Pastor
About Us:
Calvary Lutheran Church is a Christ-centered congregation with more than 150 years of faithful ministry. Rooted in Scripture and grounded in Lutheran tradition, the church is committed to meaningful worship, biblical teaching, spiritual growth, and active service. Calvary seeks to be a community that is blessed by God and, in turn, becomes a blessing to its surrounding area and beyond.
Calvary Lutheran Church is seeking a pastor who shares a desire to grow in faith, deepen discipleship, and expand the church’s impact. The congregation values biblical teaching, meaningful relationships, and faithful service. This is an opportunity to serve a committed church family that is eager to move forward together under strong spiritual leadership.
Click HERE to read more about our foundation of beliefs and cultural values.
“We are a loving community of faith, who follow Jesus Christ and serve those in need.”
About the Position:
Calvary Lutheran Church is prayerfully seeking a pastor who will shepherd the congregation with faith, wisdom, and compassion. The pastor will provide spiritual leadership through preaching, teaching, pastoral care, and discipleship, while partnering closely with lay leaders to advance the mission of the church. The ideal candidate will be deeply committed to the Gospel, grounded in Lutheran theology, and eager to help the congregation grow spiritually, relationally, and in outreach.
Location: Lee, Illinois
Salary: $80,000 – $100,000 annually
Benefits: Health, PTO, Professional Development, Mileage Allowance
Housing Benefit: A four-bedroom parsonage is provided on-site, located adjacent to the church, offering convenient and comfortable housing for the pastor and their family.
Responsibilities:
- Faithfully preach and teach God’s Word in weekly worship services and other ministry settings
- Provide pastoral care through visitation, counseling, prayer, and encouragement
- Lead and equip congregational leaders, volunteers, and ministry teams, fostering shared ownership of ministry
- Encourage regular Bible study, prayer, and spiritual formation across all age groups
- Cultivate a culture of discipleship, outreach, and service locally and globally
- Engage actively in the community and build meaningful relationships
- Model spiritual maturity, integrity, and a healthy rhythm of personal devotion and rest
- Provide vision and strategic leadership in partnership with the church council and leadership team
- Oversee worship planning, including coordination with musicians, volunteers, and lay leaders
- Develop, mentor, and supervise ministry leaders and staff (as applicable)
- Lead and support youth, family, and intergenerational ministry initiatives
- Facilitate new member integration, confirmation, and membership development
- Provide leadership in stewardship, generosity, and financial discipleship efforts
- Support outreach and evangelism initiatives, including special services and community events
- Participate in denominational activities and maintain healthy relationships within the LCMC network
- Oversee pastoral administration, including record keeping, reporting, and compliance with church policies
- Partner with church leadership in conflict resolution and healthy congregational communication
- Encourage volunteer development and succession planning for long-term ministry sustainability
- Utilize digital and communication tools (website, email, social media, livestream, etc.) to enhance ministry reach
Qualifications:
- Demonstrates a deep and personal relationship with Jesus Christ and a strong commitment to Scripture and prayer
- Has training and experience consistent with Lutheran ministry and aligns with the theological convictions of the congregation
- Possesses strong communication, leadership, and relational skills
- Is approachable, emotionally mature, and able to work collaboratively with church leadership and members
- Shows a willingness to be actively present in the life of the congregation and local community
- Exhibits humility, teachability, and a servant’s heart
- Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree from an accredited seminary is preferred
- Ordination or eligibility for ordination within the Lutheran tradition and LCMC (preferred)
- Demonstrated experience in leading a congregation or ministry setting
- Strong preaching, teaching, and theological articulation skills
- Ability to lead change thoughtfully and pastorally in a small or rural church context
- Experience in volunteer management and team development
- Basic administrative and organizational competence
- Financial and stewardship awareness appropriate for congregational leadership
- Comfort with technology and modern communication platforms
- Commitment to ongoing spiritual, professional, and theological development
- Demonstrated ability to balance pastoral care, leadership, and personal well-being
- Cultural awareness and ability to minister across generations and backgrounds
- Willingness to participate in continuing education and denominational training