The Heartland Community Church (Lafayette, IN) has begun a search for a Lead Pastor who will shepherd the congregation into its next chapter of life and love, one characterized by effective ministry to one another and the community. We envision this leadership complemented by biblical and relevant sermons, wise leadership, and timely pastoral care.
Personal Qualifications—The Pastor will:
- Be able to give testimony to his/her love for the Lord and call to pastoral ministry.
- Be a devoted follower of Jesus whose life reflects the fruit of the Spirit.
- Love people and be able to create and sustain positive relationships with a wide range of people both in the church and in the community.
- Fulfill the biblical qualifications for Elder (I Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9).
Professional Competencies—The Lead Pastor will be:
- A gifted communicator, able to craft and deliver sermons that challenge and inspire both new and maturing Christians.
- A gifted leader/manager of people with experience developing strategic initiatives and managing change while guiding a congregation into next season of ministry.
- A gifted pastor whose care for the spiritual well-being of the congregation is characterized by love and humility while being strengthened by discernment and prayer.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Preaching/Teaching—the Lead Pastor is responsible for the bulk of the preaching and will have opportunity to teach, as time allows.
- Leadership/Management—the Lead Pastor will serve as the spiritual and organizational leader of the congregation by equipping the saints for the work of the ministry and by partnering with the Consistory towards the embrace of a compelling vision and mission, accompanied by the development and implementation of strategic initiatives for effective ministry.
- Pastoral Care—the Lead Pastor will provide timely spiritual direction and pastoral care for those seeking baptism, profession of faith, church membership, marriage, healing, and encouragement, as well as for those suffering the loss of love.
- Public Presence—the Pastor has the privilege of representing the congregation in the broader community.
Supervisory Relationships:
- The Lead Pastor reports to and is accountable to the Consistory.
- The Lead Pastor leads, manages, and holds accountable the staff that currently includes a part-time Youth Pastor, part- time Office Administrator, and part-time custodian.
Expectations – The Lead Pastor will:
- Meet or exceed the requirements for ordination as a Minister of the Word in the Reformed Church in America (www. rca.org). Consequently, she or he will be ordained or be ordainable as such, though ordained individuals from other historically Reformed denominations will be considered.
- Affirm a traditional view of marriage, gender, and human sexuality.
Heartland Community Church has been around since 1888. Though the name has changed from “First Reformed Church,” the ministry has relocated to its current 30+ acre site near the Hoosier Heartland Highway, and countless technological advances have been made over the past 132 years: the heart and soul of the congregation remain the same. We are committed to following Jesus Christ and desire to witness the spread of His love throughout Greater Lafayette.
The congregation, which is currently affiliated with the Alliance of Reformed Churches, describes itself with words like “dedicated, caring, biblical, prayerful, kind, and family.” They look forward to its post-pandemic chapter of life and ministry, one during which they build on their strength of serving children and youth while gaining more clarity about their mission and witness greater effectiveness in making more disciples for Jesus Christ.
The ministry is augmented by the Heartland Child Care Ministry which provides a Christ-centered, safe, and nurturing childcare environment for children ages 0-12 years in the Tippecanoe County area. The ministry is supported by a warm, inviting, user-friendly facility designed and constructed by members of the congregation.