Senior Pastor

Position—Senior Pastor

Oak Lawn Bible Church – Oak Lawn, Illinois  Oaklawnbible.org

Reports To Elders/Church Board

Position Summary

We are looking for a Senior Pastor to lead the church going forward.  Our current pastor is retiring after 32 years. We are seeking a loving pastor who is committed to expository preaching; evidences the qualifications of an elder outlined in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1; is a humble servant of God who leads according to the principles of 1 Peter 5:1-4. This will be a full-time position. For more information about Oak Lawn Bible Church please visit our website oaklawnbible.org. Examples of our current worship and preaching ministry can be viewed there as well.

Essential Responsibilities

Preaching and Teaching

• Agreement with the church's doctrinal statement and philosophy of ministry which is available on our website.

·       Prepare and deliver biblically sound, expository sermons.

• Teach and defend the doctrines and beliefs of the church.
• Lead Bible studies, discipleship classes, and special teaching opportunities.
• Ensure all church ministries align with Scripture and the church's statement of faith.

Pastoral Care

• Shepherd and care for members of the congregation.
• Provide biblical counseling, encouragement, and spiritual guidance.
• Visit members in homes, hospitals, nursing facilities, and hospice settings as needed.

·       Conduct weddings, funerals, baptisms, child dedications and communion services

Leadership and Administration

• Provide spiritual leadership and vision for the church.
• Work collaboratively with elders, trustees, ministry leaders, and staff.
• Develop and mentor current and future church leaders.
• Participate in strategic planning and ministry development.
• Oversee church operations in cooperation with church leadership.
• Attend Elder Board meetings.

·       Direction of office staff.  

Evangelism and Community Outreach

• Encourage and equip members to share their faith.
• Build relationships within the Oak Lawn community.
• Support local and global missions efforts.
• Represent the church with integrity in the community.
• Coordinate outreach.

Discipleship and Family Ministry

• Promote spiritual growth among all age groups.
• Encourage and support ministries for children, youth, young adults, families, and seniors.
• Foster a culture of prayer, discipleship, and biblical fellowship.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree required; seminary or graduate theological training preferred.
• Experience in pastoral ministry minimum of 5 years.
• Strong skills in preaching, teaching, leadership, and pastoral care.

Personal Characteristics

• Strong commitment to the authority and sufficiency of Scripture.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Compassionate shepherd with a heart for people.
• Ability to work effectively with volunteers, staff, and church leadership.
• Demonstrated commitment to prayer and discipleship.

Work Schedule

• Full-time position minimum of 40 hours weekly.
• Regular office hours plus evenings and weekends as ministry needs require.
• Availability for emergencies, hospital visits, and pastoral care situations.

Compensation

• Salary and benefits commensurate with education, experience, and church budget.  We are offering a range of $50,000-$60,000, health insurance, housing and a retirement plan.
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities may be provided.

Mission Statement

Connect. Grow. Serve.

Church Profile

Oak Lawn Bible Church is a medium sized church of about 120 in attendance. We are a multigerational church with slightly more seniors than the other age groups. OLBC has been in the community of Oak Lawn for 90 years and is strategically located in the center of town right next to the town hall in a well-maintained church facility with ample parking.

The church is a member of the Independent Fundamental Churches of America which it has been since its founding. Many of our new families comment on the friendliness of the church and the welcoming atmosphere that is part of who we are.  We value biblical teaching, we are dispensational in our approach to end times, and we prefer an expository preaching and teaching ministry. Our worship ministry takes a blended approach.

We look forward to a new pastor who will lead us into the next phase of what God has for us. Currently there are two on the pastoral staff (the Senior Pastor and Associate Pastor) and a part time bookkeeper/secretary.

To apply please send your resume to liz@oaklawnbible.org by August 27, 2026

We exist to CONNECT people with God, GROW them closer to Him and SERVE God and others.

Oak Lawn Bible Church believes Jesus changes lives! We want to introduce people to the Lord Jesus Christ, invest in people's lives by sharing the truth of God's Word and involve people in a caring community of Christ followers who love God and love one another. 

Whether you're investigating who Jesus is, are new to a relationship with Him, or you have known Him for some time and are seeking to learn even more about Him, you will find us to be a church that is committed to seeing people changed through an ever-growing relationship with God through His Son.