jesus and guides them into mature discipleship. We desire to love one another with the heart of Christ, learn His Word to share the good news, and shine His light so that all may know Him. Leading with a servant heart, we desire our Lead Pastor to seek and understand God’s vision for FaithPoint and effectively communicate this vision to the congregation.
Responsibilities of the Lead Pastor
The Lead Pastor serves as the chief leader and administrator of FaithPoint Lutheran Church, ensuring the congregation fulfills its vision and calling as the Body of Christ. Key responsibilities include:
- Leadership and Administration: Direct, oversee, and monitor the FaithPoint Board and Congregation in fulfilling the Great Commission. Provide daily leadership, overseeing all services, gatherings, and meetings while retaining full responsibility for their execution.
- Team Building: Foster a team-oriented ministry environment through trust and respect among staff and congregation members, collaborating closely with the Board of Directors in accordance with FaithPoint's bylaws.
- Spiritual Development: Dedicate considerable time to prayer and studying the Word to teach scripture with humility, aiming to feed the flock, and equip the saints for ministry.
- Gospel Ministry: Actively spread the gospel and share faith in Jesus Christ through both ministry and daily life. Recruit, train, and equip individuals for ministry as described in Ephesians 4:11-13.
- Pastoral Care: Perform general pastoral duties, including visiting the sick, hospitalized, and homebound, while ensuring the faith and spiritual development of the community with support from other professional staff.
- Confirmation Program: Coordinate with a team to provide a faith-based, content-rich, relational Confirmation program.
- Ecumenical Partnerships: Serve as the primary liaison for service and ecumenical partnerships.
- Communication Oversight: Act as editor-in-chief for all written communications and collaborate with the Board to administer the budget, finances, and business management.
- Goal Planning: Participate in planning and executing congregational goals and objectives and meet frequently with staff and leaders to maintain open communication and support.
- Flexibility and Availability: Be willing to work a flexible full-time schedule (approximately 50 hours per week) and communicate schedules to other staff members.
- Accountability: Be accountable to the Board of Directors in accordance with the most recent FaithPoint bylaws.
Skills and Characteristics
The ideal Lead Pastor will:
- Proclaim the truth of the Gospel with excellence and professionalism, inspiring the congregation.
- Exhibit transparency, humility, integrity, empathy, and conflict resolution skills.
- Engage with youth and prioritize Christian education.
- Be outgoing, friendly, and communicate openly with leadership and the congregation.
- Model Christian faith and life with humility and a spirit of service.
Qualifications
The Lead Pastor shall:
- Be or become an ordained, certified pastor within LCMC, fulfilling all requirements.
- Have at least three years of pastoral experience.
Compensation
Details of compensation and benefits will be discussed with qualified candidates during the interview process and will be based on experience and qualifications.
Community of New Prague, MN
Located just 35 miles south of the Twin Cities, New Prague is a thriving community with small-town charm and modern amenities. With a population of 8,247 (2020 census), New Prague blends its Czech heritage with a growing business scene, offering retail shops, dining, professional services, manufacturing, and agriculture. The Mayo Clinic Health System provides quality healthcare to the area.
The city boasts a historic downtown filled with boutiques, cafes, and restaurants, while outdoor lovers enjoy Cedar Lake Farms Regional Park for swimming, fishing, and hiking. New Prague also features two golf courses, and a strong K-12 school district.
Annual events like Dozinky Days, the Holiday Parade of Lights, and the Run New Prague 5k bring the community together. Residents savor local Czech food, including coffee, Kolacky, and Vomachka soup. Fitness options include several gyms and the New Prague Fitness and Aquatic Center.
New Prague offers a perfect mix of cultural heritage, outdoor recreation, and community spirit, making it an ideal place to live and visit.
How to Apply
If you feel called to serve as our Lead Pastor, we would love to hear from you. Please submit a cover letter and resume to cathy.ilkka@faithpointlc.org . We look forward to getting to know you and exploring how God might be leading you to join our community.
Job Type: Full-time
Experience:
- pastoral: 3 years (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- New Prague, MN 56071 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- New Prague, MN 56071: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person