The Western Spring (IL) Christian Reformed Church has begun a search for its next pastor. This resolute, generous, hospitable, and devoted congregation values the preaching of God’s Word, its Reformed faith, service to and fellowship with one another, and traditional worship graced by excellent music.
Personal Qualifications—The Pastor will:
- Be able to give testimony to his love for the Lord and call to pastoral ministry.
- Be a devoted follower of Jesus whose life reflects the gifts and the fruit of the Spirit.
- Be an emotionally healthy person who loves people and can create and sustain positive relationships with them.
- Meet or exceed the requirements for ordination as a Minister of the Word in the Christian Reformed Church in North America. Consequently, he will be ordained or be ordainable as such, though ordained individuals from other historically Reformed denominations will be considered.
Professional Competencies—The Pastor will be:
- An inspiring communicator, able to craft and deliver biblical and relevant sermons that effectively speak to both new and maturing Christians.
- A devoted liturgist who enjoys planning and participating in corporate worship services.
- A proactive organizational leader with experience guiding a congregation into a new season of ministry, one that includes effective engagement with residents in the community.
- A loving shepherd whose care for the spiritual well-being of both seekers and saved is characterized by grace and humility while being strengthened by discernment and prayer.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Preaching/Teaching—the Pastor is responsible for the bulk of the preaching and will have opportunity to teach.
- Equipping/Encouraging—the Pastor will form relationships with the hope of equipping the saints for the work of the ministry and encouraging them in their walk with the Lord.
- Corporate Worship—the Pastor is responsible for the planning and delivery of engaging worship services. He is supported by a Worship Committee.
- Leadership/Management—the Pastor will partner with the Council towards the development and implementation of a compelling vision and mission for the future of the congregation.
- Pastoral Care—the 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 loved ones.
- Public Presence—the Pastor has the privilege of representing the congregation in the broader community.
Benefits: In addition to a generous salary and benefits, the congregation provides a beautiful parsonage and a sabbatical plan.
Western Springs Christian Reformed Church is a resolute, generous, hospitable, and devoted congregation that values the preaching of God’s Word, its Reformed faith, service to and fellowship with one another, and traditional worship graced by excellent music. The congregation has just concluded a blessed fifteen-year season of ministry with Rev. Mark van Stee. It is also benefits from by the excellent service of Timothy Christian Schools (Elmhurst, IL).
The congregation faces some challenges. While financial contributions remain more than sufficient, the membership has been getting older and smaller. While its campus is in Western Springs, most members live outside of that community. While the congregation is multigenerational, it is aging. Finally, while the congregation holds hope for its future, it is uncertain what the future will look like.
The congregation is praying that the Lord will provide a pastor willing to shepherd them and walk alongside them as they discern and live into God’s good and perfect will for their future together.
Western Springs is an historic and idyllic Chicago suburb of just over 13,000 residents, a community consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in Illinois. It features numerous cultural institutions such as the LaGrange Art League and the Grand Theatre, as well as a mix of historic landmarks, beautiful parks, and modern eateries. Added to this is its proximity to the world-class city of Chicago with all that it has to offer.