Senior Pastor - St. Mark Lutheran Church

LUTHERAN

WEEKLY ATTENDANCE: 170

Meet St. Mark Lutheran Church

St. Mark Lutheran Church is a warm, Christ-centered congregation located in Lindenhurst, Illinois. Grounded in the Lutheran tradition, we believe in salvation by God’s grace through faith, not by our own efforts, and we seek to share that message through worship, service, and fellowship. We offer both traditional and contemporary worship services to meet people where they are in life, and we livestream worship to reach those beyond our walls. Our ministries span all ages — from children’s programs, youth and adult discipleship, to care ministries like Stephen Ministry, outreach, and service partnerships — providing many avenues for people to grow in faith and belong in community. We aspire to be a place where “you’ll find a place for you” — inviting, relevant, faith-nurturing, and full of grace.

About the Senior Pastor

St. Mark Lutheran Church is looking for a Senior Pastor who will further our mission, which is loving God and all people. One who will work as a team member, by helping people to become baptized believers, assisting, and equipping them to be committed disciples of Christ, and inspires them to become Christian servants and leaders in God's church and our world.

The Senior Pastor's responsibilities include:

Teaching

• Sermons communicated in a vibrant and dynamic way to promote understanding. 
• Lead/administer Bible studies.
• Lead confirmation classes.

Youth

• Encourage and aide in development of spiritual growth for the youth.
• Explore ways to bring the youth into a personal relationship with Christ.
• Help to strengthen and deepen their faith.
• Be a vibrant and relatable Pastor to the youth.
• Increase fellowship opportunities for the youth.
• Encourage youth participation in various ministries.
• Have the ability to transition the youth into adult ministries.
• Communicate, oversee, and engage in Mission Trips, Sunday School, Youth Group, VBS, retreat.

Guidance/Mentorship

• Be a spiritual leader who is able to listen, and provide guidance in marital, spiritual, and physical and mental health concerns.
• Conduct home and hospital visits.
• Follow up with those who have sought guidance.
• Support and utilize our Stephan Ministry program.

Administrative/ Leadership

• Manage staff cohesively and be a team player.
• Ability to identify people's Spiritual Gifts and put them to use.
• Comfortable with technology and media forms.
• Communicate regularly with staff, Council, Ministry teams, Sunday School teachers, youth leaders, and Bible Study leaders.
• Organize, delegate, and follow up with said groups.
• Help to guide and promote those providing devotions.
• Provide support for day-to-day needs

Congregational

• Deliver motivating, energetic and Bible based sermons.
• Have a creative story telling style.
• Agility to transition well between traditional and contemporary services.
• Be relatable to all ages and backgrounds.
• Perform baptisms, marriages, funerals.

Community Minded

• Have a vision to grow the congregation of St. Mark.
• Help to reach out to young families in the community to join St. Mark.
• Support community outreach regardless of affiliation.
• Possess and maintain a positive public presence.

Self Help

• Be able to ask for help when needed.
• Have a prayer partner for yourself.
• Have a trusted ally you can go to, to confide in.
• Have positive hobbies for stress relief.
• Have a good, solid support system for work life/family life.

What you bring

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Senior Pastor:

Education and Experience

• Master of Divinity preferred, will consider other Master's programs. 
• LCMC certified or willing to be.

Personal Characteristics and Qualifications

• Proficient in Lutheran Theology and practices.
• Adhere to LCMC Statement of Faith
• Have a Strong relationship with God, Jesus Christ and The Holy Spirit.
• Vibrant, lively, energetic, and motivated personality.
• Have strong communication skills.
• Pursue continuing education. Learn by seeking out and applying new ideas from reading, studying and other trusted Pastors and or seminars.

What it's like to live in Lindenhurst, IL

Lindenhurst offers a rare blend of peaceful, small-town charm and modern convenience. It’s a family-friendly village of roughly 14,000 people, set amid lakes, forest preserves, and walking and bike trails, so outdoor lovers will really feel at home. Schools are strong, and there’s a strong sense of community — local festivals, farmers markets, and neighborhood events are regular parts of life. While it’s tranquil, it’s not isolated: you’re still within driving distance of larger suburban shopping and dining, and reasonable drives to bigger cities if you need them. If you want a place that feels safe, welcoming, and rooted in nature, but still well connected, Lindenhurst is a great option.