Lead Pastor / Head of Staff – Rockford – Illinois

Date Posted: February 28, 2025

Organization: Westminster Presbyterian Church

Job Type: full time

Position Type: Installed Pastor

Presbytery: Blackhawk Presbytery

Salary: $75000

Organization Website: https://westminsterchurch.cc/

Congregation Size: 251-400

Community Type: Urban

Position Description PDF:

Position Details:

Westminster Presbyterian Church (WPC) of Rockford, Illinois has been an important part of the community since 1856. Through the years, God’s leading has blessed our church with great vision for growth as well as opportunity in times of challenge. Our vision statement is Missionaries: Inviting, Growing, Serving. This vision is expressed through three primary pillars:
Inviting: Our goal is to extend an open invitation to all individuals seeking a spiritual home. We strive to provide an opportunity to connect with others and with Christ through programs and service. Christian Community is enhanced by the many programs and activities made possible within our multi-use facility on 40 acres in a growing area of northeast Rockford.
Growing: Spiritual growth and discipleship are at the heart of our vision. Focusing on Christian foundations builds faith, people, and leaders, equipping them for service within WPC and the community. We recognize that talent and skill diversity in our congregation is a strength and seek to grow a base of leadership that serves our vision actions.
Serving: Service to others is a fundamental expression of our faith. We seek to empower our members to use their gifts and talents in service to others, living out the gospel through practical acts of love and support. We believe that by inviting people into our community, fostering their spiritual growth, and engaging in meaningful service, we can faithfully live out our calling as disciples of Jesus Christ.
Westminster Presbyterian Church is a resilient congregation with a strong core base of membership. We are seeking a strong leader to cross the bridge between our past and our future as we pursue our vision for our next generation.

As Head of Staff, you will maintain a collegial relationship with staff and church members. The pastor will demonstrate faithful discipleship and lead, guide, support, and encourage our highly valued and talented staff to support the life of our church and provide a positive work environment. The pastor will inspire and enrich the congregation through preaching, teaching, serving, and pastoral care.

As Lead Pastor/Head of Staff, the pastor will work with Session to align short- and long-term goals to enable the vision and strategic plan of WPC. The primary responsibility includes defining and building an exceptional staff with the capability and capacity to achieve the goals set forth by the Church. The Church will rely upon strong organizational and leadership skills to create and foster a culture founded on our Mission Statement.

Your specific responsibilities as Lead Pastor and Head of Staff are:
• Preach and provide worship leadership on Sundays and other special worship services throughout the year
• Provide leadership and ideas for the continued development and growth of WPC
• Manage and lead staff in a manner that allows for the development of each person and advances the ministries of WPC
• Moderate Session
• Call on shut-ins and the hospitalized offering anointings/blessings, prayer and serve communion
• Officiate at funerals, memorial services, weddings and baptisms
• Actively engage with all generations from youth through seasoned members of the church
• Provide spiritual guidance and foster a sense of community within the congregation
• Lead the church in good stewardship practices
• Guide and support fund-raising efforts for annual, capital, and special campaigns
• Represent WPC in a wide variety of settings in the community
• Maintain good standing and full compliance with the requirements of Blackhawk Presbytery, Lincoln Trails Synod and the Presbyterian Church (USA)

Qualifications
• Education: A bachelor's degree and a graduate theological degree from an accredited seminary. Master of Divinity from an accredited theological seminary, preferred.
• Ordination: Ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA) or denominations in full communion with PCUSA Under the Formula of Agreement
• Experience: Previous pastoral experience required, with demonstrated skills in preaching, teaching, and pastoral care.

Westminster Presbyterian Church, Rockford, Illinois is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment decisions based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other applicable laws.
As a religious organization, Westminster Presbyterian Church reserves the right to make employment decisions based on religious beliefs and doctrine, as permitted by law, including the ministerial exception and other applicable religious exemptions under Title VII.

All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and the needs of the church

To apply, go to Church Leadership Connection www.clc.pcusa.org or send resume and cover letter to Westminsterpnc61107@gmail.com.

Address: 2821 N. Bell School Road, Rockford, Illinois 61107, US

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WestminsterRockford

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WestminsterChurchRockfordIL