Expectations: The Senior Pastor will teach, shepherd, and lead the church in execution of the mission and values of the church. While accountable to the lay elders, he will serve as a vocational elder and be considered “first among equals.” The Senior Pastor will preach/teach from the Bible with theological depth, doctrinal orthodoxy, and practical life application. He will preach 40-44 sermons per year, as well as Good Friday and Christmas Eve services. The Senior Pastor will be responsible for engaging as many people as possible within the church and equipping them for discipleship, service, evangelism, and missions. He will be available for counsel and prayer with church individuals and families throughout the week as well as for other duties as necessary. He will sign the Small Group Covenant and will be a committed member of a small group. The Senior Pastor will plant roots in the Decatur area and demonstrate a deep desire to spread the gospel in the city and around the world.
Education: Must be a college graduate at the time of hire. M.Div. or similar seminary degree preferred but not required.
Experience and Growth: Must have served at least three years combined as a staff member and/or elder of a church. Three or more years as a vocational/staff pastor or elder is strongly preferred. Will pursue pastoral development by attending conferences, workshops, and other informal or formal educational opportunities.
Pastoral Style: Expository preaching that equips church members to apply God’s Word in their daily lives and to use their spiritual gifts to build up the church.
Leadership: Leads by example. Collaborates with elders to achieve consensus. Delegates responsibility prudently. Mentors and equips the existing and future ministry leaders of the church. Current ministries include small groups, children’s, youth, men’s, women’s, missions, hospitality, and worship.
Communication: Communicates effectively both orally and in writing.
Salary: Commensurate with education and experience.
Harvest Decatur, a non-denominational, elder-led, evangelical church of approximately 150 members located in Decatur, Illinois is hiring a Senior/Lead Pastor to succeed our pastor of 12 years who recently left on good terms to fill a pulpit closer to his extended family. Harvest Decatur exists to glorify God by making mature disciples who worship, walk with, and work for Christ. The values of the church include the pillars of bold preaching, passionate worship, fervent prayer, and courageous evangelism. We model multi-generational worship through one Sunday service that combines orthodox teaching with a contemporary music style. Harvest Decatur is affiliated with the Great Commission Collective (gccollective.org). More information can be found at https://harvestdecatur.org/about/transition/.